The Latest Method for Making Lingzhi (Reishi) Bonsai and Care Tips

Since ancient times, lingzhi has been a symbol of longevity, auspiciousness, beauty and preciousness. With the development of society, technical instructors use the biological characteristics of lingzhi, usually inducing it through light, intensity, air and carbon dioxide concentration, to make it grow into unique shapes and become pots of wonderfully crafted artistic bonsai. Now let us take a look at the making and care of lingzhi bonsai!

Common Types of Lingzhi Bonsai

1. Lingzhi Buddha type: Lingzhi has been regarded since ancient times as an object of auspiciousness and wealth, and in the south there is also the custom of enshrining lingzhi, so makers of lingzhi bonsai use lingzhi as the base, on top of which a Buddha statue is placed, further enhancing the ornamental value of the lingzhi bonsai.

2. Character-shaped type: Blessing-character-shaped lingzhi bonsai are rare treasures, and the making requirements are extremely demanding in technique.

How to Make Lingzhi Bonsai

1. Pot selection: There are many kinds of lingzhi on the market at present. When making bonsai, first choose different types of pots according to the lingzhi's type, form, size and color. Usually, dark-colored ceramic pots are best. Of course, for the sake of the lingzhi bonsai's ornamental appeal, it is best not to choose a pot with the same or similar color tone as the lingzhi, so as to avoid a single, monotonous color.

2. Bonsai making

① First, use sand grains or quartz sand grains to make the lingzhi appear to grow among sand and stone. Weave iron wire into a net and place it in the pot, insert the lingzhi stalk into the appropriate mesh hole, then fill with gravel. Of course, here the sand grains should not rise above the pot surface.

② Then use glass glue or latex to bond and fix the lingzhi and other accessories in appropriate positions in the pot.

③ Finally, use gypsum to fix the lingzhi and accessories in the pot. Besides sand grains, the pot can also be lined with sun-dried moss, fruticose lichen, Selaginella (spikemoss) and other plants that are not easily broken or rotted, making the bonsai appear natural.

How to Care for Lingzhi Bonsai

1. Moisture protection: The finished lingzhi bonsai should be stored in a dry, ventilated place to prevent it from becoming damp and moldy.

2. Insect protection: Place an appropriate amount of camphor balls and other insecticides in the pot to prevent insect damage. If insects are found, fumigation, freezing or drying treatment should be carried out, and it can also be exposed to sunlight. If the lingzhi has wounds or insect holes, use paraffin or adhesive tape to seal them, to prevent pests from entering and reproducing. The lingzhi mycelium is most prone to maggots or insect eggs; alcohol can be injected or cotton balls dipped in alcohol can be used to wipe it, but be careful not to spray alcohol on the lingzhi surface, otherwise it will damage the surface and cause it to lose its luster.

3. Dust protection: Because lingzhi bonsai can be placed for a long time, its surface is easily contaminated with dirt and dust and loses its luster. To prevent contamination and maintain glossiness, clear lacquer can be brushed onto the lingzhi body's surface. This can prevent insects and moisture, maintain the original luster, and also avoid contamination (even if dust sticks to it, it can be wiped off with one wipe). However, the lacquer should not be too thick, otherwise cracking will occur and affect the appearance's beauty. To prevent dust and pests from intruding, a glass cover can also be used to cover the bonsai.

4. Trimming: As is well known, the lingzhi used in making lingzhi bonsai is all artificially cultivated. Of course, there are many kinds of lingzhi, and makers should strictly match colors and shapes according to the design drawings, trying to shape the cultivated lingzhi bonsai. Stone blocks can be processed or iron wire and the like can be woven into shape.

5. Decoration: For a well-made bonsai, careful decoration is still needed to improve its ornamental value and commercial value, such as designing a beautiful glass cover, which can prevent dust or pests from intruding, and making a sturdy and attractive packaging box, which can facilitate transportation.