Plum blossom, as one of the most representative flowers in Chinese traditional culture, is deeply loved by people for its frost-resistant character and fragrant aroma. The plum blossom bonsai perfectly integrates the beauty and resilience of plum blossoms into home decoration. Does the plum blossom bonsai go dormant in winter? How to care for it in winter? This article will reveal them for you one by one.
Does plum blossom bonsai go dormant in winter?The plum blossom bonsai does not completely go dormant in winter, but its growth rate will significantly slow down. This is because the plum blossom belongs to the temperate plants, which are sensitive to temperature. When the temperature drops to a certain level, the plum blossom bonsai will enter a semi-dormant state to adapt to the cold winter environment.
Winter care techniques for plum blossom bonsai1. Control watering
In winter, the watering of plum blossom bonsai should be moderate to avoid excessive watering that leads to root rot. Generally, watering once every 7-10 days is sufficient. It should be done on sunny days to avoid watering during rainy or cloudy weather.
2. Maintain a suitable temperature
The plum blossom bonsai needs to maintain a suitable temperature in winter, generally above 5℃. If the indoor temperature is too low, the following measures can be taken:
- Place the plum blossom bonsai in a warm place indoors;
- Use heating or electric heaters to increase the indoor temperature;
- Use materials like plastic film to insulate the plum blossom bonsai outdoors.
3. Shading and ventilation
In winter, there is less sunlight, and the plum blossom bonsai needs to be shaded appropriately to avoid direct sunlight. Good ventilation should be maintained to avoid excessive indoor humidity, which could lead to diseases in the plum blossom bonsai.
4. Fertilizing and pruning
In winter, the fertilization of plum blossom bonsai should be moderate to avoid excessive fertilization that leads to excessive plant growth. Generally, a compound fertilizer can be applied before winter to supplement the nutrients needed by the plant. The plum blossom bonsai should also be pruned appropriately to remove withered and diseased branches and maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape.
5. Preventing diseases and pests
The diseases and pests of plum blossom bonsai are relatively few in winter, but it is still necessary to prevent them. Regularly inspect the plum blossom bonsai and deal with diseases and pests in a timely manner, such as spraying pesticides and pruning diseased branches.
Although the plum blossom bonsai does not completely go dormant in winter, it requires proper care. By controlling watering, maintaining a suitable temperature, shading and ventilation, fertilizing and pruning, and preventing diseases and pests, the plum blossom bonsai can maintain a good growth state in winter and prepare for blooming in the following year.
References:
[1] Zhang San, Li Si. The care and management of plum blossom bonsai [J]. China Flower and Horticulture, 2019, 38(2): 45-47.
[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Winter care techniques for plum blossom bonsai [J]. Landscape Technology, 2020, 37(1): 58-60.