How to plant peony old stakes
Summary: This article discusses topics related to the cultivation and care of peony old stakes and peony flowers. Next, the editor will provide you with detailed answers.
Peony is a deep-rooted flowering plant with fleshy roots and fewer fibrous roots. As a bonsai, the volume of the pot is limited, which results in a relatively reduced area of root nutrition, causing an imbalance between the underground and above-ground parts of the plant, thus affecting the normal growth and development of the peony.
1. Preparation of Cultivation Soil
Peony is a deep-rooted flowering plant with fleshy roots and fewer fibrous roots. As a bonsai, the volume of the pot is limited, which results in a relatively reduced area of root nutrition, causing an imbalance between the underground and above-ground parts of the plant, thus affecting the normal growth and development of the peony. Therefore, the scientific preparation of cultivation soil is crucial. According to the characteristics of peony, the cultivation soil should be loose, fertile, with high humus content, and long-lasting fertilizing effect. Based on our research, a relatively ideal formula is to mix humus soil, horse manure, garden soil, and furnace slag in a ratio of 2:1:2:1, mix them evenly, and use human waste to ferment for a month before use.
2. Selection of Peony Varieties and Tree Stakes
Bonsai peonies have strict requirements for varieties, and those with higher flowering rates, moderate growth, and easier shaping should be selected. Varieties such as "Zhusha Lai," "Zhao Fen," "Hu Hong," "Qinglong Wu Mo Chi," and "Zhi Hong" are suitable. Additionally, although "Shengdan Lu" has a smaller number of flowers and a large growth rate, it grows strong with sturdy branches and a natural shape, making it ideal for bonsai materials.
For the selection of peony tree stakes, from the perspective of rapid shaping, those with suitable shapes or ancient and dignified trunks and older stakes are preferred. Natural stakes with good shapes are ideal.
3. Potting Time
The timing of potting directly affects the development of the root system and normal flowering in the following year. Practice has shown that potting in mid-to-late September is more suitable.
4. Shaping
Peony wood is brittle and easy to break, making it difficult to process.
① For the main trunk, try to follow its natural shape. When potting, plant it at an angle, first wrapping the bending part with string or bast, then inserting a wire of corresponding thickness (12-18 gauge) from the base, wrapping it at a 45-degree angle in the direction of the intended twist, to make it tighter as it wraps. Alternatively, use hemp绳 to pull in an arch shape, operating in stages to gradually bend and achieve the desired shape.
② For branches (small branches), pruning is mainly used. The arrangement of the layers and the retention of buds should consider the relationship between density and emptiness and the spatial layout to achieve the desired effect.
③ For root treatment: Exposed roots can be balanced with the center of gravity of the canopy, echoing each other, making the roots look like tiger paws or eagle claws, full of strength. The treatment of exposed roots can be achieved by gradually washing away the soil in the pot to raise the roots each year. Peony leaves are large and can be controlled by regulating water and fertilizer and spraying dwarfing agents.
5. Pot Surface Treatment (Stone Placement and Moss Covering)
Using Taihu stones or stone spikes as the best stones for placement, either lying or standing, paying attention to the harmony and balance of the entire work. Moss covering can enhance the aesthetic of the work and has the effect of moisture retention and temperature insulation.
6. Management
Watering: Due to the limited water-holding capacity of the small pot and less soil, it is necessary to water promptly to ensure normal growth. After potting, water thoroughly once, and then water once a week depending on the soil's dryness or wetness. Excessive watering can cause the branches and leaves to grow excessively, and long-term waterlogging can cause root rot. Especially in the summer and autumn seasons, control watering to avoid dryness.
Fertilization: The nutrients in the pot are limited, and only timely fertilization can ensure normal growth. Liquid fertilizer must be fermented and diluted with water before application, and solid fertilizer can be applied by making holes evenly in the pot, followed by watering. Additionally, pay attention to applying thick fertilizer in winter, light fertilizer in spring and autumn, and as thin as possible in summer, or applying foliar fertilizer.
Pay attention to overwintering and summer care: In areas with severe cold in winter, the盆景 can be placed underground, surrounded by soil to cover the roots, and in early to mid-March of the following year, the surrounding soil can be removed for normal management. During the severe heat of summer, move the盆景 to a shaded shed and ensure good drainage and ventilation, spray water on the branches and around the pot every day to increase humidity and ensure water supply during the bud differentiation period of peony flowers.
Disease and Pest Control: Before potting, cut off the remaining branches (except when needed for the桩景), diseased roots, and bad roots, and disinfect the wounds with a 0.1-0.3% lime sulfur mixture. For pot soil disinfection, mix in furan丹 to kill insects and sterilize (0.5 kg/m³), and spray lime sulfur or carbendazim once before germination in spring and after defoliation in autumn each year. When scales are found, use 25% diaminothiazole phosphate 800 to 1000 times liquid or 80% dichlorvos 1000 to 1500 times liquid to spray before waxing, and use a brush to remove it after waxing.
The above content about how to plant peony old stakes and the cultivation and care of peony flowers is complete, hoping it can help you. Also, I hope everyone comes to see more green plant and flower experience and common sense!