Page 56 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q3

Watering: Potting:
Horticulturally, Jade is probably one of the easiest Roots of Jade are fibrous and tend to break easily.
tropical plant to work with and one of the hardest to Being a succulent, Jade is able to support itself with far
kill. Because of its water storing capacity, it is virtually fewer roots than many others. One half to two thirds
impossible to kill it by neglecting to water it. of the roots may be removed while potting and re-
When Jade it is over-watered and the soil retains wa- potting. Freshly pruned and repotted bonsai should
ter around the roots for a long time, the roots will rot have just damp soil for a few days and kept in semi-
easily, resulting in yellow leaves, leaf drop and puck- shade until it is established. Jade are heavy so they
ered leaves. Moisture control is very important for need deeper pots than normal to stabilize the plants.
jade plant. Water jade bonsai only when the soil dries. Regular pruning of top-heavy branches will help avoid
imbalanced growth.
Feeding:
Portulacaria afra responds so well to good light, Styling:
regular watering and good soil with proper drainage, It is a pleasure to work with Jade plant as it adapts
and once the plant is established, feed with a nitroge- to most of the styles and sizes of bonsai. It also looks
nous fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks to sustain its growth. grand in a forest style of bonsai. To begin with, keep
the soil on drier side before pruning to get the desired
Propagation: shape. It is better to cut a jade branch flush rather con-
Every part of the Jade plant is not only capable of cave. Deep cuts will leave unwanted scars and may
producing roots, but does so readily and easily. Cut- cause die back.
tings of larger and small branches and twigs could be Pinching is the secret to refinement of Jade bon-
taken for propagation. Allow the cut end to dry its sap sai. Since Jade is fast growing, it must be pinched
for a day. Dip in root hormone and put in sandy soil. frequently during the growing season. Usually once
Keep the soil barely wet for the roots to strike easily a fortnight is sufficient. This will make the leaf mass
and not rot with excess water. Keep cuttings in bright dense and smaller in size, resulting in beautiful pad-
light and move gradually to a sunny location as it gets ding of foliage with a good silhouette.
well rooted. Cuttings of already compacted growth
Informal style Jade by Jyoti & can make beautiful mame bonsai in a short time.
Nikunj Parekh

54 | BCI | July/August/September 2014