Page 18 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q1

Top left; Bonsai artists from
north and south Philippines
working together on a Tugas.
Some of the best tugas
yamadori are exported to
Luzon (northern Philippines)—
an opportunity for bonsai
artists in the Philippines to
work together.
Top right; Tugas workshop by
Herden Pedrajas and company
during the ABFF 2013 in
Manila.
Middle left; A Tugas forest,
179 cm, created by Oscar It is not recommended for a Tugas with full sun and abundant watering, particularly
Urdelas and friends. during the dry season. On a precise note, this fervent
Middle right; Tugas, 91cm, by
Ritzie Bugante. tree to remain indoors for a period need for water was evident during El Niño. Yellowing
Bottom; Tugas, Vitex trifolia, of leaves and wilting of new shoots are telltale signs
67 cm by Jun Cero. longer than five days. that Tugas Bonsai is screaming for water. Curled and
shrunken leaves are also a gauge for watering, but
are an indicator that it is a good time to defoliate the
tree to produce smaller leaves and closer internodes.
Surprising enough, black spots may appear on the
leaves of a mature bonsai tree due to over exposure to
rain water. In this case, it is considered a good practice
to defoliate the tree before the onset of monsoon
season. One of the many advantages of Tugas is
to diagnose the inception of disease and nutrient
deficiency as it is usually manifested by its leaves. As
usual, there are occasions when it is necessary to bring
the bonsai indoors, such as exhibits and competitions.
It is not recommended for a Tugas tree to remain
indoors for a period longer than five days. After the
event and to avoid further stress, the tree should
remain in partial shade for two to three days before
it is exposed to full sun. The occasional application
of organic-balanced elements fertilizer (14-14-14) is
rewarded with robust branches and twigs, evident by
new growth shooting all over tree and the emergence
of healthy roots. Lack of water, poor soil nutrition and
poor sunlight are main culprits behind disease, twig
and branch die back. Please deny any and all reasons
for the tree not to be healthy!

16 | BCI | January/February/March 2017