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Abies sp.
The fir tree
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The firs are evergreens which prefer cold climates (although most species recommended for bonsai by the books are relatively heat-tolerant.) They are pyramidal trees which usually grow to 50 ft. or taller in the wild. They resemble spruce treesclosely, the major difference being that firs have erect cones,as opposed to spruces, whose cones hang down. The so-called Douglas fir isn't a true fir, but a member of the genus Peudotsuga, and is not covered here.
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| | Lighting: | firs need slight shade. | | Temperature: | | | Watering: | they prefer it slightly dry, and overwatering is much worse than underwatering. | | Feeding: | Feed in spring and autumn. The experts disagree on frequency of feeding; Tomlinson recommends every two weeks, and Resnick monthly. Firs like slightly acid soil, so the occasional dose of Miracid is appreciated. | | Repotting: | Firs need to be acclimated to pot culture, so they should be planted in oversized pots and introduced into small pots gradually. They can be transplanted in either spring or autumn, and may need it every 2 years. Tomlinson recommends basic soil mix, although with the fir's preference for dryness a fast-draining soil might be worth a try. | | Styling: | New shoots should be pinched back throughout growth. The fir is best wired in spring. It is remarkably versatile, and can be trained into most styles. | | Propagation: | Seed, layering or cuttings, except for the dwarf korean fir, Abies koreana "Compact Dwarf." Since it does not produce cones, it must be propagated through grafting. | | Pests: | |
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