Trimming of Zuijie White Wax Tree Bonsai
This article provides an introduction to trimming techniques and cultivation methods for Zuijie White Wax Tree bonsai and related experience in managing floral plantings, as follows:
The Zuijie White Wax Tree, unique to areas such as Jingzhou and Zhongxiang in Hubei province, belongs to the Oleaceae family, Fraxinus genus, and is a deciduous tree. It is also known as Hubei White Wax or Hubei Ash. The bark is smooth and light gray-green. The branches have a strong germination ability and are耐修剪. Due to its excellent adaptability to the environment (tolerant to high temperatures, drought, humidity, and requiring sunlight and fertile water), it can be planted outdoors in areas south of Beijing. Like osmanthus, it prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Now that we have introduced its growth habits, let's focus on the trimming and shaping techniques for Zuijie White Wax Tree bonsai, as well as the requirements and precautions for water and fertilizer management:
1. Trimming and Shaping of Zuijie White Wax Tree Bonsai:
1. Requirements and Precautions for Trimming Weak and Vigorous Branches (two types):
(1) For weak branches, due to incomplete root growth or poor growth, they should be left in the pot for another year of cultivation, and trimmed after the next year when the root and branch growth is better.
(2) For vigorous trees, pruning can generally start after the autumn equinox. Specific requirements are as follows:
① Begin trimming when branches reach 40 cm, leaving only 1-2 clusters of branches.
② After trimming, apply nitrogen fertilizer (urea) immediately to promote the thickening and strengthening of new branches.
③ Under sufficient water and fertilizer, control the growth of the terminal branches and perform appropriate pinching.
④ During trimming, promptly remove any extra branches at the base of the trunk to prevent excessive consumption and affect thickening.
⑤ After frost and leaf fall, repot the tree, removing sand and gravel from the roots and cutting long rootlets. Avoid exposing the roots.
2. Pruning and Branch Training for Zuijie White Wax Tree Bonsai:
(1) After a year of growth, pruning and branch training can be carried out in the second year. Initially, focus on binding for the first and second-level branches, with cutting as a secondary method. Later, when the shape is formed, cutting becomes primary and binding secondary. The overall principle is "from top to bottom, suppress strong and support weak."
(2) "From top to bottom" means starting from the upper branches, waiting for a fortnight, then cutting the middle branches, and waiting another week before cutting the lower branches. It is also important to note that for the same branchlet, upward branches are cut first, followed by parallel branches when they grow as thick as the upper branches. "Suppress strong and support weak" means cutting the thick upper branches first and the weaker branches later, making the overall thickness of the branches more balanced. It is worth noting that for well-growing tree trunk bonsai, leaves can be removed before pruning.
Trimming of Zuijie White Wax Tree Bonsai
(3) After the frost, the tree gradually enters dormancy. At this time, we can prune and bind the bonsai. This means following the principle of cutting being primary and binding secondary. We can first lightly trim the branches that affect the shape and then use aluminum wire to wrap and pull the branches that are not well-shaped. It is important to note that for the opposite branches on the first and second-level branches, pruning should be staggered, with one side cut short and the other side left long.
2. Water and Fertilizer Management for Zuijie White Wax Tree Bonsai and Precautions:
1. The growth habits of Zuijie White Wax Tree bonsai include a preference for fertilizer, humidity, and sunlight. For water and fertilizer, we can supply it generously. However, it is essential to adhere to the two principles of "water when dry, water thoroughly" and "apply thin fertilizer frequently, dilute thick fertilizer."
2. Water and fertilizer supply during the growing period: apply thin fertilizer frequently, once a week; generally, water the pot soil when it is slightly dry in the afternoon on sunny days, and do not forget to water the leaves.
3. Fertilizing should not be done on cloudy or rainy days, as it affects root respiration and the ability to absorb water and fertilizer.
4. One week before initial pruning, apply cake fertilizer water once, and then after new buds appear, apply another follow-up fertilizer.
The above are the techniques for trimming, shaping, and water and fertilizer management for Zuijie White Wax Tree bonsai shared by our landscape engineer from Lücheng Garden. I hope they are helpful to you. It's easy to like, but commenting shows sincerity! If you have different views or better answers, please leave a comment, and let's exchange and learn from each other. For more gardening and bonsai care techniques, you can follow the Garden Construction and Maintenance头条号, which is updated with the latest maintenance information from time to time, allowing you to easily become a maintenance expert! Thank you for your support! Your encouragement is my motivation to move forward.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of the trimming and management methods for Zuijie White Wax Tree bonsai. I hope it can serve as a starting point to solve your green plant problems.