Buxus bonsai, as one of the traditional Chinese bonsai arts, is deeply loved by people for its unique shapes and profound cultural heritage. Proper pruning and shaping are key steps in cultivating Buxus bonsai. This article will introduce in detail the pruning and shaping techniques of Buxus bonsai to help enthusiasts create desirable greenery for their homes.
Pruning Principles of Buxus Bonsai1. Timely Pruning
Pruning of Buxus bonsai should be carried out according to the growth cycle, usually divided into three stages: spring, summer, and autumn. Spring pruning focuses on promoting germination, summer pruning is mainly for trimming excessively long branches, and autumn pruning focuses on tidying up the leaves and branches.
2. Sequential Pruning
When pruning, it is necessary to maintain the overall shape of the Buxus bonsai, and systematically remove diseased, weak, intersecting, dense, and overly long branches to ensure proper ventilation and light penetration.
3. Moderate Pruning
Pruning should be moderate to avoid over-pruning, which can lead to poor growth of the Buxus bonsai. Generally, the length of the pruned branches should be 1/3 to 1/2 of the original length.
Buxus Bonsai Sculpting Techniques1. Tree Shape Sculpting
Mainly including straight trunk, curved trunk, slanted trunk, and reclining trunk styles, the pruning process should be tailored to the chosen tree shape, such as ensuring a straight trunk for the straight trunk style and a naturally curved trunk for the curved trunk style.
2. Branch and Leaf Sculpting
Branch and leaf sculpting mainly involve thinning, pruning, and shaping. Thinning involves removing diseased, weak, intersecting, and dense branches, pruning should be moderate, and shaping should be adjusted according to the overall shape of the bonsai.
3. Root System Sculpting
The root system is an important part of Buxus bonsai, with shapes including natural, group root, and hanging root styles. During pruning, it is necessary to trim according to the characteristics of the root system to coordinate with the trunk and branches.
Key Points for Buxus Bonsai Maintenance1. Watering
Watering of Buxus bonsai should follow the principle of "water when dry, and water thoroughly when watering." During high summer temperatures, the frequency of watering can be increased; during low winter temperatures, watering should be reduced to avoid root rot.
2. Fertilizing
Fertilizing of Buxus bonsai should follow the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizer," usually using organic fertilizers such as chicken manure and cow dung, applied once a month.
3. Disease and Pest Control
Buxus bonsai is susceptible to diseases and pests. If diseases or pests are found, timely control measures should be taken, using chemical or biological control methods to ensure the healthy growth of the Buxus bonsai.
Buxus bonsai pruning and sculpting is an art that requires continuous practice and exploration by enthusiasts. Mastering the correct pruning and sculpting techniques can create unique home greenery. This article aims to provide useful references for Buxus bonsai enthusiasts.
(Note: The content of this article is for reference only, and specific operations should be adjusted according to actual conditions.)
References:[1] China Bonsai Association. Chinese Bonsai Art [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2010.
[2] Zhang Minghui. Bonsai Making and Maintenance Techniques [M]. Beijing: China Forestry Publishing House, 2015.