Page 55 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q4

long. Keep the newly planted bamboo in a cool, shady
place and properly water the plant. Remove the extra
leaves.
Cutting Propagation: We may use cut bamboo
culms to plant directly into the soil. Since the failure
rate of this method is high, we do not suggest that
beginners try this method on bamboo propagation.
Seed Propagation: For some clumping bamboo,
we can directly sow the seeds into the soil. Bamboo
should first develop shoots that grow into culms,
and then produce roots. The bamboo seeds need to
be properly cleansed (sterilization) before planting.
Bamboo seeds should be immersed in a rooting hor-
mone solution, (Naphthalene Acetic Acid or NAA),
to facilitate rooting. Soak overnight and remove from
the solution to place in a cool, dry environment during
the daytime, repeat 2 to 3 times.
Air Layering Propagation: This is another propa-
gation method for bamboo bonsai.
Cultivation Environment:
For the tropical clumping bamboo, the best
growing environment is from seal level to an altitude
of 500 meters, with an average temperature above
approximately 25°C.
For hardy running bamboo, the best growing envi-
ronment is 500 meters above sea level or higher, with
an average temperature of about 15° to 25°C.
Both types of bamboo require an environment
with good air circulation; if the circulation is poor,
the plants are prone to infection by pests and diseases.
Watering:
In general, bamboo grows best with ample water,
but the root is not efficient in water retention.
Therefore, watering the plant is very important, espe-
cially for bamboo grown in pots and containers that
do not retain moisture as well as bamboo grown in
the ground. As long as the soil allows for drainage,
overwatering is not a concern.
If the potted plant is placed outdoors, it needs to
be watered at least once a day in the winter, and twice
a day in the summer. If the potted plant is placed slim and distorted. Usually, if the potted bamboo is
indoors, it needs watering once every two days in placed indoors for four to five days, it ought to be
the summer season, and once every three days in the moved outdoors to gain a bit of sunlight for several
winter. For indoor plants, good ventilation is the key. days. Tropical clumping bamboo needs 20% to 30%
In order to grow healthy and strong bamboo, it is shade, temperate hardy running bamboo needs 40%
necessary to adequately control the water content in to 50% shade.
the soil, otherwise bamboo culm will grow thin and
long. Spray water on the soil to keep appropriate Fertilization:
moisture in the pot. We can always use liquid fertilizer Potted bamboo does not need much fertilization,
dissolved in water, because adding fertilizer to bamboo but an adequate amount of fertilizer will promote
can allow the plant to grow vigorously and yield vibrant healthy growth and development. In the early planting
leaves, while keeping the moss green and lush. period, mix a small amount of compost into the soil
as basic fertilization to increase soil nutrients for the
Sunlight: growth of the plant. Fertilizers high in nitrogen and
Essentially, bamboo is a semi-sunshine plant, but potassium content are very well suited for top dressing
when bamboo grows new, young shoots, sufficient application. The best time to apply fertilizer to bamboo
sunlight is important to promote new culm growth. is in spring and autumn. Summer and winter are not
Lacking sunlight will cause the bamboo culm to grow appropriate times.

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