How to Care for Osmanthus Bonsai
Introduction: This article covers related topics such as the care and management of osmanthus bonsai and potted osmanthus plants. Let's explore these green plant aspects together.
Osmanthus is one of the top ten famous traditional flowers in China, combining绿化 (greening),美化 (beautification), and 香化 (fragrance) into an excellent ornamental and practical garden species. The osmanthus is so pure it can purify the dust, and its fragrance can spread far and wide, making it a wonder. Osmanthus belongs to the Osmanthus genus of the Oleaceae family, which is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It has been deeply loved by Chinese people since ancient times and is considered a traditional famous flower. It is widely planted in the courtyards, parks, and streets of southern regions. In August each year, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air, and it is deeply loved by people. Osmanthus is a very popular flowering plant in China. It can be cultivated in courtyards in areas south of the Huai River, but in the North China region, it is generally grown in pots. How should potted osmanthus be cared for?
1. Planting Time: Osmanthus is usually planted in autumn or spring before the buds sprout.
2. Potting Soil Preparation: Planting osmanthus in pots has limitations. A pot is a special small environment. No single type of soil can meet the needs of potted flowers for various aspects of soil. Therefore, artificial soil preparation is necessary for potted osmanthus, to replace the soil and keep the flowers fixed in the pot, with certain water retention and drainage properties. It should be loose, fertile, well-draining, and well-aerated, rich in humus and not too alkaline. The potting soil for planting osmanthus usually consists of three parts garden soil, two parts coal ash or coarse sand, and one part decomposed leaf soil or household waste. Alternatively, 75% humus soil or garden soil mixed with 25% coal ash and coarse sand can be used.
3. Selection of Pots: The pot for potted osmanthus should be relatively large, matching the crown diameter of the osmanthus plant. Generally, a two-year-old plant should use a pot with a diameter of 20-25 centimeters, and a three-year-old seedling should use a pot with a diameter of over 30 centimeters. A small pot cannot meet the nutrient and water needs of the plant.
4. Planting: Place gravel or coarse sand at the bottom of the pot for drainage, then fill in the potting soil. Place the osmanthus plant in the center of the pot, ensuring the roots are spread out. Press the soil in layers and gently shake the plant to compact the soil. Do not plant too deep; the soil should be 2-4 centimeters from the pot opening. After planting, water thoroughly. Place the newly planted osmanthus in a ventilated and cool place for about 10 days, then manage it according to the daily routine after it recovers.
5. Water and Fertilizer Management: After the osmanthus has produced new leaves, move it to a ventilated and sunny place, keeping the potting soil slightly moist. The watering principle is to water when the soil is dry and avoid excessive watering and waterlogging. In hot summers, increase watering as the soil dries. During the flowering period, avoid excessive watering to prevent flower drop. In winter, control watering to prevent leaf drop and affect the next year's flowering. After rainfall, promptly remove the accumulated water in the pot. During the vigorous growth period, apply a dilute animal manure solution every 7 days. From June to August before flowering, apply a fertilizer mainly containing phosphorus and potassium. After flowering, apply dried pig manure, about one or two taels per pot. It is best to change the soil every year and repot every 2-3 years.
6. Pruning of Osmanthus: The shaping and pruning of osmanthus are usually done in early spring. After the flowers fade each year, prune the dense inner branches, slender branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and dry branches to ensure good ventilation and light penetration. Pay attention to controlling the strong top and weak bottom, achieving a balanced tree crown. Do not prune heavily but gradually cultivate it.
7. Winter Management: For osmanthus that needs to be moved indoors after winter, the indoor temperature should be maintained at 0-5 degrees Celsius. High temperatures are not conducive to flowering, and the humidity should be maintained between 50-80%.
8. Note: Osmanthus does not tolerate smoke and dust. In areas with a lot of smoke and dust, it often grows poorly, the leaves become smaller and easier to fall off, and flowering is reduced.
This article shares specific introductions on how to care for osmanthus bonsai and the management methods for potted osmanthus plants, for reference by netizens.