How to Care for Fraxinus
The editor brings you an introduction to the care of Fraxinus and the management of Fraxinus hupehensis, which are great pieces of knowledge for green plant flowers. It is recommended to save this for future reference!
Fraxinus hupehensis is a valuable tree species, suitable for garden and courtyard decorations as a bonsai, with very high ornamental value. It is highly adaptable, and daily care not only benefits the plant's growth but also helps shape the bonsai. Let's talk about what needs attention and how to care for a Fraxinus hupehensis bonsai.
I. Growing Environment
1. Temperature
Fraxinus hupehensis is cold and heat resistant, with a high temperature tolerance limit of 43°C and can withstand temperatures as low as -21°C. There is no need for cooling in summer or moving indoors in winter. However, attention should be paid to the water temperature for irrigation. When the temperature is high in summer, using water that is too cold can cause leaf wilt, and the same applies in winter. The water temperature should be similar to the air temperature before irrigation.
2. Water
Ensure that the soil is not dry before watering, and the potting soil should only be slightly moist. When watering, first pour water close to the edge of the pot, then wait for the surface water to seep in before watering a second time. It is best to water in the morning at 8 or 9 o'clock, preferably not at night, and accumulated water should be removed on rainy days.
Water every 3 to 4 days in spring and autumn, water once a day in summer during the cooler morning or evening, and increase the amount of water. In winter, water once every week or so. Since different pots have different drainage and aeration, the actual watering time and amount should depend on the dryness of the potting soil. The best water sources are river, well, or rainwater, and washing water can also be used, but the water quality should not be polluted.
3. Light
Fraxinus hupehensis enjoys light and is somewhat shade-tolerant. Growth is better under sufficient sunlight. When new branches are thick and the new leaves are purplish-red, it indicates that the plant has enough water, fertilizer, and light, otherwise, it is insufficient.
4. Pot and Soil
After the potted plant has matured, the potting soil can be reduced by half and then filled with coal cinder.
5. Fertilization
No need for too much fertilizer. Before the plant forms a tree shape, apply a thin layer of fertilizer frequently, once every 5 to 7 days, choosing sunny afternoons in spring and summer. After the tree shape is formed, fertilization 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 prominent 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 promote shaping, cutting off unwanted roots and branches, and paying attention to wound treatment 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 changing the frog leg branches to hanging拐.
2. Potting and Soil Replacement
When the plant is still young, it is necessary to change the potting soil according to the size of the plant. Mature plants generally need to change pots and soil every 2 to 3 years.
III. Diseases and Pests
It has very strong disease resistance, but if the potting soil is too alkaline or tap water is used for irrigation over a long period, it can cause chlorosis, which requires preventive measures. Use a 400 times dilution of ferrous sulfate solution to water the roots once a week, for 3 to 5 times.
The common pest is the flower thrips. If found, it can be controlled with chemicals such as 800 times dilution of dichlorvos. Cottony cushion scale and red wax scale often appear on trees that are not doing well, mainly occurring in early summer and autumn, and can be controlled by spraying a 20% cypermethrin solution diluted 2000 times to kill the pests.
The above sharing on how to care for Fraxinus and the specific introduction to the maintenance and management of Fraxinus hupehensis, hope you will like it!