Detailed Explanation of Podocarpus Bonsai Making Methods and Techniques

The styling methods for Podocarpus include the following: 1. Cliff style; 2. Large cliff style; 3. Semi-cliff style; 4. Slanting trunk style; 5. Curved trunk style; 6. Three-and-a-half bend style; 7. Group planting style; 8. Root-over-rock style, etc. In the process of creating the styling, artistic processing must be carried out according to the natural beauty of the seedling itself. Materials such as iron wire, steel wire, and plastic tape can be used for styling. During operation, the iron wire can be selected according to the thickness of the branches. Thicker branches are more difficult to style, so thicker iron wire can be used against the trunk and branches, and plastic tape can be used to bind the iron wire together with the trunk or branches. Then, by hand, the bound branches are bent into shape according to one's will. After about half a year or a year, the iron wire is removed. At this point, the branches will have set their shape after a year of growth. For even more difficult branches, cutting can be done: make a small cut with a knife at the main point to be bent, so that the branch can be bent down. After bending, the wound must be wrapped well with moss or sterile mountain soil to allow the wound to heal. After the entire tree stump has grown for many years, the roots can be raised when repotting. Operation method: Turn the tree stump to be repotted out of the pot. When transferring it into a new pot, lift the root crown and add more organic cultivation soil. After the tree stump resumes its growth period, wash away the soil from the root crown and the pot surface with water, and the roots will be exposed. After several years of growth, the roots exposed on the pot surface undergo photosynthesis and, through sun exposure by day and dew at night, all form a vigorous and antique posture, making the entire tree stump appear vigorous and powerful. After that, as long as during the vigorous growth periods in spring and autumn, bud picking and pruning are carried out to promote lush and dense growth of the trunk, branches, and foliage.

Podocarpus is an evergreen plant that likes sunlight but is also relatively shade-tolerant. There are three varieties: large-leaf, medium-leaf, and fine-leaf. It has a certain resistance to pests and diseases, but attention should be paid to preventing and controlling the large bagworm, aphids, white wax scale, and red wax scale. When the weather is hot, red spider mites may also appear, and they can be controlled by spraying a mixture of omethoate and dichlorvos.

For bonsai or potted Podocarpus, repotting can be done once every 3 to 4 years. The repotting time is before bud break in spring, and it can also be done in autumn. Base fertilizer should be placed at the bottom of the pot. Fertilization is best carried out during the growth period. Fertilizers can include decomposed human manure and urine or soybean cake, etc.