How to make a beautiful Sageretia bonsai? Detailed explanation of shaping and care techniques

For many bonsai enthusiasts, studying the cultivation of various bonsai is an essential task. Today, the editor wants to bring you the Sageretia bonsai (Sageretia thea). The Sageretia bonsai can be considered the number one in the bonsai world. Since ancient times, Sageretia has been a very important tree species for making bonsai, and people call it one of the seven sages among bonsai. Its vine-like roots grow in a very special way and can grow into various shapes; after pruning, it can be made into bonsai of various shapes. So how do you make a Sageretia bonsai? Let's learn together with Shuaishuai below!

I. Collection period for Sageretia stumps

Because the original growing area of Sageretia is in subtropical regions, it is generally cultivated in the south. The temperature in the south is relatively warm and the humidity is relatively high, unlike the north, so if friends in the north want to cultivate it, the conditions may not be very suitable. In the south, the dormancy period of plants is generally shorter, and plants sprout relatively early. The best time to collect stumps is between Minor Cold and Major Cold. After the plant passes its dormancy period, it will wake up. At this time, the accumulation of nutrients is the greatest, which is very beneficial for rooting and sprouting after its dormancy period and can provide sufficient nutrients for the plant to sprout. Only when both roots and buds develop relatively well can the entire stump be guaranteed to survive, because the roots and buds of Sageretia complement each other. Good development of both can avoid the situation of withered vines.

II. Pre-planting treatment of Sageretia

First, clean the stump blank. After the raw blank is collected, determine whether its branches and trunk need to be kept or removed according to the growth of the stump. Wash the surface of the trimmed raw blank in water with a hard bristle brush, then dry it. Next, soak the cleaned tree blank's roots in potassium permanganate solution for about one hour, then dry it. Finally, soak the blank roots in indoleacetic acid for one night. This can replenish the lost water and improve its wound healing ability.

III. Potting management

After potting, place it in sunlight all day as usual, and keep the temperature below 35 degrees. If the temperature is higher than this, move it indoors or provide shade treatment. During the rainy plum rain season, water less and reduce the frequency of watering. Also frequently dig into the soil to observe its roots and avoid root rot caused by excessive water accumulation. If its new buds do not wilt or lean to one side when placed in the sun, it means it has adapted to the growing environment, so it has basically survived.

IV. Making the bonsai

1. Material selection

For materials, we should choose some one-year-old root strips in March for cuttings. We can also dig wild Sageretia roots from wild mountain areas south of the Yangtze River for field planting. There are many methods, and you can choose by yourself.

2. Shaping

It has strong growth ability and lives long. Once shaped, it can maintain the shape for a long time, and it is also simple. Generally, most are changed through pruning. Use the method of thick wiring and fine pruning to process it, or use a complete pruning method to shape it. The most important part is the shaping of the trunk, because shaping is the finalization of the entire tree and determines the direction in which all its branches and leaves grow. There are many ways to shape the trunk. You can refer to these methods: slanting trunk style, prostrate trunk style, curved trunk style, dead trunk style, double trunk style, cascade style, and so on. Then the leaves are pruned to achieve various different styles, and they can also be more natural. This is decided according to personal preference. Currently, the more popular ones are cloud-pad shape and steamed-bun shape, both of which are relatively cute styles.

3. Potting

The best time for potting is to transplant in February to March. The choice of soil is a key point. Sageretia bonsai is best grown in slightly acidic leaf mold soil, mixed with silt to prepare a mixed soil. Usually loosen the soil more, so that the soil is more breathable and the roots will not rot. At the bottom of the pot, you can place some tiles to facilitate drainage. The best pot choice is a rectangular or oval pot. Then, according to the growth of the stump, it will need to be replaced later, and the soil should also be changed along with it.

The above are the methods for making a Sageretia bonsai. Have you learned them? If you are an old hand, you can pay attention to some details and put more effort into shaping the trunk. Of course, beginners can follow the editor's steps one by one and make a beautiful Sageretia bonsai. If you are interested, try it right away!