As an art form, bonsai has both ornamental value and environmental benefits. However, to create a good bonsai, the selection of bonsai soil and planting soil is crucial. This article will introduce bonsai soil preparation methods and selection techniques for planting soil, helping enthusiasts create a unique bonsai world of their own.
Understanding Bonsai
1. What is Bonsai?
Bonsai, in simple terms, is the cultivation of trees, flowers, or other plants in containers (such as pots, trays, jars, bottles, etc.) to form lifelike and diverse miniature landscapes.
2. Classification of Bonsai
By plant category: Tree bonsai, flower bonsai, aquatic plant bonsai, etc.
By expression style: Karesansui (dry landscape) bonsai, green cypress bonsai, forest bonsai, water system bonsai, etc.
Bonsai Soil Preparation Methods
3. Principles of Bonsai Soil Preparation
When preparing soil, factors such as plant root characteristics and growing environment must be considered to mix suitable soil proportions and choose an appropriate pot. Ideally, bonsai soil should be loose, breathable, water-retentive, well-draining, and fertile.
4. Types of Bonsai Soil
Generally, it is divided into two categories: base soil and amendments. Base soils include peat soil, garden soil, sandy soil, etc.; amendments include leaf mold, perlite, vermiculite, ceramsite, etc.
5. Soil Ratios for Bonsai
Different plants require different ratios. Generally, the base soil is the main component, supplemented with some amendments and fertilizers.
Selection of Planting Soil
6. Basic Requirements for Planting Soil
Planting soil must meet basic requirements such as breathability, drainage, water retention, and fertility. It is also necessary to consider the plant's preferences, as some plants prefer acidic soil while others prefer alkaline soil.
7. Types of Planting Soil
Common planting soils include humus soil, peat soil, perlite, vermiculite, etc., and different plants require different types of planting soil.
8. Blending Planting Soil
It can usually be blended according to the nutrient requirements and climate conditions of different plants, such as adding sand specifically for succulents, or adding lime, etc.
Care of Bonsai and Planting Soil
9. Preparations for Care
The selected bonsai and planting soil must be disinfected in advance to prevent pest and disease infestation. At the same time, moisture-retaining measures should be taken to ensure the plant's roots are adequately hydrated.
10. Daily Care for Bonsai
Regular watering, fertilizing, pruning, and soil replacement are key to daily bonsai care, and pest and disease problems should be dealt with promptly.
11. Daily Care for Planting Soil
Planting soil also needs to maintain appropriate humidity, with regular fertilizing and loosening of the soil to prevent waterlogging and drought.
Solving Common Problems
12. How to solve yellowing and wilting of bonsai?
It may be caused by nutrient deficiency in the soil or over-fertilization. It is recommended to reduce the amount of fertilizer appropriately.
13. What to do if bonsai gets moldy?
In addition to maintaining ventilation and dryness, you can also spray some fungicides and promptly replace the moldy soil.
14. How to deal with small green moss growing on the surface of the planting soil?
This is usually caused by the soil being too moist. You can appropriately control the watering amount and improve ventilation.
15. Creating a good bonsai, the selection of bonsai soil and planting soil is crucial. By understanding the basic knowledge of bonsai and planting soil, as well as daily care techniques, enthusiasts can be helped to create their own unique bonsai world.