Cultivation and maintenance of bonsai of bayberry

Bayberry is a small deciduous shrub of the Rubiaceae family, named after its peculiar flower shape that resembles bayberry. Moreover, it has a beautiful tree posture and bright colors, making it a good material for making bonsai and landscape trees. So what are the key points in the cultivation and maintenance of alfalfa bonsai? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Tree stump selection

In addition to purchasing from the market, digging up wild piles for cultivation can help them take shape more quickly. Usually the best time to dig piles is before the spring buds sprout, when the survival rate is highest. After digging the raw pile, cover it with mud, moss, etc. to keep it moist, and cut off excess branches to retain the skeleton. Heavy pruning before planting can avoid damaging the root system, and applying a healing agent to prevent water loss.

2. Soil configuration

The soil for planting bayberry should be loose, breathable, well-drained, and slightly acidic. Generally, it can be prepared by mixing humus, river sand, organic fertilizer , branch organic fertilizer, etc. After preparation, disinfect it with carbendazim solution and it can be used.

3. Planting in pots

The pots can be ceramic or plastic pots with good air permeability and drainage. Before planting, spread coarse sand on the bottom of the pot to 1/3 of the pot height, and cover it with 15-20 cm of potting soil. Then hold the dry pile in your hand and cover it with soil using a small shovel until it is 2-3 cm away from the edge of the pot. Then compact the entire pile.

4. Watering and maintenance

Water bayberry likes water and humidity. It needs to be watered frequently during the growing period to keep the soil moist, which is beneficial to the growth of the plant. In addition, you need to spray water around the plants frequently to maintain the air humidity in the small environment. After winter, you can control the water appropriately to keep the soil in the pot from drying out.

5. Lighting management

Water bayberry prefers a semi-shady environment and avoids strong direct sunlight. Especially during the high temperature period in summer, it should be properly shaded to prevent leaf burns.

6. Reasonable fertilization

In spring and autumn, apply decomposed thin liquid fertilizer once a month to meet the growth requirements. Do not apply fertilizer in winter and summer, as high or low temperatures will cause the water bayberry to wither and die.

7. Pruning and shaping

When pruning, be careful not to cut new branches in a hurry when they first grow. In the first year, focus on growing the branches and trunks. Thickening and shaping are the key. In the spring of the following year, the diseased and old branches are pruned, and the shaped branches are skillfully twisted and tied, extending horizontally to take shape. Prune again in the spring of the third year, tie the branches and leaves into layers, and pinch off the top to perfect the tree shape to complete the entire shape.

Generally speaking, most of the bonsai of water bayberry are made from wild tree stumps. When planting, pay attention to the excavation and treatment of tree stumps, and do the correct planting work. Finally, with maintenance management such as watering and fertilizing, you can cultivate a healthy and beautiful water bayberry bonsai.