Detailed Explanation of Maintenance and Management Methods for Miniature and Small Bonsai

  Although miniature and small bonsai are relatively easy to tend, they are not easy to cultivate. The maintenance of miniature bonsai especially requires careful and meticulous attention. The potting soil should be kept moist at all times, following the principle of "dry-wet alternation" (water when dry, let dry between waterings), or water can be applied by the pot-soaking method. In midsummer, place them in a shaded area and use a fine-nozzle spray bottle to mist the plants, maintaining a humid environment. During the growing season, apply light fertilizer frequently, generally about once every 10 days. Fully decomposed soybean cake water, hoof paring water, etc. can be used. A complete-element compound fertilizer can also be applied, and the pot-soaking method is best for fertilization as well.

  Maintenance and management are the prerequisites for the survival, growth and shaping of rough stock bonsai, so one must understand the characteristics of the tree species and related maintenance factors, such as temperature, light, ventilation, potting soil, watering, fertilization, and pest and disease control. Compared with medium and large bonsai, miniature and small bonsai require more cautious, thoughtful and meticulous care, especially regarding potting soil, water, fertilizer, and pest and disease control.

  1. Potting soil: Soil is the foundation for healthy plant growth. The soil selected for potted trees generally requires a moderate pH, loose and fertile, well-draining and airy humus soil.

  2. Watering: Watering is the most basic step in the process of maintaining bonsai growth and survival. It seems simple, yet many bonsai enthusiasts fail at this step, causing potted trees to wither or grow poorly. Watering requires proper methods; pay attention to the following considerations and watering principles: water when dry and let dry between waterings, do not water if not dry, and water thoroughly when watering. "Dry" here does not mean completely dry, but rather maintaining a certain degree of moisture. Miniature and small bonsai have small pots and little soil, so special attention must be paid to observation to prevent dehydration.

  (1) Watering time. Generally, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. are more suitable, but in the harsh winter months, watering around noon is preferable. Watering too late leaves the bonsai damp, and if a cold wave arrives, it can cause root frost damage. In summer, watering in the morning and evening is best. In addition, climates vary from place to place, so one should adapt flexibly.

  (2) Watering methods. Combine root watering, soaking immersion and spraying. For root watering, pour water directly onto the soil surface at the roots until water seeps out from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Soaking immersion means placing the entire pot with the tree into a large basin or vat filled with water, with the top soaked and the bottom penetrated (seeping in through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot). This method easily achieves thorough watering, is fast and convenient, and is a commonly used watering method for miniature and small bonsai. Spraying means regularly using a sprayer to sprinkle and mist water on the branches and leaves. This method not only alleviates dry conditions in the environment, but especially provides moisture retention for newly planted rough stock, promotes bud sprouting and root development, and keeps the branches and foliage clean.

  3. Fertilization: Fertilization is an important part of potted tree management and maintenance and an effective means for healthy growth, but excessive or improper fertilization will cause fertilizer damage, leading to injury or death of the potted tree, and must be taken seriously.

  (1) Fertilization principles. Apply light fertilizer frequently, ensure all fertilizers are fully decomposed, water before applying evening fertilizer, mix in base fertilizer first, then apply top dressing, use more organic fertilizer and less or no inorganic fertilizer (inorganic fertilizer easily compacts the potting soil), and apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers together.

  (2) Fertilization time. Apply fertilizer in accordance with the tree's growth condition and the season. During the survival period of rough stock, apply little or no fertilizer (referring to top dressing); during the stock cultivation period and the vigorous growth period, apply more fertilizer; apply frequently in spring and autumn; do not fertilize during extreme heat or harsh winter (the dormant period of potted trees).

  (3) Fertilization methods. There are two types: wet application and dry application. Wet application involves mixing liquid fertilizer with water at a fertilizer-to-water ratio of 1:10. Dry application can use cake fertilizer, etc., scattered directly around the roots of the potted tree or embedded into the potting soil (to reduce odor and prevent nutrient loss).

  4. Pest and disease control: Agricultural science and technology are now advanced, and new pesticides are constantly emerging. If pests or diseases are found, one can consult a crop hospital or an agricultural supply sales outlet, etc., and purchase pesticides for treatment. For insect pests, manual capture methods can also be combined to eliminate them.