How to plant old牡丹 flower stump
An introduction to how to plant old牡丹 flower stumps and the planting methods and management tips for potted牡丹 flowers, following is a detailed explanation by the editor
牡丹 is a deep-rooted flowering plant with fleshy roots and fewer fibrous roots. As a bonsai, the volume of the pot is limited, which reduces the nutritional area of the roots and causes a nutritional imbalance between the underground and above-ground parts, thus affecting the normal growth and development of牡丹.
1. Preparation of cultivation soil
Since牡丹 is a deep-rooted flowering plant with fleshy roots and fewer fibrous roots, and as a bonsai, the volume of the pot is limited, this reduces the nutritional area of the roots and causes a nutritional imbalance between the underground and above-ground parts, thus affecting the normal growth and development of牡丹. Therefore, the scientific preparation of cultivation soil is crucial. According to the characteristics of牡丹, the cultivation soil should be loose, fertile, high in humus content, and have long-lasting fertilizer effects. Based on our research, a relatively ideal formula is a mixture of humus soil, horse manure, garden soil, and furnace slag in a ratio of 2:1:2:1, mixed evenly, and sealed with human waste for decomposition, then used after one month.
2. Selection of牡丹 varieties and tree stumps
Bonsai牡丹 has strict requirements for varieties, and should choose those with a higher flowering rate, moderate growth, and easier shaping. Varieties such as "Zhusha Lai," "Zhao Fen," "Hu Hong," "Qinglong Wu Mo Chi," "Zhi Hong," etc. are suitable. Additionally, although "Sheng Dan Lu" has a smaller number of flowers and a large growth rate, it grows robustly with sturdy branches and a natural plant shape, making it ideal for bonsai materials.
For the selection of牡丹 tree stumps, from the perspective of rapid shaping, those suitable for shaping or with an ancient and dignified main stem and older seedlings are preferred. Natural stumps with good shape are the most ideal.
3. Potting time
The timing of potting directly affects the root development of the bonsai and the normal flowering the following year. Practice has shown that potting in mid-to-late September is more suitable.
4. Shaping
牡丹 wood is hard and brittle, easily breaking, and difficult to process.
① For the main stem, try to follow its natural curve. When potting, plant it at an angle, first wrapping the curved part with twine or bast, then inserting a wire of corresponding thickness (12-18 gauge) from the base, wrapping it at a 45° angle in the direction consistent with the planned twist, to make it tighter and tighter. Alternatively, use bast rope for arch-shaped traction, operate in stages, gradually bending it, and gradually achieving the shaping goal.
② For branch (small branch) treatment, mainly pruning. The layers of the bonsai, the retention of branches and buds, etc., should consider the relationship between density and emptiness and the spatial layout to achieve the desired effect.
③ For root treatment: The 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 potting soil to raise the roots each year.牡丹 has large leaves, which can be controlled by managing water and fertilizer and spraying dwarfing agents.
5. Treatment of pot surface (stone placement and moss covering)
Using太湖 stones or stone spikes is ideal for stone placement, which can be placed horizontally or vertically, with attention to the harmony and balance of the entire work. Moss covering can enhance the beauty 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 with little soil, watering must be done in a timely manner to ensure normal growth. After potting, water thoroughly once, 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 summer and autumn, watering should be controlled, and water should be given only when necessary.
Fertilizing: The nutrients in the pot are limited, and only timely fertilizing can ensure normal growth. Liquid fertilizers must be decomposed and diluted with water before application, while solid fertilizers can be applied evenly by making holes in the pot and then watering. Also, note that thick fertilizers should be applied in winter, light fertilizers in spring and autumn, and as thin as possible in summer or foliar fertilization.
Pay attention to overwintering and summering: In areas with severe cold in winter, the bonsai can be placed underground, surrounded by soil to enclose the roots, and the surrounding soil should be removed in mid-to-late March of the following year for normal management. During the hot summer, move the bonsai to a shaded shelter and ensure good drainage and ventilation, spray water on the branches and surrounding area daily to increase air humidity, and ensure the water supply during the flowering bud differentiation period of牡丹.
Disease and pest control: Before potting, cut off the remaining branches (except if needed for the bonsai), diseased roots, and bad roots, and disinfect the wounds with a 0.1-0.3% lime sulfur mixture. For soil disinfection, mix in furan dan to kill insects and sterilize (0.5 kg/m³), and spray lime sulfur or carbendazim once each before the spring germination and after the autumn defoliation. When scale insects are found, use 25% diammonium phosphate at 800-1000 times the concentration or 80% dichlorvos at 1000-1500 times the concentration for spraying before waxing, and use a brush to remove them after waxing.
The above content introduces how to plant old牡丹 flower stumps and the planting methods and management of potted牡丹 flowers for your reference, hoping to solve your problems in green plant management.