How to Make a Succulent Bonsai? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Method

Succulents are a class of plants in which some part of the vegetative organ, such as the stem, leaves or roots (a few species have two or more such parts), has well-developed parenchyma tissue for storing water, giving them a plump, juicy or powdery appearance. Common ones include Haworthia cooperi, cactus, Hylocereus undatus, Echeveria 'Yulong Guanyin', Aeonium 'Zwartkop', Euphorbia milii and so on. Now let us take a look at how to make a succulent bonsai!

Choosing Succulent Varieties

The types of succulents suitable for making small novelty potted plants are required to have a compact plant shape, strong constitution, be easy to plant and keep alive, and be easy to manage. They can be planted as a single plant or several plants can be planted together in one pot as a combined potted arrangement. However, some rare and precious types that are weaker in growth, have higher environmental requirements, and are more difficult to care for are not suitable for making this kind of small potted plant. Apart from seedlings you propagate yourself, you can also buy the succulents you need at flower markets or production greenhouses, which is convenient and simple and also offers a greater range of choices.

Succulent Bonsai Styles

1. Natural style: The form mostly imitates bonsai modeling, and the layout mostly adopts a natural style. There is no need to deliberately make a certain geometric pattern, and ornamental stones or other accessories can be added as needed to highlight the wild charm of nature. The pot can be rectangular, oval, round, square or in other shapes. Ceramic, purple clay (zisha) pots, porcelain pots and stone pots are preferable, and the color and shape should not be too flashy, so as to best express the natural and elegant characteristics of the potted plant.

2. Novelty style: This focuses on highlighting the plant's own characteristics and showing its peculiar form and color. When making a combined potted arrangement, pay attention to the staggered heights of the plants and the harmony of the colors. For the pot, small pots in cartoon shapes are preferable, or you can choose glass vessels or pots with more distinctive and interesting shapes such as shell-shaped, heart-shaped, bamboo basket-shaped, peanut-shaped, watermelon-shaped, cartoon animals, figures and so on, to highlight the sense of fun.

Making a Succulent Bonsai

1. Spread a layer of volcanic stone at the bottom of a clean, transparent glass container to absorb water and increase the space for air. Spread a relatively thick layer. It is best to add a filter screen to protect the plant's roots.

2. Carefully transplant the succulents into the container. Succulents are relatively fragile, so do not use too much force.

3. Finally, spread a layer of pretty small gravel, or colored small stones, on the surface of the small potted plant. This not only fixes the small plants but also protects the leaves.

4. In this way, a simple small succulent potted plant is done. You can make several and place them together, and that becomes your own succulent garden.

Caring for a Succulent Bonsai

1. Temperature: The indoor temperature for growing succulents is best kept at around 15-28 degrees. Generally indoor temperatures are suitable. The minimum limit should not go below 5 degrees, and the maximum should not be higher than 35 degrees.

2. Light: Try to choose the place with the longest light exposure to place the succulents. If there is not enough light, do not casually move the succulents outdoors.

3. Watering: For succulents, spray watering gives relatively ideal results. The best time to water is when the sunlight is abundant. You can adjust the watering frequency yourself. In dry areas, pay attention to watering more.

4. Fertilizing: Succulents do not need fertilizing in summer. In winter, if conditions permit, you can fertilize the succulents once a month. The fertilizer can be decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer.

5. Pest removal: There are usually not many succulents kept at home, so you can often check them yourself for insects. Common insects on succulents include red spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies and so on, and these can all be removed by hand.

6. Rot prevention: Too much watering, air that is too humid, and failure to remove pests can all cause succulents to rot. Rotten succulents appear faded and softened. If you find a rotten succulent, you need to cut it off as soon as possible, and it is best to disinfect the tools used to avoid infecting other plants.

Note: The sap of many succulents is toxic. If you accidentally touch it, itching, redness and swelling may occur, and in severe cases it may even be life-threatening. Some families and genera, especially Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae and the genus Chi Feng Jin, are concentrated sources of “toxic plants”. But there is no need to be afraid of growing these plants because of worry about toxins. You only need to be careful not to break them or taste them, and keep children in the household at a distance from them.