The larix bonsai is commonly known as the larch bonsai and in most cases will either be a European Larch or a Japanese Larch. The larix bonsai common in Europe is big in Italy where the variety is loved by growers, however you can find the tree growing naturally in Alpine areas such as the alps which border Italy, France and Germany. The plant is a northern hemisphere tree and it is known to grow as tall as 50 meters. While the larix can be bought from nurseries it is also taken from the forest and re-potted as is the tradition of bonsai.
Some “collections are quite massive and attractive, but the only way to obtain a fine, large, ancient larix bonsai is to collect them from the wild. The problem is that many collected larix bonsai do not survive the first or second year. My suggestion to you is that you wait until you have the experience of the species through growing nursery stock, and then…go collecting with an experienced bonsai grower and listen to their advice on proper and safe collecting techniques. Remember to get permission; most people are OK about collecting as long as you leave no mess and close gates behind you. The Forestry Commission have even been known to encourage groups to clean out shrubby undergrowth or deer-chewed material. But the important thing is to ask!” – Bonsai Information.com
Larix bonsai or larch are an extremely hardy variety of bonsai that can be kept outdoors in full sun all year round. Of course there are some exceptions to the rule which would require you to bring the plant indoors and they generally revolve around extreme temperatures such as -20 degrees Celsius or scorching hot sunny days. The larix bonsai enjoys a good amount of fertilizer with the best months to do this in spring and early summer.
The larix bonsai’s attractive needle foliage is well known to change colors throughout the year and can vary from purple to brown depending on the season. The foliage can handle a solid pruning but the same cannot be said of the roots, so when re-potting each year go easy on the roots. Larix bonsai enjoy a good amount of water and can become particularly dry during summer, so keeping an eye on soil dampness becomes pretty important.
