How to plant the Foster's White wax
As a unique and rare species in China, Foster's White wax is deeply loved by bonsai enthusiasts for its sturdy branches and unique shape. To successfully cultivate this peculiar plant, one needs to master a complete set of knowledge from桩 selection to maintenance. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the five core links of Foster's White wax cultivation through a combination of text and pictures.
One, Scientific Planning of Planting Time Nodes
1.1 Selection of the Best Planting Season
The golden period for transplanting Foster's White wax is from October to March of the following year, when the temperature remains between 5-15°C, and the plant is in a semi-dormant state, with water evaporation reduced by about 40%. Transplanting should be avoided from Qingming to September, the high-temperature period, as strong sunlight can accelerate the flow of sap, leading to a water loss rate of over 60% in newly planted plants.
1.2 Strategies for Coping with Special Weather Conditions
In the northern regions, it is recommended to complete planting after the soil thaws (before mid-March). In the southern rainy areas, avoid the plum rain season. If there is a late spring cold wave, wrap the main stem with straw mats to maintain the root temperature above 8°C.
Two, Core Techniques for Tree Stake Processing
2.1 Root Pruning Standards
Use pruning shears disinfected with alcohol, retain the main root length of 15-20cm, and cut at a 45-degree angle. Keep 3-5 healthy lateral roots, apply healing agent to the cut surface. After removing the rotting roots, soak in a potassium permanganate solution (1:1000) for 20 minutes.
2.2 Root Promotion Scheme
Recommended to soak in a mixture of ABT3 rooting powder (concentration 500ppm) and carbendazim (1:800) for 2 hours. Mud formula: 60% red soil + 30% river sand + 10% decomposed pine needles, adjusted to a yogurt-like consistency to wrap the roots.
Three, Scientific Proportion of Pot and Matrix
3.1 Pot Selection Standards
The depth of the purple sand pot should be 1.5 times the root length, and the diameter should be 10cm larger than the root spread. The number of ventilation holes should be 30% of the bottom area of the pot, and new pots need to be soaked to remove the fire for 3 days.
3.2 Matrix Optimization Scheme
Basic formula: 40% red jade soil + 20% volcanic rock + 20% decomposed leaf soil + 20% river sand. pH value controlled between 6.5-7.2, EC value <1.2mS/cm. Adding bone meal (5g/kg) can promote root development.
Four, Standardized Planting Operation Process
4.1 Planting Technique
Build a 30-degree planting slope in the pot, maintain a forward tilt angle of 15° for the main stem. The root expansion area should reach 70% of the pot surface, using a layered filling method: bottom layer 3cm coarse sand, middle layer mixed matrix, top layer covered with 1cm red jade soil.
4.2 Root Water Irrigation Standards
Use the pot immersion method to replenish water, controlling the water level at 2/3 of the pot height, soak for 30 minutes. The first watering amount should reach 1.5 times the volume of the pot, ensuring the matrix moisture content reaches 60%.
Five, Post-planting Maintenance Management System
5.1 Management During the Seedling Stage
Set up a 70% shade net, maintain the air humidity between 65%-75%. Gradually increase sunlight after new buds sprout, rotate the pot 15° weekly to ensure even light exposure.
5.2 Pruning in the Molding Stage
Pinch the tips when the new shoots reach 5cm, retaining 2-3 pairs of leaves. Prune the framework branches every March, with the cut surface 0.5cm from the bud point and a 45-degree斜面.
By following the above systematic cultivation plan, the survival rate of Foster's White wax can reach over 85%. It is recommended to apply seaweed fertilizer (diluted 1000 times) every 15 days after planting, and use chelated iron foliar fertilizer once a month to effectively prevent yellow leaf disease. Remember to check the potting soil's breathability regularly, changing the pot every 2 years can maintain the plant's vigorous growth.