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In case you’re considering about acquiring a bonsai tree, or if you’re just seeking to brush up on your existing knowledge of them, it’s always helpful to know how long they typically live for! Let’s find out how long bonsai trees can survive by learning more about them…
Bonsai trees may survive for hundreds of years if properly cared for. The oldest known bonsai tree is more than 1000 years old, according to current estimates. Because of the regular care and attention they get, they often live 25 percent longer than their full-size counterparts.
How Long Do Bonsai Trees Live on Average?
A bonsai tree’s longevity is most closely associated with the degree of care it gets, which in turn is associated with the general health of the tree. A widespread misunderstanding is that since they are little, they have a shorter lifespan. This is not the case, however. When it comes to longevity, they survive for at least the same length of time as ‘normal’-sized trees, if not longer. The better the treatment they get, the longer they will live to see another day.
According on how effectively you care for your tree, it might be dead in five months or it could live for 1000 years or even longer. It is important to note that the trees used in bonsai are genetically similar to the plants that occur naturally in nature; for example, a Ficus used in bonsai is genetically same to a Ficus that occurs natively in South Asia. The fact is that they look exactly like small replicas of trees!
It is for this reason that you would anticipate a bonsai tree to survive for precisely the same period of time as the kind of tree for which it is intended to be grown in the first place. However, as compared to a tree that grows in the natural, they may be grown to live for far longer periods of time if given the proper care.
Constant care and attention ensures that the root system is constantly renewed, that the foliage is healthy, that it receives adequate nutrients, that it grows in ideal growth circumstances, and that it is typically disease-free. Apparently, according to one research, bonsai trees live an average of 25 percent longer than a tree of the same species!
A bonsai tree’s life span is indefinite, and it has no true expiry date. It’s not as if they reach the age of 50 and then begin to progressively dwindle in numbers. A robust, strong, and disease-free tree may survive for hundreds of years if it is properly cared for and maintained.
The factors that Influence How Long a Bonsai will Live
An almost infinite number of variables influence the length of time a bonsai tree will survive. It requires the same amount of care as any other plant, or any other living organism for that matter, over an extended length of time. The life span of your bonsai tree will be significantly reduced if you do not provide it with the proper growth conditions.
As previously said, bonsai that are given the greatest care possible may live for hundreds of years if given the proper maintenance. The following are the most essential criteria that influence the length of time a bonsai tree will live:
The Bonsai Species
Some species have a tendency to survive for a longer period of time than others. A Ficus bonsai, for example, has been known to survive for more than 1000 years under the right conditions. My Ficus, for example, has been with me from the beginning of my gardening career. Bonsai Boy of New York provides a fantastic selection of Ficus bonsai trees in a variety of pricing ranges, ensuring that you can find something to suit your needs no matter what your financial situation is.
Concerning the Environment
Bonsai trees must be maintained in the ideal circumstances in order to maintain their health and stimulate vigorous development. Ficus bonsai are native to a more humid climate, thus it is critical that you reproduce this kind of habitat while growing them in captivity. A saucer, for example, that enables water to escape while yet providing humidity to the tree is essential in imitating the Ficus’ natural environment in a greenhouse.
A simple humidity tray helped me observe a significant increase in the vigor of my Ficus plant after adopting the solution. Personally, I’ve found that there are a few humidity trays that are the greatest in terms of quality and performance.
General Care & Treatment
These trees need continuous watering, trimming, repotting, and pest control to guarantee that they survive a long period; if not given proper care, they will not live very long. It has been several years since I purchased my tree, but I have discovered that staying on top of the trimming has helped to maintain the tree in excellent condition.
It also contributes to the overall appearance of the vehicle! Personally, I would suggest these Satsuki Shears if you’re looking for a new tool to help you stay on top of your tree’s trimming needs.
Unfortunately, some bonsai are susceptible to illnesses that may be as severe as to cause the tree to die. Some illnesses, such as root rot, are, to be sure, the result of poor care, while others are more random in their occurrence. It is possible that some of this is due to chance, but staying on top of these other elements will reduce the likelihood of this occurring greatly.
The World’s Oldest Bonsai Tree
Currently, this bonsai tree is considered to be the world’s oldest bonsai tree! This Ficus tree is more than 1000 years old, which is simply astonishing to think about. I’ve put up a list of the world’s eight oldest bonsai trees, which you may find interesting! Just because this Ficus has lived to be more than 1000 years old does not imply that mine or yours will as well.
The care, nurturing, and treatment given to this tree would have allowed it to live to the age that it has now! The bonsai is now on display at the Crespi Bonsai Museum. Originally, this tree was in the care of Chinese Bonsai Masters, until being handed on to a Japanese Bonsai Master by the name of Shotaro Kawahara, who is now the current owner.
Conclusion
Bonsai trees, if properly cared after, may survive for hundreds of years or even longer. There is no reason why a bonsai tree, when cared for according to traditional methods, should not live 25 percent longer than the exact same species in the wild. It is impossible to predict how long a bonsai will survive since there are so many variables to consider, and because various species die at different ages, there is no definitive expiry date for bonsai plants. Please let me know how old the oldest bonsai in your collection is. Thank you!
