Wufan tree, also known as Nanzhu, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rhododendron family and Vaccinium genus. Its growth habits are light-loving, cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and barren-tolerant. The extract of the leaves of the tree has functions such as food preservatives, food seasoning, and medical health care. It is also widely used in gardens such as rockeries and green spaces. It has very high ornamental value, so many Wufan tree enthusiasts have collected and planted it in their courtyards for people to appreciate. So winter is coming, how will Wufan Bonsai survive the winter?
1. Insulation in winter
The winter temperature in the south is generally between 7 and 8 degrees, and the black rice tree has a certain degree of cold resistance, so there is no need to move it, and it can survive the winter safely outdoors. What we need to pay attention to is that the temperature in the south is not low, but when it rains in winter, we must pay attention to temperature changes and pay attention to rain protection!
We can use a plastic bag to cover the bonsai tree. On the one hand, it prevents the temperature from suddenly dropping too much and causing frostbite. On the other hand, it prevents the soil in the pot from not being drained in time due to precipitation, which will cause frostbite to its root system!
Winter temperatures in the north are very low, and temperatures below minus ten degrees are common. Although the black rice tree is cold-resistant, it cannot withstand such low temperatures. During the winter in the north, we have to move the bonsai Wufan back indoors and put it in an environment with sufficient light and good ventilation to grow it!
2. Water control in winter
In winter, the temperature is low and the soil moisture is dry and difficult to evaporate, so we must pay attention to watering! Do not water blindly. Excessive watering will cause water accumulation in the soil. Water accumulation in the soil will cause frostbite to the root system and may lead to root rot.
Watering is a technical job. We water in winter based on the principle of seeing dry and wet before watering. If we don’t know whether the soil is dry or wet, we can use a chopstick to insert it into the soil. , one hour later*** If there is water on the chopsticks, there is no need to water it. Otherwise, water it. Just keep the soil slightly moist.
2. Lighting is very important in winter
The black rice tree likes light, so we must maintain sufficient light. In the southern winter, it is warm and sunny outdoors during the day, so we don’t need to take care of it. In the north, because plants are grown indoors in winter, sometimes there is no light due to the orientation of the windows. When there is insufficient light, the leaves of the plants turn yellow and affect the ornamental value, so we must pay attention to the placement!
3. Prevention of pests and diseases in winter
Humid soil in winter can also lead to the growth of bacteria and infection of the black rice tree. We must maintain sufficient lighting and a dry environment to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, so as to achieve early detection and early treatment!
4. Fertilization management in winter
The black rice tree will slowly enter the dormant period in winter, so we do not need to fertilize. However, in the north, the soil may become alkaline due to long-term use, so we need to use sulfuric acid. Ferrous solution to improve soil pH and provide suitable soil for the black rice tree!
5. Winter pruning
Winter pruning of the black rice tree is the most suitable for branch pruning and shape pruning. We prune old branches, crossing branches, and diseased branches. Pruning can save nutrients and promote the flowering of the black rice tree! We can also prune it in the shape we like. Common bonsai shapes include straight dry style, curved dry style, horizontal dry style, cliff style, waterfront style, stone-attached style, and root-lifting style!
Daily maintenance precautions
The black rice tree likes light. We can give it enough light in spring, autumn and winter. However, in summer when the weather is hot and the light is strong, in order to avoid the effects of sunburn on the leaves and the yellow leaves. Beautiful, we need to shade it!
Although the Wufan tree is drought-tolerant, we must adjust it in time. Water it every day in spring. In summer, it needs more water. We water it once in the morning and evening to ensure its water demand. In winter, the soil should be slightly moist. Mainly moist.
The flowering period of the Wufan tree is from June to July. We need to apply decomposed organic fertilizer before the flowering period so that the Wufan tree has sufficient nutrients to bloom. Before flowering, we need to spray some potassium dihydrogen phosphate. to promote flower bud differentiation. During the fruiting period, additional nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are needed to promote fruit growth! When applying fertilizer, we must be careful not to apply fertilizer near the roots, but away from the roots to avoid fertilizer damage!
When the flower buds grow on the Wufan tree, we need to intervene manually. In order to avoid poor flowering caused by insufficient nutrients, we need to wipe off the excess flower buds and cut off the excess side branches. Save nutrients and promote flowering!
Changes in soil quality
Especially the soil in the north is inherently alkaline. Even if it is adjusted to be acidic, the soil is prone to hardening due to long-term watering. This is a problem that cannot be ignored. The problem is that as the flower tree grows, the flower pot becomes smaller and the nutrients are not satisfied. These all need to be replaced with soil and pots!
We should not water the soil before taking it out of the pot. Let the soil dry out. Once it is dry, take the pot out directly. Carefully knock off the soil around the root system and keep the protective soil around the root system for repotting. It can be taken quickly when taking it. When we find rotten roots, we need to prune them off, soak them with carbendazim for half an hour and put them in the pot directly!
When potting, we need to add river sand to the soil to increase the drainage and aeration functions of the soil.
Flower lovers in the north need to add ferrous sulfate powder to the soil to change the alkalinity of the soil and turn it into acidic soil suitable for the growth of black rice trees. Then we can plant them directly in pots. After watering, Put it in an environment with sufficient light, suitable temperature and good ventilation. After it adapts to the soil, it can be maintained and managed normally!
Summary: The bonsai of the bonsai tree can survive the winter safely by paying attention to heat preservation, proper watering, and proper pruning in winter, and also prepares the bonsai tree for its later flowering and fruiting!