The complete guide to caring for Buxus microphylla bonsai, bringing vitality to your green potted plants.

Lighting and Ventilation, Watering and Fertilizing, Pruning and Shaping, Pest and Disease Control, Repotting and Soil

Buxus microphylla bonsai, with its unique shaping and elegant charm, is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts. It is not easy to maintain a Buxus microphylla bonsai. Certain skills are required for its care. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the care methods for Buxus microphylla bonsai, helping your green potted plants to thrive.

Lighting and Ventilation

Buxus microphylla prefers semi-shade and dislikes direct strong sunlight. During maintenance, it should be placed in a location with plenty of scattered light, avoiding direct sunlight, and maintaining a good ventilation environment to help the plant grow and stay healthy.

Watering and Fertilizing

1. Watering: Buxus microphylla prefers a moist environment but dislikes waterlogging. Watering should keep the soil slightly moist, not too wet or too dry. During the hot summer season, the frequency of watering can be increased appropriately; during the cold winter season, the frequency of watering should be reduced.

2. Fertilizing: Buxus microphylla does not require much fertilizer, generally fertilizing 2-3 times a year is sufficient. During the vigorous growth period, nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to promote plant growth; in autumn, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied to enhance the plant's cold resistance.

Pruning and Shaping

1. Pruning: The pruning of Buxus microphylla bonsai is the foundation of shaping. When pruning, follow the principles of 'thinning, cutting, binding, and pinching', removing diseased and weak branches, intersecting branches, and inward-facing branches to maintain ventilation and light penetration of the plant.

2. Shaping: The shaping of Buxus microphylla bonsai can be done according to personal preferences and plant characteristics. Common shapes include the cliff style, slanted trunk style, and straight trunk style. During the shaping process, attention should be paid to maintaining the overall balance and beauty of the plant.

Pest and Disease Control

Common pests and diseases of Buxus microphylla bonsai include scale insects, red spiders, and anthracnose. During maintenance, the plant should be checked regularly, and measures should be taken promptly when pests or diseases are found. Here are some common control methods:

1. Scale insects: Spray with 40% omethoate emulsion 1000 times liquid, spraying every 7-10 days, for 2-3 consecutive times.

2. Red spiders: Spray with 20% dicofol emulsion 1000 times liquid, spraying every 5-7 days, for 2-3 consecutive times.

3. Anthracnose: Spray with 50% carbendazim wettable powder 500 times liquid, spraying every 7-10 days, for 2-3 consecutive times.

Repotting and Soil

1. Repotting: Buxus microphylla bonsai is generally repotted every 2-3 years. When repotting, an appropriate potting soil should be chosen, such as leaf mold soil, sandy soil, etc., to keep the soil loose and breathable.

2. Soil: Buxus microphylla is not strict about soil requirements, but it is preferable to use soil that is loose, breathable, and has good drainage.

The care of Buxus microphylla bonsai requires patience and attention to detail. By mastering the above care methods, your bonsai will surely thrive and become a beautiful landscape in your home. According to the "China Flower News", the market for Buxus microphylla bonsai in our country has shown a steady growth trend in recent years, with more and more gardening enthusiasts beginning to pay attention to and care for Buxus microphylla bonsai. It is hoped that this article will provide some help for your maintenance journey.