How to care for and manage a plum blossom bonsai

How to care for plum blossom bonsaiComprehensive analysis on how to care for plum blossom bonsai and the introduction of green plant flowers related to the maintenance and management of plum blossom bonsai, followed by a detailed introduction.1 FertilizationPlum blossoms require a large amount of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. Therefore, it is necessary to fertilize properly to promote vigorous growth of plum blossoms and maintain their shape and variety characteristics. For plum trees grown outdoors, during the spring and summer growing periods, a circular trenching method can be used to apply human manure once, supplemented by appropriate applications of soybean cake and oilseed meal. Specific operation: dig a trench 15-20 cm deep around 20 cm from the plum tree, apply the fertilizer into the trench, fill the trench with soil, and then water thoroughly once. For potted plum blossoms, apply decomposed oilseed meal or soybean cake water once every 10 days while watering. In the fall when flower buds are differentiating, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and apply a small amount of phosphorus fertilizer, or spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer to ensure the nutrients required for normal differentiation of flower buds; in early October, whether planted in the ground or in pots, apply liquid fertilizer once to promote bright spring blooming and extend the blooming period.2 WateringPlum blossoms are relatively drought-resistant, and excessive water can cause root damage, leaf drop, affect the formation of flower buds, and even lead to root rot and death. Generally, for plum trees grown outdoors, watering is not required except during long periods of drought; however, for potted plum blossoms, attention must be paid to watering. Water once in the afternoon during dry weather, and if the potting soil is too dry, water in the morning as well, always keeping the potting soil moist. The principle is "do not water when the soil is not dry, water when it is dry." If the green leaves wilt, the potting soil is too dry, and if the leaves turn yellow and fall off, the potting soil is too wet. If leaves fall off too early during the growing season, it will affect the differentiation of flower buds; after autumn, as flower buds gradually form, the shedding of old leaves is beneficial for blooming.3 Pruning and Shaping3.1 Young Trees3.1.1 Shaping. The crown of plum trees is relatively open, without a distinct central leader branch, often presenting a natural or round shape. Therefore, shaping should aim for an open heart shape. Pruning is mostly done in the nursery, with one-year-old seedlings cut 60-70 cm from the ground, leaving 3-5 branches as main branches to grow naturally outward. When pruning secondary branches, select lateral branches on the upper and lower parts of the main branches to ensure that flower branches grow on the main and lateral branches without heavy pruning. This results in more branching, faster crown formation, vigorous growth, and early and abundant blooming.3.1.2 Pruning. Young trees are often pruned lightly in winter to promote early crown formation and blooming. Avoid heavy pruning, as it may delay flowering. To promote the development of lateral branches, the main branches should be pruned moderately. The intensity of pruning depends on the strength of the branches, with strong branches pruned more and weak branches pruned less, maintaining a balanced growth of the main branches. Generally, cut off 1/4-1/3, leaving branches 40-70 cm long. The pruning of lateral branches is the opposite of main branches, requiring less pruning of strong branches to allow for more flower branches, while weak branches are pruned more, allowing for fewer but more nutrient-dense flower branches. Dead, diseased, dense, and vigorous lateral branches should be cut off from the base. In the spring after germination, unnecessary and dense buds should be thinned to reduce nutrient consumption and promote ventilation and light. Pinching can adjust the growth potential, maintain subordination, and promote the germination of secondary branches, accelerating crown formation. Pinching of branches and buds is significant for expanding the edge of the crown and early blooming.3.2 Adult TreesPrune flowering plum trees after blooming. Varieties with strong branching ability can produce a large number of fine branches from most leaf buds. Winter pruning involves heavy pruning and thinning of some branches to strengthen the tree's vigor. Varieties with weak branching ability produce fewer thick branches. Pruning should leave some branches longer to promote more flowering branches. To maintain a balanced growth of main branches, strong branches are pruned more, and weak branches are pruned less, generally determining the length at 30-60 cm. If the main branches are too short, they can be left unpruned, and if there are secondary branches on the main branches, 2-3 buds can be left. Lateral branch pruning depends on the direction of branch growth and the amount of space they occupy, following the principle of "long branches left long, short branches left short." Overdense lateral branches can be cut off from the base.Flower branches should be thinned, with no pruning of flower and short flower branches, only thinning dense branches. Medium and long flower branches should be pruned to leave 2-3 buds. If there is more space, medium flower branches can be left unpruned, and long flower branches left with 3-5 buds. Diseased, dead, dense, and horizontal branches should be cut off from the base.3.3 Old TreesWhen old plum trees start to age and bloom less frequently, with the branches inside the crown and on the upper part of the main branches gradually dying, and when a few suckers emerge from the base of the main branches, renewal pruning should be performed to rejuvenate the crown, which can be light, moderate, or severe. If the upper branches of the main branches become weak and bloom less or not at all, light renewal pruning should be performed, cutting off the weak branches and dead parts of the main branches, generally about 1/4-1/3 of the total length of the main branches. If the upper and inner branches of the main branches die, bloom less, and a few suckers emerge from the base, moderate renewal should be done, cutting off 1/3-1/2 of the main branch length. If most of the branches in the upper part of the main branches and the inner crown die, bloom very little or not at all, and many suckers emerge from the base, severe renewal pruning should be done, cutting off 1/3-2/3 of the total length of the main branches. After renewal, it is necessary to strengthen water, fertilizer, and pest and disease control management, and pay attention to drainage, drought prevention, and weeding to promote the quick recovery of tree vigor.The above information on how to care for plum blossom bonsai and related explanations on the maintenance and management of plum blossom bonsai are hoped to bring a little help to your life!