Cultivation methods and precautions of Photinia

The Chinese photinia has been an important material for making bonsai since ancient times. Its roots and trunks are simple and peculiar, and its posture is elegant. Growing a pot of it at home will look beautiful and grand. So what are the cultivation methods and precautions of Photinia chinensis? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Soil

The Chinese photinia is not very demanding on the soil and is relatively tolerant of poor soil. Loose and fertile humus soil is best for potted plants . River soil or pond soil mixed with sand can also be used.

2. Temperature

Since the photinia is native to tropical regions and prefers high temperature and high humidity environments, it has very strict requirements on winter temperatures. When the ambient temperature is below 10°C, the photinia will stop growing and cannot safely survive the winter when frost occurs. The curing temperature should be controlled between 15-21℃.

3. Lighting

The photinia prefers partial shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. In summer, appropriate shade should be provided to avoid exposure to the sun. In spring and autumn, sufficient sunlight can be provided to promote photosynthesis.

4. Watering

The soil of potted Chinese photinia should be kept moist at all times, especially in midsummer when the temperature is high and the weather is dry. Pay attention to watering and spraying water frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.

5. Fertilization

During the growing season, apply fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements every 1-2 months. When the plant is first planted, you need to wait for 1 month before adding fertilizer to avoid root damage. After entering winter, the growth of photinia quinata is slow and it requires less fertilizer, so you can stop fertilizing.

6. Pruning

During the period of vigorous growth, the Chinese photinia needs to be pruned, mainly cutting off overlapping branches, dense branches, overgrown branches, old branches, dead branches, diseased branches, and rotten branches, so as to maintain a good shape and promote the growth of new plum blossoms .

7. Insect prevention

The main pests that harm the Chinese photinia are insect pests. If longhorn beetles harm branch trunks, you can apply lime sulfur mixture for prevention and control; if scale insects suck tree sap, you can kill them by manual brushing.

8. Repotting

Repotting should be done every 2-3 years, preferably in spring before budding in February or March. Replace some of the old soil, prune the roots of the plant, cut off some of the dead and rotten roots, and perform corresponding root lifting treatments.



In general, the Chinese photinia not only has an elegant tree body, but also has a majestic tree momentum. It is a very popular type of home bonsai plant. If you want to grow a healthy and beautiful photinia bonsai, you must be proficient in the above-mentioned cultivation methods and details such as temperature, light, watering, and fertilization.