The Production and Maintenance Key Points of Kerria japonica Bonsai
Kerria japonica is favored by bonsai enthusiasts for its twisted branches and beautiful flowers. This article systematically analyzes the cultivation secrets of Kerria japonica bonsai from old stump propagation to shaping design, helping you create timeless masterpieces.
Core Techniques of Bonsai Production
Technique for Propagation from Old Stumps
Selecting 5-year-old or older stump materials, preserving natural hanging roots and scar tissue. When transplanting, keep the original soil ball, cut the main roots to 15cm, and retain 80% of the fibrous roots. It is recommended to use coarse sand for growing the seedlings after autumn transplanting, keep the bag moist with ventilation for 2 hours daily, and gradually remove it after new buds sprout. Transition branch cultivation should pay attention to the ratio of trunk to branch diameter, with a main branch to lateral branch diameter ratio of 1:0.6 being optimal.
Artistic Shaping Practice
Adopt differentiated shaping for different stump materials: young stumps are shaped into S-type curves using aluminum wire, while old stumps retain their natural growth. For丛林-style, control a combination of 3-7 plants, maintaining a height difference ratio of 1:0.8. After flowering, trim to retain 2-3 bud points and control the canopy by pinching. Special shapes can be combined with the technique of deadwood, carving natural textures with a knife.
Scientific Maintenance System
Four-Season Pruning Standards
Substrate Mixture Scheme
Use a mixture of red jade soil: decomposed leaf soil: river sand = 4:3:3, adding 200g/m³ of bone meal every 2 years during potting. Place a 5cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot for drainage, and add microbial fertilizer in spring and autumn. Maintain a pH value between 6.0-6.6 and an EC value of 1.2-1.8mS/cm.
Light, Water, Temperature, and Fertilizer Management
Ensure 6 hours of daily sunlight, with 30% shading required in summer. Maintain substrate moisture between 40%-60% during the growing period, using the immersion method for watering. Increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer during the bud differentiation period, adjusting the N-P-K ratio to 1:3:2. Apply EM bacterial solution during the low-temperature winter period to enhance cold resistance.
Mastering these core technical points, combined with regular observation and adjustment, your Kerria japonica bonsai will thrive with flowers and leaves every year. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording plant growth data to gradually develop a personalized cultivation plan.