How To Care For Your Natal Plum Bonsai Tree

Carissa Macrocarpa Bonsai Care

About The Natal Plum Flower Bonsai Tree

A shrubby evergreen native to the tropics, the natal plum gets its name from it's tasty fruits that resemble a standard grocery store plum fruit.

The flowers are remarkably fragrant, and a unique star shape.

If you're lucky, your natal plum will produce edible fruits.

When placed outside in warm weather, this bonsai will attract butterflies and birds to the garden.

Placement

Like most tropical trees, a natal plum bonsai should remain indoors when the low temperatures reach 50 degrees F.

Make sure your natal plum tree gets at least 6 hours of quality sunlight while indoors, either through a grow light or a southern window.  An eastern or western window sill would be sufficient, if it's giving 6+ hours of light.

In the summer, when the chance of dropping below 50 is gone, it can be placed outside for the season in high light.

Watering

Never let the soil completely dry out.  Whenever the soil seems dry, thoroughly water your tree until the water runs clear from the bottom.  In the growing season, this can be daily.

If you need help, a good moisture meter will guide you.

Humidity

If you ever need to take your natal plum bonsai tree inside, including into a garage for the winter, using a humidity tray is recommended.  It will prevent the water from running on the floor, and can help keep the tree somewhat moist in the dry season.

Fertilizing

Since your natal plum bonsai is in a small pot, and not the ground, it needs nutrients.  A slow release (pellet based) fertilizer is perfect for this, and can be added sparingly every 1-2 months during the growing season.

Pruning & Trimming

Trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point that looks good to you — but never remove all of the new growth.

A regular trim will help keep your natal plum bonsai tree short, while helping the trunk grow thicker.

Repotting

Repotting must be performed periodically on your bonsai, natal plum included, when its root system has filled the pot.  If you can clearly see the roots coming out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot your bonsai.

Generally, this means every 2-3 years for a deciduous tree and every 4-5 years for an evergreen or tropical.

Repotting should be done in mid-summer, when the tree is at it’s least fragile state.

The natal plum bonsai tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot.  From there, you can trim away no more than 1/3rd of the root mass (1/4th is preferred.) 

Then you can repot the tree in the same pot, or give it a newer / bigger pot to thrive in.

After repotting, your natal plum bonsai should be thoroughly watered.

Diseases, Insects & Other Pests

Your natal plum bonsai can be treated for pests like a normal natal plum plant.  Just remember, your tree is miniature and will need a much smaller and more gentile dose of treatment.

If you're looking to buy a natal plum flower bonsai for your home or office, we offer the finest artisan selection available.