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Orchid Bonsai: Everything You Need To Know

The art of bonsai has captivated everyone’s attention on a level that people are trying this technique even in a delicate plant like Orchid.

Generally, You can bonsai an Orchid but it does not meet the traditional bonsai rules. It’s because an Orchid is a herbaceous plant with soft and fleshy stems and aerial roots whereas a traditional bonsai is of woody stems and branches.

Orchid species like Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, etc are suitable to cultivate in a miniature form.

Go through this full article to know how to grow Orchid bonsai and the best places to buy them.

Can You Bonsai An Orchid?

You can bonsai an Orchid but it does not meet the traditional bonsai rules. It’s because Orchid does not come under the tree category.

Basically, Orchids are herbaceous plants with soft and fleshy stems and aerial roots whereas a traditional bonsai has woody stems and branches.

Orchid in a Ceramic pot
Orchids do not meet the actual bonsai rules.

Additionally, bonsai are valued for their long lifespan but orchids have very short lifespans unsuitable to fit in the bonsai category. Also, Orchids do not contain branching patterns and are difficult to maintain due to their fast-growing nature. 

However, you can always grow Orchids in small bonsai pots giving it a shape resembling bonsai aesthetics. 

Remember that orchids have their unique appearance so it is better to enjoy natural forms rather than mimic the structure of miniature trees.

Orchid Bonsai For Sale

As creating bonsai is popular, you can find miniature Orchids resembling the bonsai appearance in your nearby nurseries or commercial stores.

While the miniature bonsai form is expensive, it’s better to set your budget before choosing your bonsai.

Place To BuyShipping Time
EC Florist1-4 business days
Wigerts BonsaiWigerts Bonsai2-4 business days
Ebay1-30 business days

How To Grow & Care Orchid Bonsai 

To Grow Orchid Bonsai, you must choose small Orchid species like Dendrobium Piercei or Bulbophyllum lobbii

However, due to high specific requirements, delicate branches, and sensitive nature, it’s challenging to grow and care for Orchid bonsai if you are a beginner.

  • Choose a terracotta container with enough drainage holes and well-draining potting soil. Do not use soil with excessive amounts of clay.
  • Plant your Orchid and mount it on wooden bark to give it a woody look.
  • Make sure your Orchid is properly trained to climb the wooden cork.
  • Training aerial roots to cascade over the pot’s edge makes your Orchid bonsai look amazing.
  • Provide bright filtered light. Direct sunlight is harmful to Orchids.
  • Use sheer curtains to provide indirect light if you want to grow indoors.
  • Avoid harsh pruning as it may lead to the death of the plant.
  • Water only when the top 2 inches of the soil feels dry. Overwatering may lead to root rot.

From Editorial Team

Additional Tips!

While growing Orchid Bonsai, you must focus on the overall health of the plant rather than prioritizing the shape of your Bonsai.

Moreover, Rotate your Orchid pot regularly to provide enough light to every part of the plant. Consult to Orchid specialist if any problem arises in your plant as soon as possible.

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