Overview
Fir Bonsai (Abies species) is a mountain conifer with soft needles, upright habit and cool-climate character. It is best suited to alpine bonsai, formal upright, forest and naturalistic conifer styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor only.
Placement
full sun to light shade; protect from hot dry conditions
Watering
keep evenly moist and cool, never bone dry
Feeding and fertilising
feed lightly to moderately in spring and early summer
Pruning and wiring
work gently; back-budding is limited and branch selection must be planned
Repotting
repot every 3-5 years in early spring with careful root work
Propagation
seed, grafting or nursery material
Pests, diseases and common issues
heat stress, root disturbance, aphids, needle cast and dieback after heavy pruning