How to Care for a Crape Myrtle Bonsai
Today's tip sharing: How to care for a crape myrtle bonsai and related content about the maintenance and management of green plants in crape myrtle bonsai, let's take a look together!
The flowering period of crape myrtle can last for a hundred days, with fine leaves and dense branches, making it an excellent bonsai for viewing flowers, stems, and roots. Therefore, many people often create crape myrtle bonsai at home. There are many methods for making crape myrtle bonsai, mainly including grafting, root excavation, and plant transplantation. Let's understand them in detail below.
1. Grafting Method
Crape myrtle bonsai can be made using the grafting method. Choose healthy branches of crape myrtle, cut them and trim them appropriately, then use sterilized pruning tools to cut one side into a V shape. At the same time, choose a strong and healthy rootstock and cut a section of the rootstock into a V shape as well. Then combine the cut surface of the crape myrtle branch and the rootstock, tie them with thin绳, and then cover them with plastic film. In about 10-15 days, the plant will grow new branches and leaves.
2. Root Excavation Method
Process the roots of wild crape myrtle trees, cutting off rotten and old roots, diseased and withered branches, and excess overlapping branches and leaves. During the growing period of the crape myrtle bonsai, the lush growth of branches and leaves can affect the growth of the main stem, so pruning the old roots and complex branches and leaves can better promote the growth of new roots and branches.
3. Plant Transplantation
Transplant the roots of healthy crape myrtle trees, using loose and fertile organic soil to allow the roots to better absorb moisture. In addition, the soil should be cultivated regularly to enhance soil aeration, thus promoting the healthy growth of the plant.
4. Plant Pruning
As the crape myrtle tree grows slowly, it is necessary to prune its irregular leaves, leaving about 1 to 2 buds on each branch. When the flowers of the crape myrtle tree are almost dry, they can be picked to promote a second blooming.
5. Watering and Fertilizing
After planting the crape myrtle bonsai, remember to water and fertilize it on time. Keep the potting soil moist but avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot. Fertilizing should also be moderate to avoid burning the roots.
6. Creation Methods
Multi-trunk Twisting Method: Twist the main trunks of small crape myrtle trees together, then wrap the root branches around the main trunks and twist them together, using ropes and wire for support. After persisting for a year or two, the bonsai will form a rather unique shape.
Shortening and Thickening Method: To control its growth height, it is necessary to control it by shortening the branches, usually retaining 15 to 20 centimeters.
7. Diseases and Pests
Crape myrtle trees are commonly affected by powdery mildew and sooty mold, which can be treated with 50% carbendazim wettable powder 500 times solution, methylethylthiazole or thiabendazole 50% wettable powder 600 times solution; or with diniconazole wettable powder 2000-2500 times solution, 40% Fostex 8000 times solution for prevention and control.
Pests usually include red spider mites, caterpillars of the tussock moth, and bagworm larvae. Use DDT 1000 times solution, dicofol, or kelthane for the control of red spider mites; scale insects can be controlled with lime sulfur solution or other insecticides.
The above is the specific content on how to care for a crape myrtle bonsai and the maintenance and management of crape myrtle bonsai for everyone's reference and operation.