Bonsai, as a brilliant pearl in the traditional Chinese art, has been passed down through thousands of years and still enjoys popularity among many horticultural enthusiasts. In the world of bonsai, the stump is the soul, and those semi-alive stumps are full of mystery and charm. What is the name for this type of bonsai stump? This article will unravel this mystery and share some practical tips on caring for semi-alive bonsai stumps.
What is the name for a semi-alive tree stump?Semi-alive stumps in the bonsai world have a special name—“diseased stump.” A diseased stump is not truly diseased; it refers to those bonsai stumps with unique shapes, vigorous vitality, but slightly weathered appearances. These stumps, with their unique charm and intriguing artistic conception, have become favorites of bonsai enthusiasts.
Characteristics of diseased stumps1. Weathered appearance: Diseased stumps usually have a rough exterior, with rough bark, twisted trunks, and sparse branches and leaves, giving a sense of having been through hardships.
2. Vigorous vitality: Despite the diseased appearance, diseased stumps have exceptional vitality and can often grow tenaciously in harsh environments.
3. High artistic value: Diseased stumps have high artistic value due to their unique shapes and artistic conception, making them treasures sought after by bonsai enthusiasts.
Techniques for caring for diseased stumps1. Choose the right soil: Diseased stumps are not very picky about soil, but it's best to choose soil with good breathability and drainage to ensure normal root growth.
2. Control watering: Diseased stumps have relatively low water requirements, and when watering, follow the principle of "better dry than wet" to prevent root rot from积水.
3. Reasonable fertilization: Diseased stumps do not have high fertilizer requirements, but applying a moderate amount of organic fertilizer can promote growth.
4. Pay attention to pruning: Pruning is an important part of caring for diseased stumps, and it's necessary to regularly prune dead and diseased branches to maintain an attractive tree shape.
5. Adequate sunlight: Diseased stumps have higher sunlight requirements and should be placed in a sunny area to promote growth.
Misconceptions about caring for diseased stumps1. Overwatering: Diseased stumps have low water requirements, and overwatering can lead to root rot, affecting growth.
2. Ignoring pruning: Pruning is an important part of caring for diseased stumps, and neglecting it can result in a messy tree shape, affecting aesthetics.
3. Improper fertilization: Too much or too little fertilizer can affect the growth of diseased stumps, and the principle of moderate fertilization should be followed.
A diseased stump is a unique existence in the art of bonsai, with its semi-alive form providing a mysterious sense of beauty. Understanding the techniques for caring for diseased stumps can help us better appreciate and care for such bonsai. I hope this article can provide you with useful references and allow you to navigate the vast ocean of bonsai art.