West Begonia (Malus micromalus) Bonsai Shaping and Potted Care Methods

The West Begonia (Malus micromalus) has a graceful tree form, brilliant flowers in spring, and abundant red fruits in autumn that are dainty and lovely. It is a beautiful ornamental flowering and fruiting tree species in landscaping, and also an ideal bonsai material. But how should you shape it, and how should potted West Begonia be cared for? Below, the editor introduces several processes for making West Begonia bonsai.

How to Shape West Begonia Bonsai

Shaping and working West Begonia usually combines wiring with pruning, and the processing period is best from after leaf drop in winter to before bud break in spring. During the plum rain season, new branches have grown relatively mature and the branches are quite elastic, so it is also suitable for pruning and wiring work. Seedlings 2 to 3 years old can begin processing; at this time they are highly malleable and easier to work with. It is best to use both palm fiber and metal wire; the trunk and large branches need appropriate wiring, while all small branches are shaped entirely by pruning. It is best to prune the branches and leaves into a natural tree crown; do not wire them into overly regular forms. West Begonia grows relatively fast, so the palm fiber and metal wire should be removed in time to prevent harm to the tree. It can be processed and made into many styles, such as slanting trunk, curved trunk, waterside style, cascade style, double trunk, multi-trunk, and more.

How to Grow Potted West Begonia

1. Choosing the pot and soil. When making West Begonia bonsai, it is best to choose a medium-deep glazed ceramic pot or purple clay pot. Pot shapes can be round, square, rectangular, etc., and it is best if the pot color contrasts somewhat with the flower color. West Begonia likes fertilizer and grows rapidly, so the pot should not be too small or too shallow. West Begonia is not strict about soil quality and moisture, and grows best in fertile, loose, well-drained sandy loam.

2. Propagation. West Begonia can be propagated by grafting, division, root cuttings, and layering. Grafting usually uses wild begonia or Malus baccata as rootstock. Either branch grafting or bud grafting can be used; branch grafting is done in February to March, and bud grafting in August to September. Root cuttings are best done in February to March; select roots about 1 cm thick and 7 to 10 cm long and insert them about 3/4 into the soil, with a very high survival rate. Division and layering are both best done in spring and root easily.

3. Shaping and pruning. West Begonia has strong sprouting ability and grows fast. Attention must be paid to shaping and pruning. From after leaf drop in winter to before bud break in spring, you can cut off dead branches, diseased and pest-damaged branches, thin and weak branches, crossing branches, overlapping branches, overly dense branches, and other messy branches. After flowering in spring, according to shaping needs, you can appropriately shorten overly long branches to encourage side branch growth, increase the number of flower buds, and ensure abundant flowering the following year. In addition, after sprouting in spring, you can remove excess, overly dense, and poorly positioned buds.

4. Planting and repotting. Planting and repotting West Begonia bonsai are best done in February to March, and also in late autumn. It is best to use loose, fertile garden soil, leaf mold mixed with sand or rice husk ash as the medium, and mountain soil can also be used. When potting or repotting, you can place a small amount of decomposed cake scraps and bone meal at the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer. Young trees grow relatively fast and can be repotted every 1 to 2 years, while old stumps can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. When repotting, the roots and branches need to be pruned to enhance appearance and maintain balance.

How to Care for Potted West Begonia

1. Water and fertilizer requirements

West Begonia bonsai should be kept with the potting soil constantly moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, it needs appropriately more watering, and during hot summer high temperatures, watering should be timely and sufficient. West Begonia likes fertilizer and can be given somewhat more; after flowering in spring, mainly apply nitrogen fertilizer to promote branch and leaf growth. In summer and autumn, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to benefit flower bud differentiation.

2. Placement location

West Begonia bonsai should be placed in a spot with ample sunlight and good ventilation. In summer, shading is not necessary. It is relatively cold-hardy; in winter, it can be buried pot and all outdoors in a wind-protected, sunny spot, or moved indoors with good light to overwinter, with the temperature kept at around 0°C.

What Causes West Begonia Leaves to Turn Yellow and Dry Up

1. Overwatering: the tender leaves at the top of the plant turn pale yellow, the old leaves also gradually yellow, and new shoots wither. This is caused by prolonged rain or overwatering, overly wet conditions in the pot, lack of oxygen in the soil, and root rot. You should loosen the soil often, control watering, and avoid heavy rain spraying.

2. Soil drought: the leaf color at the top is normal, while the lower leaves gradually dry, yellow, and fall upward. This is caused by the potting soil being too full or long-term inadequate watering, leading to aging of the lower leaves and branches. You should water appropriately and keep the soil moist.

3. Lack of fertilizer: the plant's leaves are thin and yellow. This is caused by the plant being too large for a small pot, or by not repotting or changing soil for a long time, as well as insufficient fertilizer. You should gradually increase water and fertilizer, and repot in a timely manner.

4. Fertilizer burn: the plant's leaves become uneven and do not spread out smoothly, new leaves are thick and fleshy, and old leaves gradually yellow. You should water frequently, pause fertilization, and you can scatter a few vegetable seeds in the pot; after they sprout, pull them out to consume the excess fertilizer in the pot and help the plant return to normal growth.

5. Alkalinity: for plants that like acidic soil, leaves gradually yellow due to the soil being alkaline. You can water with water soaked in green grass and apply a little ferrous sulfate, and the leaves will turn green again.

6. Inappropriate light: potted flowers often placed indoors easily develop yellow leaves. Sun-loving plants will also develop yellow leaves if light is insufficient. Some plants that prefer a cool environment, if exposed to high temperature and strong sun, will also have leaves turn yellow and fall.

After reading the above introductions, you surely know how to shape a potted West Begonia. So why not go try it yourself right away? With more practice and experience, you can create according to your own preferences and make a unique West Begonia shape.