One of the varieties of apple tree that is used especially in bonsai for its decorative style is the Malus everest. It is a curious type of apple tree that you can have either as a mini tree or as a normal tree. But how is? What care do you need?
If you want to learn more about Malus everest and the care it would require if you had it (whether in bonsai or as a potted fruit tree or in the garden), take a look at what we have prepared for you.
How is the Malus everest
Known as false apple tree, the Malus everest is one of the varieties of fruit trees whose objective is not so much the production as the decorative style. It is a tree that can easily reach six or eight meters in length. It has a flared, fan-shaped or wide pyramid shape that can reach six meters in width.
As for the leaves, they are dark green. It is a deciduous tree, each leaf being able to measure between eight and twelve centimeters long. Yes indeed, Being deciduous, it is normal that, during the autumn, they turn an orange-yellow color before falling..
Along with the leaves, it is the flowers that can attract your attention the most. These usually appear in mid-spring, small white flowers, quite numerous, that have red buds. After them would come the fruits, small somewhat flattened apple balls that are usually red, but can be green or even yellow.. Of course, it is normal that these apples, which can be about two or two and a half centimeters in diameter, are used more to make jams than to eat them directly.
And it is that these apples are quite spicy and astringent, hence only those who like such a strong flavor would eat it.
We cannot tell you that it will give you an abundant production of apples, but you will have a few each year, to collect approximately in autumn.
Malus everest care
Now that you’ve gotten to know the Malus everest a bit better, it’s time to get practical. That is, to give you advice so that you can take care of it at home. It will not matter if you have it in a pot, in a bonsai or planted directly in the ground. The care, except for peculiarities, will be the same. And what are these? We tell you.
location and temperature
The first thing you need to know is where to put your Malus everest. And this will depend on how you have it. If it is in a pot, you could put it in the area of the balcony, terrace, patio… We recommend a partial exposure, that is, in semi-shade since it is a tree that does not tolerate the sun (or heat) very well. That’s why, In order to plant it in the garden, the best thing you can do is place it in a partially shaded place. As long as you make sure that it has direct sun first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon, it will be more than enough.
Now, if the climate where you are tends to be cool, and the sun does not heat up too much, you can encourage yourself to place it in full sun.
As for the temperature, the truth is that, unlike other plants, this resists frost very well down to -20ºC. But the heat doesn’t take it so well, especially if it’s too hot (you can stop the tree and leave the fruits half done before throwing them away).
Substratum
Regarding the soil, the Malus everest is a tree that needs a soil with many nutrients and that can withstand humidity. That is why our recommendation is that you make a mixture with peat, universal substrate, sand and another drainage, such as perlite or similar. Also, when planting, or transplanting, you have to add a little mineral fertilizer so that it takes root much faster.
You will have to transplant it every two years approximately, always when winter ends and summer begins. And, if possible, before it starts to sprout.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the most important care of this plant. Given that, if you go too far, you will puddle the water and there will be a greater probability that fungi will appear that can make you sick or even worse, kill you. And if you water too little, the tree will stop and could die (besides it would not flower well or bear fruit).
For this reason, and depending on the environment, the climate… you will have to establish an appropriate irrigation. But, in general, we can tell you that it is usually watered two to three times a week in summer (more if it is very hot), and once or twice in winter.
Of course, when it comes to doing it, Avoid whenever possible that water falls on the flowers because that the only thing that will achieve is that they rot.
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Malus Everest fertilization is only carried out from spring to autumn. You can apply two types: on the one hand, a liquid one with the irrigation water; and on the other one of long duration (at the beginning of spring and you forget about it until the following year).
Now, everything will depend on what type of tree you have, if it is bigger or smaller.
Plagues and diseases
Although this plant is quite resistant to pests that usually affect apple trees, you shouldn’t rest on your laurels either, because they can attack it. Mainly what will affect you the most will not be so much the pests, but the diseases, especially scabies and mildew. In case they affect you, the best thing you can do is treat them as soon as possible, and prevent if you have others around you.
Multiplication
We end with the propagation of Malus everest. You have two ways to do it:
- Through the seeds. These will take time to germinate and grow, but you will be able to see the evolution of the tree since it is born from one of them.
- By cuttings. It is somewhat faster, but not for everyone. It is necessary to know how it should be done and also to have patience so that it takes root and then grows without dying along the way.
As you can see, the Malus everest is not that complicated to have at home. You just need to comply with the care you need. Do you have any doubts? Would you have it in your garden?
