Styles / Pruning / Training: The Texas Ebony is suitable for most styles. Branches may be severely pruned if necessary, it will break back on old wood. Trimming the top foliage will encourage branching on lower limbs. With strong sunlight, not over-watering and pinching back will reduce leaf size.
Light / Water requirements: This tree is mainly grown outside, if attempting to grow this tree indoors, you may be required to give it additional lighting by the use of grow lights. Do not place your tree so close to a window that the sun is magnified through the glass and can burn fragile branches and leaves. Do not place your bonsai under a vent, in a drafty area, or near anything that produces heat. Watering your tree should never be neglected. Never allow the soil to completely dry out. If your tree is in full sun, you may need to water everyday. Watering is dependent upon the type of tree, the type of soil, the size of the pot, the location of the tree. When watering, check the soil and only water when the soil is loose and dry to the touch. Constantly soggy soil promotes root rot. It is best to plant bonsai in bonsai soil, or a fast draining soil. Too much organic mix can create wet conditions and besides root rot can cause fungus and branch die-back. Get to know your trees watering schedule and stick to it. It is a good idea to use a water meter until you get to know your trees requirements. Water your tree gently to avoid washing away the top soil. Native to drier climates the Texas Ebony is drought tolerant but prefers to be watered often when grown in quick draining soil.
Propagation: This tree can be grown from cuttings, seed and air-layerings when the nights are warm.
Repotting Special Instructions: Only repot when minimum night temperatures are in the low to mid 70's F. Roots can grow quickly and can intertwine and should be manually spread out to help create a nice nebari. Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their roots outgrow the pot. Your tree should be repotted as a general rule every 2 - 3 years. You should examine your trees root system to determine if it has become pot bound. Repotting should be done in mid-summer.
Insects and Diseases: If grown indoors, look for common greenhouse pests. The Texas Ebony is mostly pest and disease free, but it is however very susceptible to nematodes. Do not put Ebonies on the ground in bonsai pots or nursery pots. If you should decide to grow your Raintree in the ground to get a larger trunk, air-layer to get your tree.
Temperature Requirements: Protect below 40 degrees F. Although they appear to be able to take temperatures a little colder you may experience some leaf and/or branch die-back.
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