Jili Xiang, also known as Qianli Xiang, is one of China's traditional ornamental plants. Its old-stump bonsai is particularly loved by horticulture enthusiasts. Not only does the old-stump bonsai possess unique ornamental value, but with proper care, it can also add a touch of vitality to the home environment. This article will introduce you to the care methods for Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai, helping you cultivate a healthy and beautiful bonsai.
Selecting the Right Potting SoilThe Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai is not picky about soil, but it prefers loose, breathable, and well-draining sandy soil. You can mix leaf mold, garden soil, and sand in a certain proportion to increase soil aeration and water retention. You can also add some organic fertilizers like decomposed chicken manure or cow dung to provide ample nutrients.
Light and TemperatureThe Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai enjoys light but avoids intense direct sunlight. It should be placed in a semi-shaded environment to avoid direct sunlight. During the hot summer, it needs to be shaded properly to prevent leaf burn. The suitable growing temperature for Jili Xiang is between 15-30°C. When the temperature drops below 5°C in winter, it should be moved indoors for care.
Watering and FertilizingWatering the Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai should follow the principle of "watering when dry and keeping the soil slightly moist." During the hot summer, you can increase the watering frequency slightly. In winter, when it's cold, reduce watering to prevent root rot. For fertilizing, apply a compound fertilizer once a month, but the amount should not be too much to avoid fertilizer damage.
Pruning and ShapingPruning and shaping are key to enhancing the ornamental value of the Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai. During the growing season, it's important to prune dead, diseased, and densely packed branches to maintain an attractive tree shape. Pruning can also involve shaping the branches into forms like spirals or waves. After pruning, apply pruning paste promptly to prevent wound infection.
Disease and Pest ControlCommon diseases and pests affecting the Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai include aphids, red spiders, and powdery mildew. Preventive measures include maintaining good ventilation and avoiding overly dense planting. Regularly spray insecticides and fungicides such as dimethoate and carbendazim. When diseases or pests are found, take immediate action to prevent them from spreading.
Precautions1. The Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai should not be moved frequently to avoid affecting its growth.
2. During the care process, avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent rot.
3. The Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai should not be placed in a damp environment for extended periods to prevent root rot.
The care of the Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai is not complicated. As long as you master the above points, you can cultivate a healthy and beautiful bonsai. During the care process, pay attention to observing the plant's growth condition and adjust care measures accordingly. With your careful nurturing, the Jili Xiang old-stump bonsai will surely burst with vitality.