Cultivation methods and precautions of pepper tree potted plants

Pepper tree is a very popular potted plant. It has an upright plant shape, lush branches and leaves, and small yellow flowers, which makes it highly ornamental. Here are some tips on growing pepper tree in pots and what to look out for.

1. Flowerpot selection

Pepper tree bonsai is not resistant to waterlogging, so there are strict requirements on the selection of pots. Try to use pots with good air permeability and drainage. Generally, glazed pottery pots and purple clay pots are preferred.

2. Soil selection

The pepper tree bonsai prefers loose, fertile, breathable, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy soil. When preparing the soil, it is generally prepared with garden soil containing humus, organic fertilizer , and coarse sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. Because it is not resistant to waterlogging, a 2-3 cm layer of coarse sand can be placed at the bottom of the pot before planting to allow water to flow through.

3. Trimming and shaping

The pepper tree bonsai grows slowly, and in principle, the pruning force should not be too strong, so if we want to maintain a good shape, we must use coiling as the main method and pruning as the auxiliary method. The best time to prune is in spring. Although pruning is possible in winter during the dormant period, considering the later growth recovery and wound healing, pruning is best done in the afternoon on a sunny day in spring. Prune the dense branches, old, weak and diseased branches to improve ventilation and light transmission and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

4. Suitable temperature for growth

The suitable temperature for the growth of pepper tree bonsai is 20-30℃. The temperature is high and sultry in summer, so we must shade and moisturize it in time, move it to a cool and ventilated place, and spray water on the leaves in time. The temperature is low in winter. When the temperature is below 10℃, growth stops; when it is below 4℃, it is easy to get frostbite, so we still have to take good insulation measures.

5. Water appropriately

The pepper tree bonsai is not tolerant to waterlogging, so the soil in the pot must not be waterlogged. During the growing season, the soil in the pot should be kept moist. In the hot and dry season and winter, water should be sprayed on the bonsai leaves and the environment to maintain relative humidity. Generally water once every 3-5 days, and water thoroughly.

6. Fertilization management

The pepper tree bonsai requires a large amount of fertilizer. During the growth period, apply a thin liquid fertilizer every 15 days. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can apply 1-2 times of concentrated potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution to increase the plant's winter resistance and disease resistance.

7. Notes

When tying the branches with palm fiber, if the branches are too smooth, you can wrap them with a layer of cotton cloth before tying them. When using palm fiber to wrap, be sure not to expose it, otherwise it will easily affect the appearance. In addition, when tying the branches, try to make the main branches appear twisted, and try to make the other twigs as natural as possible.

That’s it