Albizia, also known as silk tree, is loved by many for its bright and long-lasting flowers. Turning Albizia into a bonsai not only beautifies the home environment but also cultivates one's taste. This article will introduce you to the detailed steps of making an Albizia bonsai, allowing you to easily create your own vibrant piece of art.
Choose the right Albizia saplingTo make an Albizia bonsai, you first need to select a healthy Albizia sapling, preferably one that is 2-3 years old. When choosing, pay attention to whether the sapling has a developed root system, lush branches and leaves, and no diseases or pests.
Prepare tools and materialsThe tools and materials needed for making an Albizia bonsai include: a bonsai pot, cultivation soil, scissors, gardening shears, gardening wire, gardening sprayer, etc. The cultivation soil can be leaf mold or peat soil that is breathable and has good drainage.
Making steps1. Choose a pot: Based on the size and growth habits of the Albizia, choose an appropriate bonsai pot. It is recommended to use a dark-colored, ceramic pot for the Albizia bonsai.
2. Fill soil: Fill the pot with cultivation soil evenly until the bottom, making sure the soil level is slightly lower than the rim of the pot to prevent overflow when watering.
3. Plant the sapling: Carefully remove the Albizia sapling from its original pot, keeping the root system intact, and plant it in the pot, adjusting the posture to meet the aesthetic requirements of the bonsai.
4. Secure the posture: Use gardening wire to secure the sapling in the pot, ensuring the posture is stable. Be careful not to pull too hard to avoid damaging the sapling.
5. Prune: According to the aesthetic requirements of the bonsai, prune the Albizia. First, remove the weak, intersecting, and overly long branches, then shape according to the tree's form.
6. Watering: After pruning, water the Albizia thoroughly, observing the soil moisture to avoid waterlogging.
7. Fertilizing: During the growth period of the Albizia, apply a thin layer of fertilizer every 15 days or so. Fertilizer can be organic or compound to promote the growth of the sapling.
8. Management and maintenance: Regular pruning, watering, and fertilizing are required for the maintenance of the Albizia bonsai. Pay attention to the growth condition of the sapling and deal with diseases and pests in a timely manner.
Precautions1. Albizia loves sunlight, so it should be placed in a sunny location.
2. Albizia does not tolerate waterlogging, so be careful to control the amount of water when watering to avoid积水.
3. Albizia grows quickly and needs to be pruned regularly to maintain a beautiful shape.
Making an Albizia bonsai is not complicated. With a grasp of certain skills and methods, you can easily create a vibrant piece of art. We hope this article can provide help for your bonsai making journey.
References:
Chinese Bonsai Art Magazine, Issue 3, 2019, Page 28.
Bonsai Making and Maintenance, Author: Zhang Xiaohui, Publisher: China Forestry Publishing House, 2018 Edition.