How to make bonsai with crape myrtle

Selection of flower species

When making crape myrtle bonsai, you should give priority to varieties that are suitable for the conditions, which can make the production process more efficient.

In late autumn and early winter, you can select crape myrtle varieties with thicker stems for grafting and variety improvement. This method is relatively convenient and has a higher plant survival rate.

Horticultural varieties of crape myrtle with short and dense internodes, small leaves, easy flowering, long flowering period and bright colors can also be made into bonsai. They need to be cultivated as seedlings first, and then pruned and shaped according to the shaping techniques of bonsai making.

Potting

During the potting process, the bonsai should be placed according to the shape of the bonsai material and the needs of the shape.

Then pour the prepared loose, fertile humus soil around the flowerpot to allow the roots to be in close contact with the soil. After watering with enough water to help the roots take root, place it in a sheltered, shaded place for maintenance.

Normally, you should also spray water on the branches and trunks to keep them moist and prevent the trunks from drying out. After the buds sprout, move them to a sunny place for maintenance.

Watering

The transpiration of crape myrtle is vigorous during the growth period, so the soil in the pot must be kept moist.

In the early stages of the growth of the branches and leaves of the crape myrtle, the amount of watering needs to be properly controlled to avoid excessive growth of the branches and leaves of the crape myrtle bonsai.

The plant needs to be watered sufficiently after the buds are formed and before flowering, especially in the hot and dry summer. The amount of watering should be increased, and the air humidity should be increased by spraying water on the leaves of the crown. The plant needs less water in winter, so it only needs to be sprayed occasionally.

Fertilization

It is suitable to apply organic fertilizer in winter, and cake liquid fertilizer and other phosphorus-free and potassium-free organic fertilizers should be applied every week during the growing season.

Before and after the formation of flower buds, it is appropriate to spray a 0.2% concentration of potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaves, which is beneficial to the differentiation of flower buds and the expansion of flower buds.

Apply sufficient amount of organic fertilizer after each flowering period.

Plastic pruning

After the leaves of the crape myrtle fall, the ordinary branches can be pruned according to the needs of the bonsai shape, leaving 1-2 buds on each branch.

During the growing period of crape myrtle, the main thing to do is to promptly prune away the dense branches, the long branches, and the branches that have no value when growing at the base.

If you want the crape myrtle bonsai to bloom multiple times a year, you should remove the remaining flowers in time after each flower fades to avoid fruiting and consuming nutrients.

Repotting and soil turning

It is suitable to repot the crape myrtle bonsai every two years or so, and the time for repotting can be chosen in winter and spring.

According to the needs of the crape myrtle bonsai shape, replace it in time, remove part or all of the old soil, cut off some excess roots and dead roots, ensure the fertility of the soil, water it thoroughly, and then carry out usual maintenance management.