Page 17 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q1

Newly collected trees should be placed under a
plastic dome for extra humidity. However, Tugas
cultivated from cuttings do not need to be covered
in plastic and can be placed in a shaded area, with
minimum sunlight. The appearance of new shoots
and leaf growth depends on the maturity of the tree.
As a rule of thumb, it takes longer for new shoots to
emerge from mature trees with hardened bark and
burnt wood. On newly collected stock, it is permissible
to remove the plastic when shoots have 6 leaves or
more. This is also the time when watering must be
done twice a day, combined with applications of slow-
release organic fertilizer and foliar spray to encourage
both root and leaf growth.
Repotting may be conducted anytime of the year, as
long as it is not immediately exposed to full sunlight.
To preclude the scorching heat and dehydration,
newly repotted material must receive morning
sunlight and midday and afternoon shade, especially
in a tropical setting. Once in a bonsai pot and as per
our experience, Tugas require the following potting
medium: 10% coarse gravel for the drainage layer and
a mix of 70% fine river sand with 20% vermicast.

Diseases
Appropriate to the natural conditions of the area
where Tugas is endemic, full sunlight and abundant
rainwater guarantee their survival. Limited supply of
sunlight and rain/water bring forth diseases. Fungus
is one of the most common diseases that attack Tugas.
Black fungus and root rot thrive due to poor drainage. Fungus is one of the most common diseases that attack
The visible manifestation comes in belatedly, as it Tugas. Black fungus and root rot thrive due to poor
initially attacks the roots, causing necrosis. It then
finds its way up the trunk and branches as scaly and drainage.
slimy matter. At this advanced stage, the tree’s leaves
curl up, turning yellowish. Minimal to no shoots Top left and right; On
sprout. To prevent this scenario, ensuring good newly collected stock, it is
drainage is of pivotal importance. As mentioned permissible to remove the
before, the use of clean river sand mixed with organic plastic when shoots have 6
compost must be employed. At the first sign of black leaves or more.
fungus, emergency repotting is necessary and a Middle left and right; Surprising
enough, black spots may
complete change of medium should be done without appear on the leaves of a
delay. If the disease has already spread to the trunk mature bonsai tree due to over
and branches, it must be brushed off with water mixed exposure to rain water. In this
with a little detergent soap. Dead branches and twigs case, it is considered a good
afflicted with the fungus should be cut immediately. practice to defoliate the tree
before the onset of monsoon
The use of fungicide must be done cautiously and season.
sparingly. Overuse of fungicide on Tugas may weaken Bottom; The visible
its immune system and recovery may take longer, long manifestation Black fungus
after the decimation of the fungus. comes in belatedly, as it
Leaf miners and aphids are among the other pests initially attacks the roots,
that might afflict Tugas. These pests are not only causing necrosis. It then finds
its way up the trunk and
unsightly but there large colonies may debilitate a case the infestation of leaf miners and aphids gets out branches as scaly and slimy
plant over the long run, thus hindering the growth of hand, it is best to defoliate the tree and spray it with matter.
of healthy shoots. Larvae are the leaf miners’ culprit insecticide to eliminate any residual disease.
while tropical aphids commonly thrive in wet and
humid conditions. At the first sign of leaf miners and Care for Tugas Bonsai
tropical aphids, affected leaves may be carefully wiped A good practice for the care of Tugas bonsai is to
with cotton cloth, but be cautious of not using the same simply mimic its natural conditions. It is not meant to
section of the cloth to wipe other leaves and twigs. In be an indoor bonsai. It is best to cultivate it in the open,

January/February/March 2017 | BCI | 15