Since ancient times, the Ginkgo has been one of the deciduous species most commonly cultivated as bonsai.

In the East, since ancient times, Ginkgo has been one of the most cultivated decacifoul species in bonsai, not only for its beauty, which is expressed in a particular way through the autumn colors that make it strongly decorative, but also for the excellent response to the application of all bonsaistic techniques. This last aspect determines the interest in this species especially by beginners. As a bonsai we try to reproduce its characteristic expanded branching, which with age assumes a more compact, columnar conformation, through a targeted pruning. The leaves, with a characteristic fan shape, rounded, offer an unparalleled spectacle in autumn, when they become gold yellow. The styles to which the Ginkgo biloba best fits are the informal erect and the multiple trunk; however, it must be borne in mind that due to the size of the leaves (rather large) and the branching, the creation of small bonsai is not indicated.

    Location

The most favorable exposure to a good development of this species is that in full sun. A rule that is broken only in the case of younger specimens, for which it is better to place a position that guarantees partial protection from direct rays in periods when temperatures are higher. During the winter, at the occurrence of the first frosts it is necessary to repair it, bearing in mind that the roots will be safeguarded above all because they retain a lot of moisture.

    Watering

It is especially during the growing season that Ginkgo requires frequent watering, bathing whenever the soil is dry to the touch. In winter, however, water administration will have to be particularly reduced, since as already seen, the roots tend to retain water and therefore if too wet, they could be easily affected by frost. A signal to refer to in order to understand the water need of the Ginkgo, is the state of the leaves: if you notice that they hang flabby, it means that the plant is suffering due to dehydration, it will therefore be necessary to intervene immediately with an abundant watering.

    Repotting

As long as the tree is young (up to about 10 years), it must be transplanted every year, subsequently, once it has reached its formation, every 3 years. The best time to operate this surgery is spring. At the end of the repotting it is very important to guarantee the plant a heavy watering. The most suitable compound for this species consists of: akadama 70%, sand 20% and ready earth 10%.

    Pruning

While you are repotting, at the beginning of spring, you will cut the unnecessary branches and those that appear too grown, in order to improve the silhouette of the bonsai, pruning the first or second leaf. It is very important to follow this procedure constantly, so that you can maintain the typical structure of this plant, characterized by expanded branching. In doing so, over time the Ginkgo will take on a pleasant compact shape, also the size of the leaves will be slightly reduced.

    Stabbing

The stapling on this species is carried out twice during the year: the first intervening on the new and tender shoots, placed at the apex, in spring, so that subsequently the plant produces shoots with short and proportionate internodes. The second is carried out on the ripe shoots in autumn, but making sure that there are dormant gems behind.

    Winding

Keeping in mind that it is always preferable to educate the plant through pruning, in case you need to shape some branches through the winding, it is possible to intervene only during the month of June, since at this time the growth is not yet totally lignified, and therefore the branches can be molded without running the risk of breakage. The type of wire that is recommended to use is that of coppered aluminum, being careful to remove it promptly before it begins to affect the bark.

    Fertilization

From April to the beginning of July, administer the Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer every 15 days together with the Bonsan Stimulating Fertish, or, once a month, Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer Hanagokoro plus the Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer. From the end of August to October fertilize every 15 days with Organic Liquid Fertilizer Bonsan or with Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer Hanagokoro. Twice a year (in autumn and late winter) administer Bonsan Organic Solid Fertilizer Hanagokoro. To stimulate rooting, use Organic Mineral Fluid Fertilizer with B Bonsan vitamins instead of Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer.

    Cure

Ginkgo is a rather strong plant, resistant to most diseases.

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