The mulberry bonsai is created from the Morus nigra tree, also known as the black mulberry.
The white mulberry (Morus alba) is also widely used as bonsai, and its care is very similar.
The black mulberry is native to southwestern Asia (Iran), but it has been cultivated for so long that it is now grown in many parts of the world:
- Europe
- Asia
- North Africa
- The Americas
Naturally, these plants can grow to heights of 6 to 12 meters (20 to 39 feet).
In fact, it tolerates heat well and can be grown in both temperate and subtropical climates.
Keep reading to discover more about this bonsai.
Characteristics of the mulberry bonsai
The mulberry is a vigorous tree that responds well to pruning and can live for several hundred years.
Its trunk is rough and its leaves are heart-shaped. In some countries, the leaves are used as animal feed.
Its small, green, catkin-like flowers appear in late spring, followed by the fruits in summer.
Its fruits are rich in vitamin C and are excellent options for producing various beverages or desserts.
Below, we’ll delve deeper into the cultivation of the Morus nigra bonsai.
How to care for the mulberry bonsai (Morus nigra)
Caring for the Morus nigra bonsai is straightforward, especially if you live in a region with mild winters.
Even if you live in other regions, it’s still possible to have this bonsai in your collection, as long as you provide the care it requires.
Below, you will learn the 7 steps you need to take to keep your mulberry bonsai healthy and fruit-bearing.
- Placement
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Watering
- Fertilization
- Transplanting
- Pruning
Placement
The mulberry bonsai should be grown outdoors, preferably all year round.
This plant is quite resistant to both heat and cold, so in mild climates it’s usually not necessary to bring it indoors or into greenhouses during winter.
The only exception is during extreme weather conditions:
- Frost
- Heavy rain
The chosen spot for your mulberry bonsai should receive full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In very hot climates, provide some shade during the hottest afternoon hours in summer.
Sun exposure is crucial for this plant, especially when grown as a bonsai, as lack of light leads to larger leaves, which affects the bonsai’s appearance.
Once you’ve decided on a location for your mulberry bonsai, avoid changing its position frequently.
Also read:
- Pomegranate Bonsai – How to Care for it in 6 Simple Steps
- Buxus Bonsai (Boxwood) – Step-by-Step Care Guide
- Lemon Bonsai – Discover How to Easily Grow Them
- Jabuticaba Bonsai – Care to Have Fruits
Lighting
As mentioned before, this plant should be exposed to full sun throughout the year.
The only exception is the hottest afternoon hours of summer in very hot climates. If your Morus nigra bonsai is getting inadequate sunlight, you’ll notice:
- Larger leaves
- Abundant shoots
If the leaves are also turning yellow or falling, read the article on bonsai problems.
If you’re cultivating it indoors, artificial lighting might be necessary.
Temperature
The mulberry is highly resilient to temperature variations.
The ideal temperature range during the growing season is between 15°C and 27°C (59°F and 81°F). In very hot weather, above 30°C (86°F), provide some afternoon shade.
Below about 0°C (32°F), the tree loses its leaves and goes dormant.
Mature trees planted in the ground can withstand around -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F), but young plants and bonsai are much more vulnerable, because their roots are exposed in a small pot.
Therefore, keep in mind that this is a hardy bonsai, but it should be protected from frost and other extreme conditions.
Watering
The mulberry bonsai requires regular watering and proper humidity.
Because its leaves can easily dehydrate, daily watering is usually necessary when temperatures are above 20°C (68°F).
The ideal practice is to water your plant as soon as the soil dries out.
When watering your mulberry, make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. On very humid days, avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal growth.
Watering frequency should be reduced in winter, when the tree is dormant.
Fertilization
Care must be taken when fertilizing this bonsai to avoid excessive leaf growth.
Fertilization is done during the plant’s growth period (spring and summer) and also during the autumn.
Fertilization should be avoided in winter and during extremely hot periods.
There are two excellent options for fertilizers that you can use:
- Organic fertilizers
- Chemical fertilizers
If you opt for chemical fertilizers, choose one that is rich in Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), but low in nitrogen (N).
This way, you won’t stimulate excessive leaf growth and you’ll aid in the fruiting of your mulberry bonsai.
Transplanting
Transplanting should be done in early spring, just before the budding season. Do it approximately every 1 to 2 years, depending on your plant’s growth rate.
New plants usually grow faster.
During this process, you should remove rotten roots, unwanted branches, and some leaves.
If you heavily prune the roots, consider doing the same with the leaves and branches. Ideally, avoid drastic root pruning.
Using root stimulants with fungicides can increase your success rate during transplanting.
After transplanting, wait for your mulberry bonsai to start budding before applying new fertilization.
This way, you allow your plant to adapt to the new pot before receiving new nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of bonsai care.
When done correctly, it helps maintain the size and shape you desire for your tree.
The mulberry bonsai requires frequent pruning due to its leaves. However, remember to allow some leaves to grow, as this promotes fruit formation on your mulberry.
Do structural pruning while the tree is dormant (late autumn to late winter). During the growing season, trim new shoots back to 2 leaves once they have 6 to 8 leaves.
Avoid heavy pruning in spring if you want your bonsai to bear fruit.
Here’s a video that explains more about bonsai pruning:
Remember to use sterilized and sharp tools during this process. This prevents the onset of diseases that could harm your bonsai.
Common questions
Here are answers to some common questions that may arise during your cultivation:
What are the most common pests in this bonsai?
To identify and treat the most common problems, read the article on pests and diseases in bonsai.
When should wiring be done?
The best time to wire your mulberry bonsai is in spring, when the branches are flexible. Remove the wire before it marks the bark.
The video below will help you with this task:
How is the propagation of the mulberry bonsai done?
It can be done in three ways:
- Using seeds (sown in autumn)
- Using semi-hardwood cuttings (in midsummer)
- Through grafting
Conclusion
The mulberry bonsai is an excellent option, especially for beginner bonsai enthusiasts, and with the tips from this article, you’ll be able to cultivate it easily.
If you want to learn more about bonsai, check out the articles below:
- Pests and Diseases in Bonsai – How to Identify, Combat, and Prevent
- Bonsai Problems – Yellowing, Drying or Falling Leaves
- Orange Bonsai – How to Care Step by Step
Comment below on how your mulberry bonsai is doing and what advice you would add to this article.
I’m looking forward to your feedback.
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