How to Grow a Surinam Cherry Bonsai? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods
The Surinam cherry is also known as the Brazilian cherry, pitanga, Pu red fruit, and ridged-fruit rose apple, among other names. It is native to Brazil and is a small tree of the genus Eugenia in the family Myrtaceae, reaching up to 5 m in height with the whole plant hairless. Its flowering season is in spring. It likes moisture and is not tolerant of cold or drought. It can be used as a potted ornamental tree species and can also be made into food. Now let us take a look at the cultivation methods for Surinam cherry bonsai!
Growth Habits of the Surinam Cherry
The Surinam cherry likes a warm and humid environment and can grow normally in both sunny and semi-shaded spots. It is not tolerant of drought, nor is it tolerant of cold. It is extremely robust by nature and not strict about soil selection, but it grows best in fertile sandy loam, requires good drainage, and needs sufficient sunlight. Spring and summer are its peak growth periods. When cultivated in central and northern parts of Taiwan, China, it shows semi-deciduous behavior in winter. It likes high temperatures and high humidity, with an optimum growth temperature of about 23-30°C.
Propagation Techniques for the Surinam Cherry
1. Sowing: Spring and autumn are suitable periods for sowing Surinam cherry. Remove the seeds and wash them, then shallowly bury them in loose soil. They will germinate in about 3 weeks. After about 1 year, transplant when the seedlings are more than 15 cm tall.
2. Division: Young plants growing from the roots of the mother plant can often be found on the ground near the plant, and they can also be dug up and planted. However, the Surinam cherry has very few fine roots, so when transplanting, special care should be taken to dig deeply and avoid cutting the roots as much as possible, so as not to affect the survival rate of transplanting.
Cultivation Methods for the Surinam Cherry
1. Soil: For potted Surinam cherry, a mix of 5 parts humus soil, 3 parts garden soil, and 2 parts sand can be used, with a small amount of superphosphate, bone meal, and other phosphorus and potassium fertilizers blended in.
2. Fertilizing: Although the Surinam cherry likes fertilizer, it does not like strong fertilizer. Apply thin fertilizer frequently, with 1 application of fully rotted dilute liquid fertilizer every 10-15 days. For young trees or during the shoot-growing period, nitrogen fertilizer is the main choice; at other times, apply a compound fertilizer mainly of phosphorus and potassium.
3. Light: During the growing season, place the Surinam cherry outdoors in a sunny, well-ventilated spot for care. In summer when temperatures are high, provide appropriate shading to prevent exposure to the scorching sun.
4. Watering: During the growing period, water the Surinam cherry frequently. Do not let the potting soil dry out, and frequently spray water on the plant and its surrounding environment to increase air humidity.
5. Pruning: The Surinam cherry tolerates pruning and can be pruned and shaped according to different tree forms. During the growing period, remove useless buds at any time and pinch back promptly to keep the plant shape perfect.