Small banyan tree bonsai, with its unique shape and vigorous scenery, is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts. Cultivating a successful small banyan tree bonsai not only beautifies the home environment but also cultivates sentiment. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the cultivation methods of small banyan tree bonsai, from material selection, potting, watering, fertilizing to pruning.
Material Selection and Potting1. Material Selection
When choosing seedlings for small banyan tree bonsai, select plants with well-developed roots and lush branches. Small banyan trees aged 2-3 years are more suitable as materials for bonsai.
2. Potting
Before potting, prepare well-drained potting soil such as decomposed leaf soil and sandy soil. Take out the selected small banyan seedlings, gently shake off the excess soil from the roots, place them in the pot, fill the soil around the roots, and gently compact it.
Watering and Fertilizing1. Watering
Small banyan trees prefer a humid environment but dislike waterlogging. When watering, keep the soil slightly moist and avoid excessive watering. During the hot summer, increase the watering frequency appropriately to keep the soil moist.
2. Fertilizing
During the growing period of small banyan trees, apply a compound fertilizer every 15 days. Do not apply too much fertilizer to avoid burning the roots. In winter, when the temperature is low, reduce the frequency of fertilizing.
Pruning and Shaping1. Pruning
Pruning is the key to shaping the beautiful form of small banyan tree bonsai. When pruning, follow the principle of 'sparse and dense, high and low', and cut off the diseased, weak, intersecting, and inward branches.
2. Shaping
The shaping of small banyan tree bonsai can be done according to personal preference. Common shapes include cliff-style, slanted trunk, curved trunk, etc. During the shaping process, ensure the stability of the tree shape and avoid improper pruning that causes the plant to lean or fall over.
Lighting and Temperature1. Lighting
Small banyan trees prefer a semi-shaded environment. In summer, avoid direct sunlight, and in winter, increase the lighting time appropriately.
2. Temperature
The suitable growing temperature for small banyan trees is between 15-30℃. When the temperature drops below 5℃ in winter, move the bonsai indoors.
Disease and Pest Control1. Pest Control
Small banyan trees are easily invaded by pests such as red spiders and scale insects. When pests are found, use insecticides for control.
2. Disease Control
Small banyan trees are prone to diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. When diseases are found, promptly cut off the diseased branches and use fungicides for control.
The cultivation of small banyan tree bonsai is not an overnight process; it requires patience and carefulness. By following the above methods, you will definitely be able to cultivate a beautiful small banyan tree bonsai. In this process, you will not only experience the joy of gardening but also the beauty of life.
References:
China Flower News, October 15, 2019, "Bonsai Art" column
Horticultural Science, Issue 3, 2018, "Cultivation and Maintenance of Small Banyan Tree Bonsai" article