American root bonsai, with its unique shapes and rich colors, has become increasingly popular among bonsai enthusiasts in recent years. Caring for an American root bonsai is not an easy task. This article will introduce you to the detailed care methods for American root bonsai, helping you to master this art of bonsai easily.
Selecting the Right Bonsai PotThe planting container for American root bonsai should be made of ceramic or purple sand with good breathability and drainage. The size of the pot should match the size of the plant and should not be too large or too small. For plants about 30 cm in height, a pot with a diameter of 30-40 cm can be chosen.
Soil Selection and PreparationThe soil for American root bonsai should be sandy with good breathability and drainage. A common soil recipe is: a mixture of leaf mold, coarse sand, and perlite or vermiculite in a ratio of 2:1:1, with some bone meal or diammonium phosphate added as a base fertilizer.
Watering and FertilizingWatering for American root bonsai should follow the principle of "watering when dry and keeping moist", avoiding overly wet or dry soil. In hot summers, the watering frequency can be increased appropriately, while in winter, it should be reduced, keeping the soil slightly moist.
For fertilizing, apply a compound fertilizer once a month during the vigorous growth period, with a concentration of 0.2%-0.3%. Before and after flowering, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote blooming and fruit development.
Lighting and TemperatureAmerican root bonsai enjoys sunlight and should be placed in a sunny location. During the hot summer, it is important to provide some shade to prevent the plant from being scorched by strong sunlight. The temperature in winter should be kept above 5°C to prevent the plant from freezing.
Pruning and ShapingPruning for American root bonsai should follow the principle of "removing the weak and dense, and keeping the strong and sparse". In the growing season, it is necessary to prune sickly and crossing branches to maintain ventilation and light penetration. After pruning, apply charcoal powder to the wounds with a gardening shear to prevent the invasion of pathogens.
For shaping, methods such as tying, pruning, and pinching can be used. When tying, the force should be moderate to avoid damaging the plant. After pruning and shaping, apply a special gardening glue to promote wound healing.
Disease and Pest ControlCommon diseases and pests of American root bonsai include aphids, red spiders, and anthracnose. The control methods are as follows:
1. Aphids: Control with pesticides such as imidacloprid or dimethoate.
2. Red spiders: Control with pesticides such as abamectin or propargite.
3. Anthracnose: Control with pesticides such as carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl.
Caring for American root bonsai requires patience and attention to detail. With the care in these six aspects, your American root bonsai will surely grow robustly and become a beautiful landscape in your home. In this process, you can also continuously accumulate experience and improve your bonsai care skills. Let's enjoy the fun that bonsai brings!