A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods for Making and Caring for Forsythia Bonsai
I. Making Methods
1. After about 3 years of growing, its trunk will become very thick. You can bend it, or remove its top, or pinch out the growing tips; this is the initial shaping. Be careful to cultivate transitional branches so that the thickness of the branches and trunk becomes more balanced as the bonsai grows. Then you can also dig up some old stumps in the wild to make into bonsai; the form will be very elegant, and it can take shape in a very short time.
2. In spring it looks very brilliant, and in summer and autumn its green leaves are full of vitality. Common potted forms generally include the straight-trunk style, or the slanting style, or the curved style, or being placed beside water, or being placed on rocks; all of them look very beautiful. If the plant is propagated artificially, you can wire and prune its trunk while it is still a seedling. Because its branches are relatively long, during its growing period you need to control branch growth, promote new side buds, and grow a compact crown. By June, when its new branches are 60% to 70% lignified, you can wire them to adjust the crown.
II. Care Methods
1. First, transplant it from winter to spring. First shape it, cut off the branches that are not needed, and then plant it in a relatively large flower pot, preferably using relatively loose, sufficiently breathable sandy soil with good drainage. Then press the soil firm, water it thoroughly, and place it in a wind-sheltered but sunny place. After it survives, wait until its soil is dry before watering; if you water, water thoroughly. If the soil in the pot is too wet or too dry, it is bad for its growth. During the growing period, pay attention to removing buds and cutting off excess branches.
2. It likes warm and bright areas, can tolerate cold and drought, but is afraid of waterlogging. During the growing period, you can place it outdoors in a place with relatively sufficient sunlight and relatively good air circulation. Even in high temperatures, there is no need to shade it, the soil must not be too dry, and you should also pay attention to drainage normally. Remove excess branches to maintain its beautiful form and simple posture.