Method of Making Lilac Bonsai
Want to create an elegant lilac bonsai but don't know where to start? As a famous traditional Chinese flower, lilac is favored by bonsai enthusiasts for its unique umbel inflorescence and rich fragrance. This article will systematically explain the complete production process from material selection to completion, allowing you to easily master the secrets of lilac bonsai shaping.
Four Key Steps in Making Lilac Bonsai
Material Selection and Propagation Cultivation
Quality plants are the foundation of bonsai making. It is recommended to choose healthy trees that are 3-4 years old and propagate them through cutting, division, or layering. Excavate before spring germination, retain a 30cm main root and fibrous roots, and treat the cut ends with rooting powder. During the seedling establishment period, shade and keep the soil moist, and gradually increase sunlight after new buds sprout.
Key Points of Potting and Planting
Clay pots or ceramic pots are the first choice, with a diameter of 2/3 of the crown. The substrate formula is suggested as follows: 4 parts of decomposed leaf soil + 3 parts of river sand + 2 parts of vermiculite + 1 part of bone meal. Place 5cm of broken tiles as a drainage layer in the pot, and spread the roots radially. After planting, water thoroughly and keep the pot covered with a plastic bag for 15 days to retain moisture.
Advanced Techniques for Shaping and Pruning
Method of Making Lilac Bonsai
Main branch positioning is done in March to April, with aluminum wire wrapped at a 45-degree angle. Use the "cutting and storing branch method" to cultivate secondary branches, retaining 3-5 bud points. Leaf pruning follows the "remove two, keep one" principle to ensure ventilation and light. After flowering each year, promptly remove the remaining flowers to avoid nutrient consumption.
Routine Maintenance Management Norms
Keep the soil moist during the growing season and apply diluted soybean cake water twice a month. Provide 30% shade in summer and move the plant indoors when temperatures drop to -5°C in winter. Repot and prune roots every 2 years, removing 1/3 of the old roots. Pay attention to controlling aphids and sooty mold disease, and regularly spray neem oil as a preventive measure.
After mastering these key points, you will be able to shape various forms such as弯曲式 (curved trunk), 挨水式 (near-water style), and 悬崖式 (cliff style). Remember to finalize the shaping in early spring during the germination period, and use an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote bud differentiation. A lilac bonsai that combines ornamental value and cultural connotation will certainly become the finishing touch in your garden.