Detailed Guide to Making a White Orchid Tree (Michelia alba) Bonsai, Beginners Can Learn It Easily
White orchid tree, also called huangjuelan, usually appears as a relatively tall tree, but this species also has dwarf varieties that likewise bloom with snow-white flowers and, if the temperature is suitable, will keep blooming long term, with a rich fragrance and beautiful appearance. The white orchid tree bonsai has a graceful tree form, emerald green leaves, snow-white flowers, and a fragrance like that of a secluded orchid. In northern regions it is mostly made into stump bonsai for appreciation.
As an ornamental flower, the white orchid tree is very endearing, and when grown as a bonsai it also appears elegant and dignified. So how is a white orchid tree bonsai made? Today the editor will introduce the method for making a white orchid tree bonsai.
I. Obtaining seedling sources
The white orchid tree can be propagated into young plants by sowing, cuttings, layering, and other methods. Here we take sowing as an example. First prepare fertile, loose soil with good drainage, and slightly acidic sandy culture soil is most suitable. Then directly scatter white orchid tree seeds that have been soaked and pregerminated onto the culture soil. Finally, evenly cover the seeds with a layer of river sand, then water once thoroughly.
II. Transplanting seedlings
When the grafted seedling grows to about 8-10 cm and has more than two true leaves, it can be transplanted into a nutrient pot for normal cultivation. The nutrient soil is made by mixing sawdust, soil, and organic fertilizer. When transplanting, first gently pull out the grafted seedling, then soak it in a plant gene activator for about half a day, then plant the young plant into the nutrient pot, and finally water once to settle the roots. After finishing, place it in a spot where it can receive scattered light for care.
III. Cultivating young seedlings
Two to three months after transplanting the young seedlings, we can gradually increase nutrients for them by fertilizing, but generally apply liquid fertilizer once a week. For watering during the young seedling cultivation stage, generally consider it as appropriate according to weather conditions. When the weather is dry and hot, water more, keeping to 2-3 times a day; if the weather is relatively cool and the humidity is suitable, water once a day.
IV. Grafting young plants
When the young plant has been transplanted for half a year, it can be grafted, mostly in the summer of the second year after transplanting. At this time, the young plant has basically grown to a height of more than 30 cm, which is very suitable for grafting. Either cut grafting or bud grafting can be used, and this is basically the same as grafting methods for other types of nursery stock. However, for grafting, vigorous yellow magnolia (Magnolia denudata) seedlings can be used as rootstock, so that the grafted nursery stock heals its wounds faster and is more conducive to survival.
V. Pruning and shaping
After the young plant has grown for 2 years, we can prune and shape it at the appropriate time to make a bonsai. In spring when the tree begins to sprout, as new shoots and new branches continue to grow, we can carry out wiring treatment at the appropriate time according to its growth condition, wiring it into a curved state to artificially control the growth height of the trunk, and also let the branches grow according to our expected plan, making it better match the characteristics of a bonsai tree. Of course, in the shaping process it is also necessary to combine pruning methods, cutting off branches that are unfavorable to the shape, to improve the ornamental value of the bonsai. (Author: Xiaoshu 2017-08-17 22:33)