Overview
Birch Bonsai (Betula species) is a delicate deciduous tree with white or peeling bark, light foliage and graceful branching. It is best suited to forest plantings, informal upright and naturalistic northern landscapes. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
full sun to light shade, with cool roots and good airflow
Watering
keep consistently moist; birch dislikes drought in bonsai pots
Feeding and fertilising
feed moderately in spring and early summer
Pruning and wiring
prune cautiously because birch can die back from cuts; avoid large late-winter wounds when sap is rising
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in early spring
Propagation
seed, cuttings for some species, and air layers
Pests, diseases and common issues
dieback, aphids, leaf miners, drought stress and heat stress