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Selection of Soil for Bonsai Trees, Preparation of Soil for Bonsai Trees, Maintenance of Soil for Bonsai TreesBonsai, as one of the traditional Chinese arts, is deeply loved by people for its unique artistic charm. In the creation and maintenance of bonsai, the selection of soil is crucial. This article will introduce the relevant knowledge about soil for bonsai trees, helping bonsai enthusiasts understand how to choose suitable soil and how to maintain it.
Selection of Soil for Bonsai Trees1. Soil Aeration
The soil for bonsai should have good aeration to ensure smooth root respiration. Well-aerated soil is beneficial for the growth and aesthetics of the bonsai. Sandy soil, leaf mold, and peat moss have good aeration.
2. Soil Water Retention
The soil for bonsai should have a certain water retention capacity to ensure a supply of moisture in the soil. However, excessive water retention can lead to waterlogging, affecting root growth. When selecting soil, attention should be paid to the balance between its water retention and aeration.
3. Soil pH Level
Different types of bonsai trees have different requirements for soil pH. Pine and cypress bonsai are suitable for slightly acidic soil, while plum and orchid bonsai prefer neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Understanding the soil pH requirements of the bonsai species being grown helps in selecting the appropriate soil.
4. Soil Fertility
The soil for bonsai should have a certain fertility to meet the growth needs of the bonsai. However, excessive fertility can cause the bonsai to grow too vigorously, affecting its ornamental value. When selecting soil, attention should be paid to its moderate fertility.
Preparation of Soil for Bonsai Trees1. Common Soil Formulas
(1) Sandy soil: Sandy soil has good aeration but poor water retention. It can be mixed with leaf mold and peat moss for preparation.
(2) Leaf mold: Leaf mold has good water retention but poor aeration. It can be mixed with sandy soil and peat moss for preparation.
(3) Peat moss: Peat moss has good aeration and water retention, but low fertility. It can be mixed with sandy soil and leaf mold for preparation.
2. Soil Ratio
(1) Pine and cypress bonsai: The ratio of sandy soil to leaf mold to peat moss is 3:2:1.
(2) Plum, orchid, and other bonsai: The ratio of leaf mold to sandy soil to peat moss is 2:2:1.
Maintenance of Soil for Bonsai Trees1. Regular Watering
The soil for bonsai should be kept moist, but not overly wet. When watering, ensure even spraying to avoid waterlogging.
2. Fertilization
Apply appropriate amounts of fertilizer regularly according to the growth needs of the bonsai species. When fertilizing, pay attention to controlling the concentration to avoid over-fertilization.
3. Air Circulation
Maintaining air circulation around the bonsai is beneficial for its growth and appreciation.
4. Light
Adjust the placement of the bonsai according to its light requirements to ensure adequate sunlight.
Selecting the right soil for bonsai trees is crucial for their growth and appreciation. Understanding the aeration, water retention, pH level, and fertility of the soil, as well as mastering the techniques for soil preparation and maintenance, can help improve the quality of bonsai. It is hoped that this article will provide a useful reference for bonsai enthusiasts.