If you love bonsai, you have to know the Polyscias bonsai, because it is one of the most beautiful specimens. It has very dense and elegant foliage, which gives it a very decorative tropical appearance to have at home. However, it is also true that, compared to other bonsai of its species, this bonsai requires certain care that may escape the most novice. But that is why we are here, to teach you How to care for the Polyscias bonsai.
It's not that complicated, really, and once you learn the basics, you'll get used to keeping an eye on it because you'll enjoy watching it grow and it will become the admiration of your visitors. Are you ready to take note?
Getting to know it: what is the Polyscias bonsai?
The origins of this bonsai can be found in the most tropical regions, that is, in the Pacific and Asian lands. Not only is the bonsai itself curious, but so is its name, which means “many shadows.” It receives this name precisely because of the density of its foliage.
It is characterized by having Elegant and very varied leaves, because you can find it indistinctly in round, lobed or compound forms. Which form it has will depend on the species of Polyscias in question.
Another of its most characteristic features is its growth, which is compact, because it has a gnarled trunkThis shape and robustness, together with its small size, give the bonsai a charming and special appearance.
You will be glad if you decide to bring the pilyscia home, because it will decorate your space, while bringing good energy to your home. Because the bonsai protagonist of this article has multiple benefits for you. We will see these advantages below.
Benefits that the Polyscia bonsai brings to those who care for it
Having plants at home is a positive experience, but depending on the species, some provide more benefits than others. In the case of Polyscia, we can mention the following benefits:
- El Polyscia bonsai purifies the air: This bonsai helps filter harmful particles from the environment. You will be breathing cleaner air.
- Bonsai trees bring calm. They are perfect for creating zen spaces at home or in the office. Just admire them and watch them grow, or even observe the stillness they inspire. And what can we say if you also take care of them? Do you know the benefits of gardening for emotional health?
- The Polyscia needs less care than other bonsais, so you won't be able to use the excuse that you don't have time to take care of plants, because it will just be a matter of getting into the habit and starting to take care of them.
What care does the Polyscia Bonsai need?
Now that we have made the introductions and you know this bonsai, it is time to get into its care, which is the topic of this post.
If the Polyscia receives adequate light, watering and has a good substrate, it will grow healthily.
How much light does the Polyscia bonsai need?
This is a species that requires little light, so the ideal place to place it is one where it receives indirect light. Be careful, because it needs light, since in the shade it would fall over and could lose its leaves, but sufficient bright indirect light will suffice. It is also not necessary for it to receive sun, since this is dangerous because it exposes the bonsai to burning its leaves.
Do you want it to grow evenly? Keep turning it so that the light hits it from all sides.
How much water does the Polyscia bonsai need?
An important aspect of the Polyscia is the amount of water it needs. Because this bonsai does require an ideal balance of humidity. How can you achieve it?
- Before watering, check that the first layer of soil is dry, as waterlogging is harmful to the plant.
- Temperature can also be beneficial or detrimental to the care of Polyscia. Water with lukewarm water.
- Give it the humid environment it needs. To achieve this, place a saucer with water and stones at the base, so that it receives moisture but without wetting the roots.
What kind of soil does Polyscia bonsai need?
Just as important as watering is the soil you use for your Polyscia. To get it right, use a substrate that offers good drainage. If you follow our advice, it will be best suited to a substrate that is made up of a mixture of akadama or bonsai soil and coarse sand.
Should I transplant Polyscia?
The bonsai will grow and need more space. Repot it every two or three years. This way, in addition to giving it more space if it needs it, you will be renewing the substrate. And, at the same time, you can check how its roots are doing.
The best time for this transplant is spring. During these months, the temperature will be optimal for the plant to adapt well to its new habitat.
Should bonsai be fertilized?
It will grow especially in spring and summer, and it will grow even more strongly if you help it with a fertilizer. Give it one that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
When autumn-winter arrives, it will not be necessary to fertilize it, although if you want to give it a boost, you can do so once a month.
Tips to beautify your Polyscia bonsai
There are a few tricks you'll want to know to keep your bonsai looking nice. The first of these is pruning, because pruning it will help remove damaged or diseased parts and improve its appearance and even shape it.
If you want your Polyscia to achieve a certain shape, you can shape it using wire. But don't overdo it, as you could ruin it.
If you notice that the leaves are falling, analyze the possible causes. It can happen due to lack or excess of watering. It can also be due to lack of light or simply due to stress, for example, if you have changed its habitat.
You can clean the leaves with soapy water using a neutral soap. And, of course, if you detect the presence of insects, use a specific insecticide, preferably natural and ecological.
Now you know How to care for Polyscias bonsai and make it a success in your home and, at the same time, you will enjoy this wonderful species.