Cultivation Methods and Key Technical Points for the Large-Flowered False Holly
The large-flowered false holly (Carissa grandiflora) is a deciduous vine-like plant; the large-flowered false holly is shrub-like, with opposite leaves, broadly ovate, thickly leathery, with an abruptly pointed tip, and opposite Y-shaped hard spines in the leaf axils. It can bloom throughout the year, but spring and autumn are the peak periods; the cymes are terminal, the corolla is 5-lobed, pure white, and fragrant. After flowering it bears peach-shaped berries, green when unripe, red when ripe, 1 cm to 2 cm in diameter, bright red and lovely, with white milky sap, slightly sweet in taste, and edible.
Cultivation Methods
The large-flowered false holly prefers a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight; it tolerates waterlogging, fears drought, is not cold-tolerant, and dislikes excessive shade. During the growing season, place it outdoors in a spot with ample light for care; in summer when temperatures are high, provide a little shading to prevent scorching by the fierce sun; water frequently to keep the soil moist, and mist the leaves often, which not only washes dust off the leaves but also increases air humidity, keeping the leaf color clean and fresh, lustrous and bright; apply a decomposed, diluted liquid fertilizer once every 15 to 20 [days].
In winter, move it indoors to a sunny spot, keep the potting soil slightly dry, and do not fertilize; it can overwinter safely above 5°C. If the temperature is above 25°C, open the windows at noon for ventilation and cooling, so as to avoid sooty mold caused by high temperatures. This species tolerates pruning; during the growing season, new branches and inner branches that affect the tree shape can be cut off at any time, and pinching and tipping should be done frequently to promote branching and make the tree shape attractive. Repot and change the soil once every 1 to 2 years in spring; the potting soil should be loose, fertile, and slightly acidic soil rich in humus.
Large-flowered false holly used for making bonsai can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, or layering, all of which root easily. Its branches grow horizontally and naturally form layers, making it suitable for making many forms of bonsai, such as cascade style, waterside style, double-trunk style, straight-trunk style, and curved-trunk style.
The production method is mainly pruning, supplemented by wiring; wiring is generally carried out in summer. Because its branches are soft, some side branches and thinner main trunks can be pulled with palm rope or hemp rope, while thicker branches and trunks must be wired with metal wire. Also, because the branches naturally form layers, fine branches only need careful pruning to take shape.