The art of transforming seedlings into bonsai tree (Bonsai), a complete guide from cultivation to the finished product. (Note: " bonsai tree" is a Chinese word for Bonsai, which is a Japanese art form. In English, it would be referred to as Bonsai.)

Selecting the right saplings, preparing the盆景 pot and soil, potting and watering, pruning and shaping, fertilizing and maintaining, preventing and controlling diseases and pests, displaying and appreciating

Bonsai, as one of the traditional Chinese arts, attracts numerous enthusiasts with its unique artistic charm and profound cultural heritage. Through careful cultivation, a small sapling can become an exquisite piece of bonsai art. This article will provide a detailed introduction on how to cultivate a sapling into a bonsai, sharing some practical tips and experiences.

Choosing the right saplings

Choosing a small sapling is the first step in making a bonsai. The age of the sapling should not be too old, with 2-5 years being suitable. When selecting, one should pick a healthy sapling with lush branches and leaves and a beautiful shape. Common bonsai saplings include pine, cypress, plum, bamboo, etc.

Preparing the bonsai pot and soil

Creating a bonsai requires preparing an appropriate pot and soil. The bonsai pot should be made of a material with good breathability and drainage, such as purple sand or ceramics. The soil should have good breathability and moderate water retention, like peat soil or coarse sand. When preparing the soil, adjustments can be made according to the type of sapling and its growing habits.

Potting and watering

Place the selected sapling in the bonsai pot, making sure the arrangement of the roots is natural and not too crowded. After potting, water thoroughly to allow the soil to fully contact the roots. When watering, follow the principle of "watering when dry and keeping the soil moist."

Pruning and shaping

Pruning is an essential part of making a bonsai. Through pruning, the shape of the tree can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the bonsai. When pruning, the following points should be noted:

1. Retain the main branches and remove sick, weak, crossed, and inward-facing branches.

2. Maintain the natural beauty of the tree shape during pruning and avoid excessive decoration.

3. After pruning, smooth the cut ends with a gardening shear to prevent water evaporation.

Fertilizing and maintaining

Fertilizing is key to ensuring the healthy growth of the sapling. During the growing season, apply a compound fertilizer once a month to promote growth. When fertilizing, the following points should be noted:

1. Do not apply too much fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.

2. Water immediately after fertilizing to dissolve the fertilizer thoroughly.

3. Reduce fertilizing in winter to avoid affecting the growth of the sapling.

Preventing and controlling diseases and pests

Diseases and pests are important factors affecting the growth of bonsai. During maintenance, regularly inspect the saplings and deal with diseases and pests promptly. Common diseases and pests include aphids, red spiders, and powdery mildew. The prevention and control methods are as follows:

1. Regularly spray pesticides, such as pymetrozine and abamectin.

2. Strengthen ventilation, reduce humidity, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

Displaying and appreciating

After a period of maintenance, the small sapling gradually grows into an exquisite bonsai. The bonsai can be placed indoors or outdoors for appreciation. During display, the following points should be noted:

1. Choose an appropriate display location, avoiding direct sunlight or excessive shade.

2. Regularly adjust the angle of the sapling to ensure even growth.

3. Keep the bonsai clean by regularly cleaning fallen leaves and weeds.

Turning a small sapling into a bonsai is both an artistic creation and a hobby. By following the above seven steps, you can cultivate an ordinary sapling into an exquisite piece of bonsai art. In this process, you will experience the charm of bonsai art and enjoy the fun of cultivating saplings.