The correct methods and techniques for leaf removal in flowering potted plants and bonsai
How to remove leaves from flowering potted plants and bonsai is a question many friends want to know about. Nowadays more people grow plants in cities, so more people grow flowers too. Today I will share with you
How to remove leaves from flowering potted plants and bonsai:
In the process of cultivating and managing flowering potted plants and bonsai, removing leaves at the right time and to the right degree helps improve their ornamental value, extend the viewing period, and promote new shoots, new leaves, flowering and fruiting. Different species of flowering plants differ in the timing of leaf removal, the amount of leaves removed, the purpose of leaf removal, and the care measures before and after leaf removal. Therefore, leaf removal techniques should be used correctly.
After jasmine (Jasminum sambac) overwinters indoors, move it outdoors to a sunny spot and care for it for about 15 days. Then, along with repotting and changing the soil, remove all the old leaves, prune the branches, cut out the weak branches in overly dense areas, and shorten all the branches. This is very effective for promoting new shoots and leaves and for the growth and development of the whole plant.
Milan (Aglaia odorata) grows vigorously with abundant branches and leaves. It continuously produces new shoots, new leaves and flowers, and also continuously forms dark green, lusterless old leaves. Removing these old leaves in time can make the whole plant's foliage tender green and glossy, avoiding a mixed and uneven leaf color; it helps with ventilation and light penetration, reducing the breeding of pests and diseases; and it reduces nutrient consumption, which benefits the growth and development of new branches, leaves and flower buds.
Goji (Lycium chinense) is naturally vigorous, and its tender leaves and red berries both have excellent ornamental value, making it a fine material for bonsai. For potted goji, do not let it flower or fruit before autumn. Apply fertilizer once around the Beginning of Autumn solar term, and one week later remove 80-90% of the leaves. At the same time, prune the branches according to the shaping needs. After 7-10 days, new leaves and flower buds emerge together. Once the new leaves have unfolded, apply cake fertilizer water once a week, so that flowers are abundant and leaves lush, and after autumn the branches are full of red berries.
For tree-stump bonsai species such as elm (Ulmus pumila), Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis), pomegranate (Punica granatum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), yellow horn (Vitex negundo) and small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), carry out leaf removal around early September or before a display is needed. Apply fertilizer once about 10 days before leaf removal to help accumulate nutrients for new leaf sprouting. Use scissors to cut off the leaves while keeping the petioles. After 10-20 days new leaves sprout. Not only are the new leaves beautiful in color and full of vitality, but the leaves can also become smaller, better showing the beauty of the branch and trunk structure.
Red maple (Acer palmatum) leaves are bright red and eye-catching, but the old leaves become dull in color or turn green again. Leaves can be removed twice, in June and September, to keep the leaves bright red all year and improve the ornamental effect.
When applying leaf removal techniques, do not misuse them on tree species that have not been tested. Special care is needed after leaf removal. After removing a large number of leaves, water metabolism slows down, so soil moisture should be controlled and it is better to keep it on the dry side. In case of heavy rain or continuous overcast rain, shelter the plant from the rain, suspend fertilizing, and resume normal care once the new leaves have unfolded. Flowering potted plants and bonsai with weak tree vigor should not have their leaves removed; otherwise, it will accelerate decline or cause death.
That is all for sharing on how to remove leaves from flowering potted plants and bonsai. I hope this article is helpful to everyone, and I wish you all good luck.