Hi all. I am really enjoying my new hobby (Bonsai) and love my Lagerstroemia Indica However I live in Alberta and in winter it has been known to drop to -50/ I am this inner desire, which feels almost spirtual lol that I want to grow from seed and train a Japan maple Bonsai. I am aware that It will not survive the winter here, is there anyway, anyway at all I can make this work?? Bringing it in for winter and keeping it in a cold basement where it is cold for dormancy, but not -50 where it will die? Please, if anyone has any help in which they can give me to help me accomplish this desire I would appreciate it! I look forward to hearing from you Mika
Yes, As long as you provide dormancy you can. An unheated area with temp close or a little above freezing would be great. And make sure you water some over winter. Alot of northern Bonsai people place snow on them for melting.
Would it be ok in the basement? it wouldn't have much natural light down there. will it survive the winter like this? Thank you SO much I am so very excited to here that it can be done!!!
Once dormant you really dont need light on them. No photosynthesis going on. The big problem i have with storing potted trees in places like that is them breaking dormancy to early. Try not to let them get above 40-50 degF for to long until your outside temps are getting warm enough for things to start breaking bud. Once the leaves come out you are stuck with them, and then the light requirements and watering needs get higher. Check with some of the Bonsai forums, they will have more northern experts to tell you exactly what they do.
Thank you so so much!!! Everyone has been telling me growing a Japanese maple bonsai in Alberta is impossible! You have made my day!!!!! Thank you!!!!
You may also want to consider Acer pseudosieboldianum, which is in the same JM family. It is hardy to Zone 4 and has wonderful fall color.
