Five-thorn Rose, also known as Five-needle Pine, is a highly ornamental bonsai plant with a unique needle-like leaf shape that remains evergreen throughout the year. It can beautify the home environment and cultivate one's taste. The maintenance of a Five-thorn Rose bonsai is not an easy task and requires certain skills and methods. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the maintenance methods of Five-thorn Rose bonsai, helping you to easily cultivate a beautiful Five-thorn Rose bonsai.
Soil Selection and ConfigurationFive-thorn Rose prefers well-draining, breathable soil. When preparing the soil, you can mix leaf mold, garden soil, and sandy soil in proportions: 2 parts leaf mold, 3 parts garden soil, and 5 parts sandy soil. This type of soil is beneficial for root growth and maintains the soil's breathability and drainage.
Lighting and TemperatureFive-thorn Rose thrives in a well-lit environment but avoids direct strong sunlight. In summer, it should be placed in a semi-shaded area to avoid direct sunlight; in winter, it should be moved to a warm indoor area, maintaining a room temperature above 5°C. The suitable growth temperature for Five-thorn Rose is between 15°C and 25°C.
Watering and FertilizingWatering Five-thorn Rose should follow the principle of "watering when dry and keeping the soil slightly moist." During the vigorous growth period, fertilize 1-2 times per month, mainly with nitrogen fertilizers such as compound fertilizers and urea. In the dormant period, fertilization frequency should be reduced to avoid fertilizer damage.
Pruning and ShapingPruning is an important part of shaping Five-thorn Rose. During the growing season, it is necessary to prune overgrown and weak branches to maintain an attractive tree shape. In the shaping process, methods such as pruning, tying, and pinching can be used to create various shapes. It is important to note that after pruning, the wounds should be promptly coated with horticultural glue to prevent the invasion of pathogens.
Pest and Disease ControlCommon pests and diseases of Five-thorn Rose include aphids and red spider mites. Control methods are as follows:
1. Regularly inspect and deal with pests and diseases promptly;
2. Use pesticides such as pymetrozine and miticides for spraying;
3. Maintain good ventilation in the environment to reduce the probability of pest and disease occurrence.
Repotting and TransplantingAfter growing for 3-5 years, Five-thorn Rose should be repotted. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot and retain the original soil ball. When transplanting, handle the plant gently to avoid root damage.
The maintenance of Five-thorn Rose bonsai requires patience and attention to detail. By mastering the correct maintenance methods, you will certainly be able to cultivate a beautiful Five-thorn Rose bonsai. Here, we remind all bonsai enthusiasts that maintaining a Five-thorn Rose bonsai should follow the principle of "teaching according to the material," developing corresponding maintenance measures based on the plant's growth characteristics and habits.
References:
"Bonsai Techniques" Magazine, Issue 3, 2019, Author: Zhang Wei.
"China Flower News," June 15, 2020, Author: Li Ming.