Can Fraxinus hupehensis be grown indoors?
An article about whether Fraxinus hupehensis can be grown indoors, as well as related content on the maintenance and management of this green plant, is as follows:
Fraxinus hupehensis is a valuable species, suitable for ornamental purposes in gardens and courtyards as a bonsai, with very high ornamental value. It is highly adaptable, and daily maintenance not only benefits the plant's growth but also helps shape the bonsai. Let's talk about what to pay attention to in maintaining a Fraxinus hupehensis bonsai and how to do it.
I. Growing Environment
1. Temperature
Fraxinus hupehensis is cold and heat resistant, with a high-temperature tolerance limit of 43°C and a low-temperature tolerance of -21°C. It does not need to be cooled in summer or moved indoors in winter. However, attention should be paid to the water temperature for watering. If the water temperature is too low during the hot summer, it can cause leaf wilt, and the same is true in winter. The water temperature should be close to the air temperature before watering.
2. Watering
Water only when the soil is not dry, keeping the potting soil slightly moist. When watering, pour water close to the edge of the pot and wait for the water to seep in before watering again. It is best to water in the morning at 8 or 9 o'clock, preferably not at night. Accumulated water should be cleared during rainy days.
Water every 3 to 4 days in spring and autumn, every morning or evening during the cooler parts of summer, and increase the amount of water. In winter, water once a week more. The actual watering schedule and amount should depend on the dryness of the potting soil, as different pots have different drainage and aeration properties. It is best to use river, well, or rainwater, or even rice washing water, but the water quality should not be polluted.
3. Light
Fraxinus hupehensis enjoys sunlight and is somewhat shade-tolerant. Growth is better under sufficient sunlight, and when new branches are thick and new leaves are purplish-red, it indicates adequate water, fertilizer, and light; otherwise, it is insufficient.
4. Pot and Soil
After the bonsai is formed, the potting soil can be reduced by half and then filled with coal slag.
5. Fertilizing
No need for too much fertilizer. Before the plant matures into a tree shape, apply thin fertilizer frequently, every 5 to 7 days during spring and summer afternoons. Once the tree shape is formed, fertilizing can be stopped.
II. Maintenance
1. Pruning and Bonsai Shaping
To maintain the shape of the bonsai, the plant needs to be pruned appropriately. Spring and autumn are the growing seasons when new buds of Fraxinus hupehensis can be pinched and long branches can be cut to maintain the shape of the bonsai. In late August, after a brief dormant period, the new buds should also be pinched.
Newly purchased plants need to be modified, mainly by pruning the trunk to encourage shaping, removing unnecessary roots and branches, and paying attention to treating wounds after pruning. A healing agent can be applied to promote wound healing and prevent diseases and pests. To maintain the shape of the bonsai, pruning should focus on thinning the branches and converting "frog leg" branches into hanging curves.
2. Potting and Soil Replacement
Young plants need to be repotted with new soil according to their size, and mature plants generally need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years.
III. Diseases and Pests
Fraxinus hupehensis has a very strong resistance to diseases. However, if the potting soil is alkaline or tap water is used for a long time, it can cause chlorosis, requiring preventive measures. Use a 400-fold dilution of ferrous sulfate solution to water the roots once a week, continuing for 3 to 5 times.
The common pest is the flower thrips. If found, it can be controlled with chemicals such as 800-fold dilution of敌杀死 (Dikilling). Cottony cushion scale and red wax scale often appear on plants with poor growth, mostly in early summer and autumn, and can be controlled by spraying a 20% dilution of 2000-fold killingthrin.
The above is a detailed introduction to whether Fraxinus hupehensis can be grown indoors, as well as the maintenance and management of the plant. Did you understand it?