With the improvement of living standards, more and more people are paying attention to the greening and beautification of their home environment. As a small, exquisite, and meaningful indoor decoration, bonsai has become increasingly popular. Apricot plum bonsai, with its unique charm and high ornamental value, has become a favorite among bonsai enthusiasts. This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the cultivation methods of apricot plum bonsai, helping you to easily grow a beautiful one.
Material Selection and Planting1. Apricot Plum Variety Selection
When selecting an apricot plum variety, factors such as its growth habits, flowering time, and fruit quality should be considered. Common apricot plum varieties include "Baiyu", "Fenyu", and "Hongmei". "Baiyu" and "Fenyu" bloom earlier and are suitable for winter viewing; "Hongmei" blooms later and is suitable for spring viewing.
2. Planting Time
The best time to plant apricot plum bonsai is in spring and autumn. Spring planting allows the tree to grow vigorously, which is beneficial for root development. Autumn planting allows the tree to enter a dormant period, which is beneficial for its recovery.
3. Planting Method
Select a healthy apricot plum seedling. Be careful not to damage the main root when digging up the root system. Place the seedling in a pot, fill it with an appropriate amount of potting soil, and gently press it down to ensure the roots are in close contact with the soil. After watering thoroughly, place it in a semi-shady, ventilated location.
Watering and Fertilizing1. Watering
The watering principle for apricot plum bonsai is "water when dry, stop when wet". Simply keep the soil moist. In summer, when the temperature is high, you can increase the frequency of watering; in winter, when the temperature is low, you should reduce watering to avoid damaging the roots.
2. Fertilizing
The fertilizing principle for apricot plum bonsai is "light fertilizer applied frequently". During the vigorous growth period in spring, apply a compound fertilizer once a month. During the flowering period in summer, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote flowering. During the fruit ripening period in autumn, apply organic fertilizer to supplement nutrients. During the dormant period in winter, stop fertilizing.
Pruning and Shaping1. Pruning
Pruning of apricot plum bonsai mainly includes thinning, cutting, and pinching. Thinning removes weak and crossing branches to maintain a beautiful tree shape; cutting adjusts the height and shape of the tree; pinching encourages the tree to produce more lateral branches, increasing its ornamental value.
2. Shaping
The shaping methods for apricot plum bonsai include cliff style, straight trunk style, and curved trunk style. Choose a suitable shaping method based on personal preference and the characteristics of the bonsai. During the shaping process, pay attention to maintaining the tree's natural growth state and avoid over-pruning.
Pest and Disease Control1. Diseases
Common diseases for apricot plum bonsai include leaf spot disease and anthracnose. When a disease is found, promptly cut off the diseased branches and spray a fungicide for control.
2. Pests
Common pests for apricot plum bonsai include aphids and spider mites. When pests are found, you can spray an insecticide for control.
The cultivation method for apricot plum bonsai is relatively simple, but attention needs to be paid to aspects such as material selection, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest and disease control. As long as you master these techniques, you are sure to be able to grow a beautiful apricot plum bonsai. According to a report in the "Chinese Bonsai Art" magazine, in recent years, with increasing attention to the art of bonsai, the market demand for apricot plum bonsai has been rising year by year, becoming one of the varieties that bonsai enthusiasts are eager to cultivate. I hope this article can provide help for your cultivation journey.