General: The silver birch is a decidedly pioneering wood, a survivor when it comes to colonizing previously tree-free habitats. Birch trees germinate and grow not only in the bog, but also on sandy soils and even in old gutters. The species is native to Europe and usually grows slender with picturesquely spread out main branches and long drooping branches. Birch trees can grow up to 30 meters high. The bark turns white with age and partially rolls off. The leaves are light green and golden yellow in autumn.
Care as a bonsai: Who would not like to have a birch with a white trunk and thin overhanging branches as a bonsai? Unfortunately, this is not that easy. The white bark only forms with age and the overhanging branches have to be wired into this position. But when the birch sprouts with its delicate green leaves in spring, all disadvantages are quickly forgotten. In summer, the birch loves a sunny spot, adequate watering and fertilization. Since the birch bleeds easily, heavy prunings must be made in late summer or in spring together with a root pruning. Fresh shoots are cut back to two or three leaves over the course of the summer. Leaves that are too large can be removed at any time. Unfortunately, it happens that young shoots dry out completely. You should therefore not cut back the shoots too late in the year, as they are then particularly at risk. The birch is otherwise very robust and frost hardy.
Special features of the variety silver birch 'Youngii': In the case of the ‘Youngii‘ variety, you can largely do without the wiring of the branches. As a form of mourning, its branches grow down almost by themselves. The white bark also shows up much faster than the species. In addition, it seems to be less prone to the branches drying out.
