Trimming my cotoneaster shohin bonsai

Описание: Trimming my cotoneaster shohin bonsai

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Caring for a Cotoneaster bonsai involves maintaining its health, shape, and beauty throughout the year. Cotoneasters are hardy, easy-to-care-for shrubs with small leaves and attractive berries, making them excellent bonsai subjects. Here’s a comprehensive care guide:

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🌞 1. Light Requirements
• Sunlight: Full sun is best to maintain compact growth and encourage berry production.
• Indoors vs Outdoors: Cotoneaster bonsai should be kept outdoors year-round in temperate climates. Only bring indoors briefly for display.
• Protection: In very hot climates, provide some afternoon shade in peak summer.

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💧 2. Watering
• Frequency: Water thoroughly when the soil starts to feel dry.
• Avoid Overwatering: Cotoneasters don’t like constantly wet soil—ensure good drainage.
• Winter Watering: Reduce frequency but don’t let it dry out completely.

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🌱 3. Soil
• Use a well-draining bonsai soil mix (e.g., akadama, pumice, lava rock).
• Cotoneasters tolerate slightly alkaline to neutral pH.

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✂️ 4. Pruning
• Structural Pruning: Done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Maintenance Pruning: Throughout the growing season to control shape. Pinch back new shoots to maintain structure.
• Wiring: Best done in early spring or fall when branches are more flexible. Watch for wire cutting into bark.

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🌸 5. Flowering & Berries
• Small white to pink flowers bloom in late spring, followed by red/orange berries.
• To encourage flowering/fruiting:
• Ensure full sun.
• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
• Prune lightly after flowering.

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🍂 6. Fertilizing
• Spring to Fall: Use a balanced organic bonsai fertilizer every 2–4 weeks.
• Fall Fertilizer: Switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage dormancy prep.
• No feeding in winter.

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❄️ 7. Winter Care
• Cotoneaster is cold-hardy, but bonsai roots are vulnerable.
• Protection: Store in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, or sheltered area (like against a wall), especially below -5°C (23°F).
• Don’t bring indoors for winter dormancy unless absolutely necessary.

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🪴 8. Repotting
• Every 2–3 years in early spring before bud break.
• Trim roots moderately and refresh with new bonsai soil.

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🐛 9. Pests & Problems
• Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, scale, fire blight (a bacterial disease).
• Prevention: Keep good airflow, inspect regularly, and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Fire Blight: Remove infected branches immediately. Disinfect tools after use.

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🧹 10. Styling Tips
• Cotoneaster lends itself well to informal upright, cascade, and semi-cascade styles.
• Use deadwood (jin/shari) sparingly to enhance aged appearance.

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Would you like a seasonal care calendar or help with a specific issue (e.g., pruning techniques or disease treatment)?