Bonsai American Sweetgum

The morus increases in winter hardiness down to -20 ° Celsius over the years, but a protected, cool location without excessive freezing temperatures is now ideal for the bonsai. The botanical name ?? Liquidambar ?? and the English name ?? American Sweetgum ?? refer to the liquid that leaks out when the stem is scratched. In the USA it is used to make chewing gum. The wood is mainly used in the wood industry because of the dark color, the beautiful grain and the spicy scent, and the aromatic resin is used in soap and perfume production.

Natural habitat
The natural habitat of the sweetgum tree stretches from the northeast of the USA (New York State) to Nicaragua. It grows preferentially on moist mountain slopes and in river valleys. Incidentally, it was also at home in Europe until the Ice Age.

Cultivation
Cultivation is possible all year round. Simply sprinkle the seeds on moist potting soil and cover the seeds only lightly with the substrate. Cover the cultivation vessel with cling film, which you have provided with holes. This protects the earth from drying out. Every two to three days you should remove the film for 2 hours. This prevents mold from forming on the potting soil. Place the cultivation vessel in a light and warm place with 20 to 25 ° Celsius and keep the cultivation soil moist, but not wet. The first seedlings appear after four to eight weeks.

Location
A partially shaded to full sun location is ideal. The sweetgum tree thrives on both moist and dry soils, but then needs additional watering. However, it is somewhat sensitive to waterlogging and soil compaction. So use good bonsai soil.

Care
The soil should not dry out during hot summer weeks. Then water persistently several times a week. The nutrient requirement is rather moderate and is adequately covered by a good bonsai fertilizer once a month from the beginning of budding until autumn. It is best to design with cut and wire in the spring before budding begins. Throughout the year you can shorten shoots that have grown too long to two or three buds.

Winter
In the youth, a light winter protection is recommended. Later the sweetgum tree is completely hardy to -25 ° Celsius.

Bonsai
yes