How to grow a red cherry bonsai? Detailed guide to growing methods
The red cherry is also known as Brazilian red cherry, Surinam cherry, and pitanga, among other names. It originates from Brazil and is a small tree in the Myrtaceae family, Eugenia genus, reaching up to 5 m in height, completely hairless. Its flowering period is in spring, and it prefers moist conditions, being intolerant of cold and drought. It can be used as a potted ornamental tree species and can also be made into food. Let us take a look together at the growing methods for red cherry bonsai!
Growth habits of the red cherry
The red cherry prefers a warm, humid environment and can grow normally in both sunny spots and partial shade. It is intolerant of drought and also intolerant of cold. It is extremely robust by nature, and is not strict about soil selection, but grows best in fertile sandy loam, requiring good drainage and sufficient sunlight. Spring and summer are the peak growth periods. When cultivated in the central and northern parts of Taiwan, China, it shows semi-deciduous behavior in winter. It prefers high temperatures and high humidity, with an optimal growth temperature of about 23-30°C.
Propagation techniques for the red cherry
1. Sowing: Spring and autumn are the suitable periods for sowing red cherry. Take out the seeds and wash them, then shallowly bury them in loose soil. They can sprout after about 3 weeks. After about 1 year, when the seedlings are over 15 cm tall, transplant them.
2. Division: Young plants growing from the roots of the mother plant can often be found on the ground near the red cherry plant, and they can also be dug up and planted. However, the red 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.
Growing methods for the red cherry
1. Soil: For potted red cherry, a mix of 5 parts humus soil, 3 parts garden soil, and 2 parts sandy soil can be used, mixed with a small amount of superphosphate, bone meal, and other phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
2. Fertilizing: Although the red cherry likes fertilizer, it does not like concentrated fertilizer, so apply thin fertilizer frequently. Apply 1 time of decomposed dilute liquid fertilizer every 10-15 days. For young trees or during the shoot-growing period, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used; at other times, apply compound fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.
3. Light: During the growing season, place the red cherry outdoors in a sunny, well-ventilated place for care. During high summer temperatures, provide appropriate shading to prevent exposure to the scorching sun.
4. Watering: During the growth period of the red cherry, water frequently and do not let the potting soil dry out. Frequently spray water on the plant and the surrounding environment to increase air humidity.
5. Pruning: The red cherry tolerates pruning and can be pruned and shaped according to different tree forms. During the growing season, remove useless buds at any time and pinch back promptly to maintain a perfect plant shape.