Cultivation of Cotoneaster as bonsai

Hello,

There seems to be so much conflicting advice regarding Cotoneaster species, some books say one thing, others say something else and somebody will tell you different to everything else.

I know these are pretty easy to keep as bonsai, but was wondering about watering. Obviously if the soil is free draining the trees will need more water, however if they are growing in a water retentive mix then watering needs will be less. I have been told that the evergreen variety needs less water and the deciduous type will tolerate drying between watering. I have also read in Colin Lewis’s book that the Horizontalis should be watered only when the soil is on the dry side. More conflict regarding repotting, some say yearly and others say keep root bound and it goes on and on.

I have made my mind up to allow them slight dryness between watering, don’t want any nasty root problems!

Would someone be able to describe the cultivation of these two species a little clearer for me. I would appreciate your thoughts, opinion & advice.

The two types that I have are Horizontalis and Microphyllus.

Many thanks

Terry

There ARE no formulae for growing bonsai. Things just aren't done on a set schedule. You have to check each tree to detemin what needs to be done.

I can't think of any tree/shrub that doesn't prefer to go dry-ish between watering. So just do not keep the soil soggy. Even bald cypress don't care for that for long when they're in a pot. Check the trees daily, and if they need water, do it.

As for repotting, I know the books say do such and such species annually, others every X years, etc. Frequency of repotting depends on the age of the tree, time in a pot, and local growing conditions -- and to siome extent the species and what you want to do with it. So again you have to check. If you potted a plant for the first time this year, start checking in the third year in the spring. Lift the tree from the pot. If there are more than a few roots circling the bottom of the pot -- repot. If not, don't. Check annually thereafter.