I would like to start converting some 2ft - 3ft. Larch trees into bonsai.

Can you guys tell me which species is better suited for a life as a bonsai, assuming correct culture. The following are available:

Larix larcina
Larix decidua
Larix euroleptis
Larix kamphferi

I wrote these names off the top of my head so if the spelling is incorrect, forgive my error.

So tell me, ... which makes a "better" bonsai subject. I'm looking for fast growth rate, disease resistance, interesting bark, quick thickening trunk.

I checked a few bonsai sites for bonsai Larch training and of course, no SPECIFIC recommendations, species-wise, were included in the all-too-basic article(s).

Feel free to chime in with you suggestions, growing tips, etc.

Thanks, Frank DV

They must be treated as a decedious tree and never as a 'pine or conifer' so the soil mix should be adjusted accordingly as well as watering. They will tolerate being wet but also well drained.

Needle/leaf reduction: in spring I would pinch back the new growth totally, allowing the second growth to come back much smaller and in a better scale.

There is a Canadian guy called Norman (can't remember his last name) that has written a very good series of small books about Larch culture. We spent a lot of time comparing notes over the years, he is not only a very good grower but also a very good stylist.

Thank-you for the quick responses to my "larch questions"

I think that I will start doin' some larch bonsai. This genus appeals to me more than pine, cedar, or, junipers, because the larch actually DOES something, rather than just sit there in some fancy pot without changing from season to season, like the above mentioned trees. At least the larch has some four-season interest.

Again, thanks so much for your input.

Cordially,

Frank DV