How to Make a Selaginella Bonsai? A Detailed Guide to the Whole Process of Pruning, Potting, Shaping and Care

Selaginella, also known as the resurrection plant, has extremely strong vitality, evergreen foliage and a low, compact form, making it an excellent material for making bonsai. So how exactly do you make a Selaginella bonsai? Below, the complete method is shared with everyone; follow along and you can make a proper pot of Selaginella bonsai.

Preparing the Pot and Pruning

If you want the finished bonsai to be more exquisite, the pot should be prepared first. It is recommended to choose a ceramic pot with a slanted rim, which gives a better ornamental effect. Before potting, use scissors to trim the Selaginella plant a little, cutting off the poorly growing or already rotted branches and leaves; this way it is both more attractive and healthier once planted.

Potting and Shaping

Before the formal planting, first spread a layer of large granular clay pebbles on the bottom of the pot; this can improve the aeration inside the pot and prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. Next, put a substrate mixed of river sand and garden soil into the pot, then plant the trimmed Selaginella plant into it. Since it is being made into a bonsai, the shaping cannot be careless: when planting, let the plant show a slight sense of staggered heights, and the layering of the bonsai will immediately come through.

Watering, Top Dressing and Later Care

After filling in the potting soil, water thoroughly once; simply use a spray bottle to pour water gently over the plant, and by the way you can also rinse the leaf surfaces clean so they look fresher. After that, use a watering can to rinse the pot surface clean, so the pot surface also looks neat and tidy.

Finally, give the pot surface a simple decoration. If the ceramic pot chosen is already nicely shaped, there is no need to add too many complicated decorations; just place a few slightly larger top-dressing stones reasonably within the pot. If the flower pot itself is rather ordinary, it is recommended to spread another layer of small granular top-dressing stones on the pot surface, which can improve the look considerably.

After the above treatment, the Selaginella bonsai is basically complete, and at this point it already has a certain aesthetic effect. Next, do a good job of care and management: just place it in a relatively warm, shaded, ventilated spot. Selaginella has strong vitality and is tolerant of poor soil, so daily management is very easy; water and mist appropriately every day to maintain humidity, and it will grow lush and green.