How to Grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai? A Complete Guide to the Latest Care Methods
Cherry blossoms are suitable for ground planting and are rarely grown in pots, but cherry blossoms can indeed be grown in pots. Varieties suitable for potted cherry blossoms include Asahi, Mamezakura (Fuji Cherry), Ukon, Gyoikou, and others. Here we have collected some pictures of potted cherry blossoms for friends to enjoy, and we have also summarized the following cultivation methods for potted cherry blossoms so that the potted plants can bloom abundantly and grow lush foliage.
1. Soil:
For potted cherry blossoms, the first thing is to prepare the soil. Generally, homemade leaf mold can be used. The specific method is to collect leaves along with acidic soil, chicken manure, charcoal powder, and microorganisms and compost them together. Homemade leaf mold has good drainage and aeration, and is suitable for the growth of potted cherry blossoms.
2. Watering:
Cherry blossoms dislike waterlogging. Water reasonably according to different seasons and the size of the cherry blossom seedling, following the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet. The soil must not be too wet or waterlogged, otherwise it will cause root rot, ranging from leaf drop, which affects flowering, to the death of the entire plant in severe cases.
3. Fertilizing:
Potted cherry blossoms need sufficient fertilizer to ensure the nutrients required for their growth and development, so that the plants have lush branches and leaves and bright flower colors. Generally, apply decomposed liquid fertilizer once a week. In the early stage, mainly use nitrogen fertilizer to promote vegetative growth. In the later stage, pay attention to applying phosphorus fertilizer in combination to prevent excessive vegetative growth from affecting flower bud differentiation. In May-June, spray 0.1%-0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the leaves as a supplement. Apply base fertilizer once each before and after flowering to lay the foundation for flowering the next year.
4. Pruning:
Special attention should be paid to pruning potted cherry blossoms. Before and after flowering, appropriately thin out overly dense branches, and cut off inner branches, dead branches, thin and weak branches, and diseased or pest-infested branches. Throughout the growing season, promptly remove sprouting branches and leggy branches to avoid consuming nutrients. After pruning, apply an antiseptic to the wounds to prevent them from rotting, because cherry blossom wounds heal relatively slowly. Newly potted cherry blossom branches should be cut back to encourage more new branches and the differentiation of more flower buds.
5. Pest control:
Cherry blossoms suffer from gummosis and root rot. For both conditions, timely treatment is required, along with improving the soil, strengthening water and fertilizer management, and pruning reasonably. During a year of growth, cherry blossoms may be harmed by aphids, red spider mites, and scale insects. Generally, spray pesticide 3-4 times: the first time before flowering, the second time after flowering, and the third time in July-August. Careful observation and timely prevention and control are necessary to achieve good results.
The care and management methods for cherry blossom bonsai are similar to those for plum blossom bonsai. We cultivate cherry blossom bonsai together with plum blossom bonsai, without giving them special care, and they can bloom normally for viewing every year. At present, cherry blossom bonsai still needs to become more widespread, and work in this area still requires continued exploration and development by us and our peers.