Australian firs are generally potted saplings on the market. Australian fir is not afraid of strong light and can withstand low light. It has very strong vitality. It likes moisture and is drought-tolerant. It is evergreen all year round. As long as the temperature is kept above zero, it can survive the winter and does not grow bugs. It is also one of the masters at purifying the air and is very suitable for long-term maintenance indoors with insufficient light. Let’s take a look at how to grow Australian fir bonsai, Australian fir cultivation methods and precautions, illustrated bonsai pruning methods.
Growing environment of Australian fir
Australian fir likes a warm and humid environment, grows well in sunny places, and has a certain degree of shade tolerance, but it must avoid strong light exposure in summer . Australian fir is not tolerant to cold and drought, and is suitable for well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam rich in humus.
How to water the Australian fir bonsai
During the maintenance process, how often the Australian fir should be watered depends on the humidity of the pot soil.
In summer, watering twice a week is usually enough. In winter, watering control can be reduced once compared with summer.
Australian fir seedlings should be watered more often from spring to autumn, but avoid accumulation of water in the pot. When the temperature is high and dry, water should be sprayed on the pot plants and the nearby ground to cool down and increase humidity. Watering should be timely and do not wait for the soil to dry before watering. From late autumn onwards, gradually reduce watering to enhance its cold resistance.
In summer, water when the pot soil is semi-dry. When watering, just water in a circle along the edge of the pot. If the weather is very dry, spray water around the Australian fir bonsai to increase the humidity of the air and create a suitable humid environment for it.
Cultivation methods of Australian fir:
1. Temperature: Australian fir has a long growing season. Except in summer when the temperature exceeds 32°C, Australian fir can grow all year round.
2. Soil: Australian fir is suitable for well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam rich in humus. When potted, it is better to use a substrate mixed with garden soil, leaf humus soil, and peat moss.
3. Light: Australian fir likes diffused light and should be placed in a bright place in the shed. If it is kept in a dark place for a long time, it should be moved to the sun every few weeks to keep the dark green leaves beautiful.
4. Watering: Australian fir should be watered more frequently from spring to autumn, but avoid water accumulation in the basin. When the temperature is high and dry, water should be sprayed on the pot plants and the nearby ground to cool down and increase humidity. Watering should be timely and do not wait for the soil to dry before watering. From late autumn onwards, gradually reduce watering to enhance its cold resistance.
5. Fertilizer: Fertilizer should be applied every 2 weeks during the growing season, preferably compound fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium. Insufficient fertilizer supply can easily cause branches and leaves to turn yellow.
6. Pests and diseases: Australian fir has very few pests and diseases. When maintained indoors, scale insects are more common. It can be sprayed with chlorpyriphos, chlorpyrifos emulsifiable concentrate, Guoguang scale insecticide, etc., and the effect is good.
Precautions for breeding Australian fir:
1. Under normal circumstances, there is no need to prune the branches of Australian fir and let it grow naturally. The suitable growth temperature is 10-25℃, and the overwintering temperature is above 5℃. During the winter season, a certain amount of light can be given, and the pot soil should not be too dry. In sunny weather, water should be sprayed to increase the humidity.
2. Summer and autumn are the growth periods. Potted plants can be placed in a semi-shady place outside or placed in a ventilated place with light from the window for maintenance. Avoid exposure to the scorching sun above 35°C. Place in dark shade for a long time. This will cause the branches and leaves to become yellow or leggy, affecting the ornamental value.
3. During the growth process, in order to prevent the main trunk from tilting to one side, it is advisable to repot the plant once every half month to allow the plant to receive even light. In addition, the trunks of saplings are fragile and prone to bending and deformation. It is advisable to erect pillars to fix the trunk from the time of saplings. To prevent the plants from growing too tall, they should be repotted every 2-3 years after spring warms up. Pay attention to protect the side branches at ordinary times to avoid damage and affect the plant shape.