How to grow Rhododendron simsii? A detailed guide to cultivation methods for Rhododendron simsii

Rhododendron simsii, also known as rhododendron, belongs to the genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae. It is an evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub or small tree, and one of China's top ten famous flowers. When spring returns to the earth and orioles call and cuckoos sing, it is exactly the time when rhododendrons are in full bloom, with clusters of flowers and abundant spring charm, delighting the eye.

I. Advantages:

1 Most trunk forms are ancient and unusual;

2 Strong sprouting ability and fast growth;

3 Many flowers and brilliant colors, an excellent flowering variety;

4 Rare varieties, and trunk material is easy to obtain;

II. Habits:

1 Prefers a warm, semi-shaded, cool, moist and well-ventilated environment; fears blazing sun and high temperatures;

2 Prefers loose, fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil; avoids alkaline and heavy clay soil;

3 Good drainage is required; avoid waterlogging;

4 Tolerates severe cold;

III. Key cultivation points:

1 Collecting trunk material: Although Rhododendron simsii varieties are common, good trunk material often grows in places that are relatively difficult to collect. Be sure to dig carefully, protect the root system well, keep the root ball slightly large, and retain the native soil (symbiotic fungi). Collect during the period around flowering.

2 Trimming the trunk: Trim the slightly large root ball smaller according to cultivation needs, and cut the branches and trunk to the final size in one go. The root ends and branch ends should be sealed to prevent shrinkage. 3 Planting: Sterilize the soil in advance, and plant in loose, plain soil. It is best to plant in the ground, and after the root system is well developed (about one year), plant it in soil mixed according to its habits; place it according to its habits. In the first year, keep it alive; in the second year, grow the roots; in the third year, grow the tree; in the fourth year, put it into a pot.

4 Fertilizer and water: Do not use fertilizer in the first year, use less fertilizer in the second year depending on the situation, and use fertilizer normally in the third year, applying light fertilizer frequently. Maintain moisture management throughout. IV. Key points for shaping:

1 In the early stage, shaping is mainly by bending and tying, with pruning as a supplement.

2 During the peak growing season, cut back as appropriate to encourage side branches and dwarf the trunk and branches.

3 Root exposure cannot be rushed; do it in combination with repotting, once a year.

4 Vary according to the trunk; highlighting the tree's character and individuality is the key to shaping Rhododendron simsii bonsai.

V. Key maintenance points:

1 Rhododendron simsii has hard wood, brittle branches, thin bark, fine roots and high environmental requirements. It is a relatively difficult tree species to grow, and the maintenance process must be meticulous and thorough.

2 Rhododendron simsii shows a prominent phenomenon of false survival, ranging from one year at the least to 2-3 years at the most. It must be observed carefully, and one must not rush for quick results.

3 Rhododendron simsii has strong sprouting ability, and the lower part sprouts vigorously. These must be removed at any time to ensure nutrient supply to the upper part.

4 Do not keep flower buds in the first year, keep fewer flower buds in the second year, and keep an appropriate number of flower buds in the third year, and remove the fruit after flowering.

5 Cultivating with native soil (symbiotic fungi) is one of the keys to survival; controlling flowering in the early stage is the second key; creating a maintenance environment according to its habits is the third key; not rushing for quick results is the fourth key.

6 Rhododendron simsii branches are brittle and break easily.

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