Summer maintenance of plum bonsai
As the first of the top ten famous flowers in China, Plum Blossom's bonsai art carries profound cultural heritage. High temperatures in midsummer are both a golden period and a dangerous period for plum bonsai. Mastering scientific maintenance methods can not only keep the plant healthy, but also lay the foundation for flower bud differentiation in the coming year. This article will systematically analyze the key points for summer maintenance of plum bonsai from five dimensions from environmental control to shape maintenance. Environmental control strategies Light and ventilation management Plum bonsai should be placed in a ventilated environment with direct light for ≥6 hours a day to avoid burning young leaves with strong light at noon. The rotating tray method is used to adjust the 90-degree orientation every week to ensure uniform light reception, and a sunshade net is used for temporary shading during high temperature periods above 35℃. Formulated soil (garden soil: leaf soil: river sand =5:3:2) is used to control the substrate and temperature and humidity, and a 3cm ceramsite layer is laid on the bottom of the basin to enhance drainage. The double-layer pot method can reduce high temperature damage to the roots, and the outer pot is filled with moist water moss, which can reduce the temperature of the pot soil by 5-8℃. Maintain the environmental humidity of 60-70%, and adopt an atomized spray system is better than direct foliar spray. Precise management of water and fertilizer and scientific water replenishment principles establish a "morning inspection and noon replenishment" mechanism: detect the water content of the basin soil in the morning, and when the surface layer is 2 cm dry, use the dipping basin method to replenish water (the difference between water temperature and air temperature ≤3℃). 5-6 The "dry-wet alternating method" is implemented during the flower bud differentiation period in the month to keep the substrate water content fluctuating within the range of 40-60%. Nutrient supply plan In early June, special slow-release fertilizer for plum blossoms (N-P-K=5-10-10) will be applied, combined with potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer (concentration 0.2%) once a week. In September, a mixture of bone meal + plant ash (2:1) was used for autumn fertilizer, and 10g/pot was buried shallowly along the edge of the pot. Modeling maintenance system trimming and shaping techniques Carry out styling and trimming immediately after flower, retaining 2-3 buds at the base. Use the three methods of "cutting, thinning and tying": cut short long branches, thin out cross branches, and use copper wire to coil and tie them to create the classic "two-and-a-half" shape. Every 15cm of new branches grow, they are twisted at 45° to promote cortex lignification. Establish a "prevention-first" system for pest and disease control: spray matrine biopesticides (diluted 1000 times) every month, and hang yellow sticky insect boards to monitor insect conditions. For red spiders, use a mixture of pepper water + detergent (50:1) to spray continuously for 3 days. (T-J) In the early stage of the disease, garlic extract (100g/L) was used to irrigate the roots.
The maintenance of plum bonsai in midsummer is a double test of skill and patience. From precise environmental control to scientific nutritional management, every detail is related to the survival of the plant. Mastering the rules of "three controls and two promotion"-controlling water, temperature, shape, promoting roots and buds, you can allow plum bonsai to accumulate energy in the hot summer and bloom in the cold winter. It is recommended that conservators establish a maintenance log to record daily temperature and humidity changes and plant responses, and gradually form a personalized maintenance system.