A Detailed Guide to Pruning, Branch and Leaf Shaping, and Watering Methods for Nandina Bonsai

Nandina is very widely distributed in southern China and is a common ornamental plant. Its stems are like bamboo, its leaves are also very elegant and beautiful, and in autumn and winter they even turn red, making it very appealing. However, nandina grows quickly, and if allowed to grow freely, its messy branches and leaves greatly affect its beauty.

How to prune the branches and leaves of nandina bonsai to make the shape attractive

Method 1: Short cutting

At the end of winter and the beginning of spring, according to the intended design effect, select dormant buds at a moderate height on the rough stock and cut back to them. In the first year, let it grow freely; in the same period of the second year, according to the arrangement requirements of a forest style or multi-trunk style, cut off most of the branch tips grown the previous year, and at the same time cut off dead branches and remaining leaves, leaving only one or two branches at the very bottom, and new buds will sprout from the leaf axils. Short cutting should be carried out once a year to prevent the main trunk from growing taller year by year, which is beneficial for nandina fruiting.

Method 2: Needle pricking

When buds sprout in spring, when the new buds grow to about two centimeters, use a fine needle to pierce through the bud stem, and prick once with the needle for every one centimeter the new bud grows. As the bud stem gradually thickens, the number of needle pricks should also increase accordingly to two to four times. In this way, the growth of new buds can be hindered and the branches and top can be stimulated to sprout. With long-term use of this method, new buds will continue to sprout, which can solve the problem of too few branches and too many branch divisions, and can also shorten the length of branches, thereby controlling the shape of nandina. Needle pricking can continue until before nandina blooms in June, after which it should stop, and during this period the clustered nandina seedlings should be removed in time.

How to water nandina

Watering should be reasonable. Nandina watering is generally carried out according to the climate and weather. During relatively dry periods, you can water frequently to keep the soil moist; in summer, you can water every day, and when necessary you can spray. In winter, nandina is in its dormant period, the plant is dormant and does not need too much water, and the soil must not be too moist. During the flowering period, nandina can be watered more to keep the potting soil moist.

How to care for potted nandina in winter

1. Temperature

Nandina likes a semi-shady and cool environment. The most suitable temperature for growth is around 20 degrees Celsius, and the most suitable temperature for flowering is 24 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. In winter, it should still be kept indoors to prevent frost damage, and the minimum temperature must be controlled not to fall below 0 degrees Celsius.

2. Watering

Nandina watering needs to follow the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet. In winter, it is in a state of slow growth, and the potting soil must not be too moist, otherwise its roots will rot. It is best to water at noon on a clear day.

3. Fertilizing

Nandina does not have high fertilizer requirements, but it must be ensured that there are three applications of dry fertilizer each year, respectively in May, August, and October. The third time is after moving the nandina indoors. Cake fertilizer can be used, and the amount of fertilizer in winter should be somewhat more than before.

4. Humidity

Nandina likes a moist or semi-dry environment. Its requirement for environmental humidity is between 50%-70%. When it is lower than this standard, the leaves will turn yellow and lose their luster. In winter, this humidity requirement must also be guaranteed. Generally, you can spray water into the air around it to create such conditions for it. If it is a particularly dry area in the north, you can also place a humidifier nearby to assist with moisture retention.

5. Light

Nandina has a relatively strong ability to adapt to light. In winter, it should be moved indoors for cultivation, and at this time it must be placed in a place with abundant light to promote its photosynthesis.

How to care for nandina to increase the fruit-setting rate

1. Light requirements

Potted nandina should not be placed in a place with strong sunlight exposure, but it should not be too shady either, otherwise its growth will be weak and fruit setting will also be reduced. It is best to place it in a semi-shady place; in spring and autumn, it can receive full light and enjoy the sunshine.

2. Pollination issues

From May to July, it is the flowering season, which also happens to be the plum rain season. Being exposed to rain will lead to poor pollination, and the fruit will naturally not set well, so avoid rain washing over it. If conditions permit, artificial pollination can be carried out, and the effect will be relatively better.

3. Pruning and care

Nandina sends out one-year-old branches from two- to three-year-old branches to bloom and set fruit, so pruning cannot be excessive; otherwise, very old branches will find it difficult to send out new branches, and it will also be difficult to bloom and set fruit.

4. Fertilizer management

Apply less nitrogen fertilizer and appropriately more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, once every half month, and do not apply during the flowering and fruiting period.

Nandina has a very long history of cultivation in China. In fact, its care methods are not difficult; the only somewhat troublesome point is that nandina is relatively difficult to fruit. Some techniques have been introduced above, and I hope they are helpful to everyone.