Making and maintaining small-leaf gardenia bonsai

Selection of small-leaf gardenia bonsai

"Oranges grown in the south of the Huai River are oranges, while those grown in the north of the Huai River are tangerines." Due to the different climate conditions, soil conditions, and cultivation methods in the north and south, the plant shapes of small-leaf gardenias are different, and the choice of small-leaf gardenias when making bonsai is naturally different. Gardenia in the south can be propagated by seeds, so when choosing, you may tend to prefer old stumps that have grown for many years, have a short plant shape, twisted branches, and strong trunks; because it is not easy to find old stumps of small-leaf gardenia in the north, when choosing, you may tend to prefer 2-3 year old plants that are old and simple, with slanting branches and various shapes for pruning.

Small-leaf Gardenia potting and pruning

Soil selection

Choose slightly acidic soil that is rich in humus to ensure adequate nutrient supply, loose and fertile to prevent soil compaction, and well-drained. When filling the pot with soil, pay attention to choosing large-particle soil for the lower layer to increase air permeability, and small-particle soil for the middle and upper layers to keep the plant upright.

prune

The pruning of the small-leaf gardenia bonsai needs to be done after flowering. According to the condition of the flower buds and taking into account the shape, cut off the excess branches and leave a small number of fruit-hanging branches. This can effectively control the growth of gardenia branches, facilitate the formation of flower buds, and ensure the overall coordination of the plant.

Later maintenance of small-leaf gardenia

Gardenias are usually transplanted in spring, and normally they need to be repotted every 2 to 3 years. When repotting, you need to trim the roots, cut off some fibrous roots to promote the growth of new roots, remove half of the old soil, add new soil, mix evenly, water thoroughly, and you can use rice water to water it. Place it in a cool and ventilated place. Gardenia is mostly transplanted in spring. Newly transplanted plants should be placed in a semi-shaded place without direct sunlight for maintenance, and the plants should be sprayed with water frequently to keep the air moist. After the plant has recovered its growth in about a week, move it to a place with sufficient light for maintenance.