How to Prune Honeysuckle Bonsai
This article introduces the knowledge of how to prune honeysuckle bonsai and the key points of honeysuckle bonsai cultivation techniques in the field of green plants and flowers, as follows:
Honeysuckle is both a flower and a medicinal herb. When cultivating honeysuckle indoors, it is essential to master the correct pruning method to ensure better growth. Proper pruning can increase the number of honeysuckle buds and make the shape more attractive. Pruning honeysuckle requires attention from multiple aspects; the following introduces how to prune potted honeysuckle.
One, Time and Method of Pruning
1. Pruning Method
Honeysuckle is a vine-like shrub. To shape the plant into a tree-like form, the simplest method is to cut off the new buds on the main stem, roots, and weak or diseased branches. To maintain the tree shape, it is necessary to pinch the top and remove the growing tips, allowing the honeysuckle roots to gradually become stronger. In particular, to ensure the long-term survival of the plant, it is best not to prune the roots, especially as damaged main roots are detrimental to nutrient absorption and can easily fall over due to shallow soil and wind.
It is important to grasp the degree of pruning, pruning strong branches more aggressively and weak plants less so, to maintain a balanced state between the main stem and branches. Additionally, after the tree shape is formed, it is necessary to regularly shape the honeysuckle bonsai using winter pruning, summer pruning, drying pruning, flat-top pruning, and branch breaking methods.
2. Pruning Timing
The initial pruning should be done when the honeysuckle reaches 35-50 centimeters in height to promote the growth of lateral branches.
Pruning can be done in every season. Minor adjustments can be made during regular maintenance, and a full pruning is required after the flowering period. Spring pruning focuses on topping the main stem, summer pruning involves light pruning of lateral branches, autumn pruning involves cutting the autumn shoots, and winter pruning can be done from December to February of the following year.
3. Pruning Parts
When pruning, be careful to handle the top branches and leaves, and cut away any poorly growing ones. This includes dry and leggy parts of the leaves and the remaining flowers after flowering. Pruning can prevent nutrient loss in honeysuckle.
If any part of the honeysuckle is affected by pests or diseases, it should be cut off promptly to prevent damage to other parts.
Two, How to Choose Pruning Methods
1. Based on Variety
Cultivated honeysuckle has two varieties: large flowered and chicken claw flowered. The large flowered variety requires heavy pruning of leggy and dense branches, while the chicken claw flowered variety should be pruned into an umbrella shape, cutting long branches and weak or diseased ones.
2. Based on Flower Age
Plants in the fourth year of planting are considered young and can be pruned to shape. Plants in the flowering period, 4-20 years old, should have weak and dense branches pruned. Old honeysuckle requires pruning of dead, diseased, and weak branches.
3. Others
When pruning a bonsai, the general aim is to create a tree-like structure with a single main stem. However, if there are new shoots at the base of the main stem, they can be retained for future use. For example, these branches can be used to propagate new plants through layering when they grow larger.
Three, Precautions for Pruning Honeysuckle
1. Before Pruning
Disinfection must be done well before pruning. The tools should be disinfected before use, and the honeysuckle wounds should also be disinfected after pruning to prevent the spread of disease. Do not expose the pruned honeysuckle wounds to water, as they can easily rot.
2. Post-Pruning Care
After pruning, pay attention to the duration of sunlight and control the water supply. It is best to place the plant in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area for care, which can take about a week to recover. During this period, do not fertilize the honeysuckle, and fertilization can be done appropriately after a month.
The above shares the complete content on how to prune honeysuckle bonsai and the key points of honeysuckle bonsai cultivation techniques. Green plant enthusiasts can refer to this aspect for reference.