Page 44 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2013Q4

Water

Jasmine Appearance; Water Jasmine is a tropical shrub with twiggy branches, smooth gray bark and

thin slightly hairy foliage, that is very easy to prune for any size and shape. Two leaves grow
from one node on opposite sides of the stem. Leaves are simple, ovate, and pinnately veined.
This tree is an evergreen and blooms year round.
Flowering; Water Jasmine blooms for a long time. It produces white, pendulous, fragrant
flowers that are born along its twiggy branches. Flowers are followed by fruits that are paired,
long, green bean-like pods.
In the tropics Wrightias are defoliated several times a year to produce smaller leaves and to
increase twigging. Several weeks to one month before a show plants are defoliated, forcing
the plant to refoliate and to be in complete flower for the display. The blooming period then
lasts about two weeks. The flowers are white, pendulous, and fill a room with a very lovely
fragrance.
Water Requirements; Requires regular watering, prefers moist but well drained soil. To avoid
root rot not to allow it to sit in water. Never let the soil to dry out completely.
Insects and Diseases; Generally a healthy tree. Insects do not bother Wrightias to any sig-
nificant extent and insects infestation is cured with the usual treatments. Wrightias are not
particularly sensitive or damaged by any of the usual insecticide sprays.
Propagation; By seed, branch and root cutting
Lighting; Full sun

Feeding; The tree likes to be fed not fussy as to fertilizer type. Use a well balance fertilizer.
Underfeeding will cause leaves to turn yellow.
Repotting; Repotting may be done every 2 to 3 years and roots may be trimmed heavily.

ROOTS

The natural growth pattern of Wrightias is to produce many basal
shoots, so sprout, raft, and clump styles are quite logical and easily
designed. Roots may be trimmed heavily when repotting.

42 | BCI | October/November/December 2013