Elm bonsai, as one of the traditional bonsai arts in our country, is loved by numerous enthusiasts for its unique shaping, graceful posture, and rich cultural connotation. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the techniques of making and caring for elm bonsai, helping you to create an artwork filled with greenery for your home.
The Making of Elm Bonsai1. Material Selection
To make an elm bonsai, it is first necessary to select an appropriate elm seedling. It is best to choose one with vigorous growth, beautiful shape, and lush branches and leaves. When purchasing, attention should be paid to whether the seedling has a developed root system and a sturdy trunk.
2. Pot Selection
The pot selection for elm bonsai should consider the following points: the mouth of the pot should match the size of the seedling; the material of the pot should be breathable and have good drainage; the shape of the pot should be coordinated with the shape of the tree.
3. Planting
When planting an elm bonsai, first place the seedling in the pot, adjust the shape of the tree to make the trunk upright and the branches and leaves evenly distributed, fill the gaps with fine soil, and gently compact it to ensure the seedling is stable.
4. Shaping
The shaping of elm bonsai mainly includes straight-trunk, curved-trunk, and slanted-trunk styles. During the shaping process, you can choose according to personal preferences and the characteristics of the tree. Tools such as fine wire and bamboo sticks can be used for binding and pruning to achieve the desired effect.
The Care of Elm Bonsai1. Light
Elm bonsai requires ample sunlight and should be placed in a sunny location. During the summer when the sun is strong, it can be partially shaded to avoid leaf burn.
2. Watering
Watering of elm bonsai should follow the principle of "water when dry, keep moist", ensuring that watering is uniform and thorough, avoiding waterlogging. In winter, when temperatures are lower, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
3. Fertilizing
Fertilizing for elm bonsai should choose organic fertilizers such as chicken manure or cow dung. Fertilize once a month, but do not use too high a concentration.
4. Pruning
Pruning is an important part of shaping for elm bonsai. When pruning, attention should be paid to the following points: pruning should be done in spring and autumn; maintain the aesthetic shape of the tree and avoid excessive pruning; after pruning, apply a healing agent promptly to prevent wound infection.
5. Pest and Disease Control
During the growth of elm bonsai, it may be affected by pests and diseases. To prevent and control them, the following measures can be taken: strengthen care to improve the tree's resistance; inspect regularly and deal with pests and diseases promptly; use biological pesticides to avoid environmental pollution caused by chemical pesticides.
The making and care of elm bonsai is an art that requires patience and attention to detail. With the introduction of this article, it is believed that you now have a deeper understanding of the making and care of elm bonsai. It is hoped that you can create your own elm bonsai to add a touch of greenery to your home.