With the continuous pursuit of life quality by people, the art of penjing (bonsai) has gradually entered thousands of households. Among numerous penjing plants,杂木 (杂木, mixed wood) penjing is loved by many enthusiasts for its unique shape and intriguing vitality. It is not an easy task to successfully germinate mixed wood penjing, so we are here to reveal the five key steps to germinate mixed wood penjing.
Material Selection and Pruning1. Material Selection: Choose healthy and vigorous mixed wood seedlings with smooth bark and fine wood texture, generally 2-3 year-old seedlings are recommended.
2. Pruning: The following points should be noted during the pruning process:
a. Remove sick, weak, crossed, and inward branches to maintain an elegant tree shape;
b. Retain the main and lateral branches to stabilize the tree form;
c. Leave bud eyes during pruning for germination.
Soil and Watering1. Soil: Use soil with good breathability and drainage, such as decomposed leaf soil and coarse sand, with a soil pH value ranging from slightly acidic to neutral.
2. Watering: Follow the principle of "water when dry, and water thoroughly when watering". Increase watering in spring and autumn, and reduce it in summer and winter to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing and Lighting1. Fertilizing: Mixed wood penjing requires a moderate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers during growth. Fertilizing can be done with compound or organic fertilizers, once per quarter, and during periods of vigorous growth, the application of nitrogen fertilizer can be increased.
2. Lighting: Mixed wood penjing requires ample sunlight and should be placed in a sunny location. In summer, it should be shaded appropriately to avoid direct sunlight.
Pest and Disease Control1. Observe the Plant: Regularly observe the growth condition of the plant and deal with pests and diseases in a timely manner.
2. Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment around the penjing, promptly clearing away fallen leaves and weeds.
3. Chemical Control: Choose appropriate pesticides for control based on the type of pest or disease.
Timely Potting and Soil Replacement1. Potting Time: Generally, potting is done in spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer.
2. Soil Replacement Method: Remove the plant along with the soil, discard some of the old soil, and replace it with new soil.
The five steps are the key to successfully germinating mixed wood penjing. During the cultivation process, patience and carefulness are required, continually summarizing experience. Believing that by mastering these techniques, your mixed wood penjing will surely grow robustly, showcasing its unique charm.
According to the "Report on the Development of Penjing Art in China," the market size of penjing art in our country is expanding year by year, and consumers' demands for penjing quality are also increasing. Against this background, understanding and mastering the techniques to germinate mixed wood penjing is of great significance to many penjing enthusiasts. It is hoped that this article will be of help to you.