Wrightia Religiosa Bonsai Care: A Complete Guide

If you are looking for a beautiful and unique bonsai tree to add to your collection, the Wrightia Religiosa, also known as the Water Jasmine, is an excellent choice. With its delicate white flowers and lush green leaves, this tree can add a touch of elegance to any room. However, to keep your Water Jasmine looking healthy and thriving, you need to follow some specific care guidelines.

Placement: Where to Put Your Water Jasmine Bonsai

To keep your Water Jasmine healthy, it needs to be placed in full sun. This tree loves heat, and temperatures should be above 65° F. If it gets colder, the tree can become semi-deciduous during winter. In autumn, when temperatures drop, you must take the tree into the house and place it at a window where it can get as much light as possible. If the natural light is not enough, grow lights can be necessary to supplement.

Watering: Keep Your Water Jasmine Bonsai Well-Hydrated

The Water Jasmine likes a lot of water, so you must water it thoroughly as soon as the soil surface starts to get dry. The soil should never dry out completely, but also take care not to overwater the tree. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues, so be mindful of the frequency and amount of water you give your bonsai. Watering your bonsai with a mister can be an effective way to keep the foliage hydrated.

Fertilizing: Keep Your Water Jasmine Bonsai Nourished

The Wrightia bonsai needs a lot of nutrients, and it prefers a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Apply a good amount of solid organic fertilizer every four weeks or use a liquid fertilizer every week during the growing season. In winter, when the tree grows less, feed only once a month. A well-nourished tree is more likely to be healthy and produce beautiful flowers and foliage.

Pruning and Wiring: Shape Your Water Jasmine Bonsai

The Water Jasmine grows very vigorously, so you need to prune it regularly to develop a good ramification. Larger branches can be pruned in spring before the new strong growth begins. Back budding will work well after heavy pruning. New shoots should be constantly trimmed back to one leaf pair after several leaf pairs have developed. Flowers can appear after the third leaf pair has grown. In tropical climates, the Water Jasmine bonsai can be defoliated several times a year to increase twigging and reduce the leaf size. The younger branches and twigs can be wired, but take care to remove the wire in time before it bites into the bark. Guy wires or strings are a good alternative.

Repotting: Refresh Your Water Jasmine Bonsai’s Soil

The roots of the Water Jasmine grow very strongly, so you should check them every year and report them at least every two years in the time of the warmest nights, with considerable root pruning. If a Water Jasmine gets root-bound and the water can’t penetrate the root ball easily, the tree will weaken quickly. Defoliation can help to reduce stress after root pruning.

Propagation: Create More Water Jasmine Bonsai Trees

Water Jasmine can be propagated from seeds, branch cuttings, and root cuttings. Air-layering is also possible. With proper care, you can create more beautiful bonsai trees and expand your collection.

Pests and Diseases: Protect Your Water Jasmine Bonsai

Yellow leaves can be a common problem caused by overwatering or underfeeding. The Water Jasmine is sometimes bothered by scale, mealybugs, or aphids. Use a specific pesticide if you notice any infestation. Regularly inspect your bonsai for pests and diseases and take appropriate actions to protect your tree.