Buxus Bonsai Care Instructions

I feel that it is about time I start writing down some care instructions for my bonsai, so here goes.

Japanese Box Hedge (Buxus microphylla v. japonica) care instructions

Watering: Keep them slightly on the dry side, however, I haven't found them to be to fussy.

Re-potting: During very early spring.

Pruning: As it is actively growing, care should be taken to prune so as to let light and air into the inner parts of the tree.

Back budding: Prolific, at least in my experience.

Winter protection: It is apparently hardy to -4 degrees Celsius, however, mine has been OK despite a few -7 nights. There has been some bronzing of the leaves but this is normal.

Wiring: It is possible to wire new growth, however, once matured it becomes hard and brittle, I  wouldn't recommend trying as the bark is also fragile.

Positioning: They will tolerate some shade, however, plenty of sun is best.

Buxus Virt

I decided to put this Buxus up on the Ausbonsai forums in the hope of getting some expert advice.

The friendly people there pointed out to me that my original plans wouldn't work as well as I was hoping due to a lack of taper. Instead they have suggested the removal of the larger right side of the fork and a change of planting angle, something like the image below:

I agree that this will give much more taper and some nice trunk movement, however, I am still unsure of where I should take it from here. The first shoot on the right appears to be a little low for a first branch and the ones on the left would be on the inside of a bend in the trunk. Perhaps I will have to cut it back hard and hope for some new shoots.

Buxus 2010

I have been looking at this one for a while but I still cant decide what to do with it. This is how it looks now, but any suggestions would be welcome.

Buxus 2010

I was given this little Japanese Box Hedge in 2010. I have no idea of its age.

After a closer inspection this one has some strange slug creature living in its soil :(

You might need to enlarge the image to see it though