Syzygium bonsai, Ref. 3051

Syzygium - a tropical evergreen plant with small shiny leaves. Well suited for creating miniature bonsai forms with dense crowns. Blooms with white or pinkish flowers.

Age 10 years. Height 30 cm.

Placement
Syzygium needs bright light, but should be protected from direct midday sun, especially in summer. It is best placed on a south or southeast window. In summer, it is useful to put it outside.
In autumn and winter, it needs additional lighting with grow lights for up to 10–12 hours.

Temperature
From March to September, Syzygium is kept at a temperature of +18...+25 °C, in autumn the temperature is reduced to +14...+15 °C.

Watering
In spring and summer, it is watered regularly as the top layer of soil dries out. In autumn, watering is minimized, and during cool wintering, watering is infrequent to prevent the soil from drying out. Use soft (rainwater, filtered or settled) water at room temperature for watering. Syzygium prefers high humidity and requires regular spraying. The required air humidity is 60-80%.
It is recommended to place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles.
In winter, when the plant is dormant, do not spray it.

Fertilization
Fertilize from March to September with granular mineral fertilizers. No feeding is necessary in the fall and winter.

Pruning and shaping
Prune shoots regularly throughout the growing season.
Pinch off the top, leaving 2–3 pairs of leaves.
Shaping wire can be used on young branches while they are still flexible.
Make sure that the wire does not cut into the bark (remove after 2–3 months).
The most common style is the broom style.

Transplanting
Young plants are transplanted every 1–2 years in the spring.
Mature plants should be transplanted every 3–4 years.
When transplanting for rejuvenation, cut back up to 30% of the roots.
In extreme cases, you can transplant with a clod of earth in summer and early autumn, choosing a time when it is not hot.

Soil
The soil should be loose, air- and moisture-permeable.
Approximate composition:
Akadama - 40%
Pumice or fine lava - 30%
Peat or humus - 20%
Sand or perlite - 10%
pH: about 6.0–6.5.

Wintering
In winter, it is necessary to ensure cool conditions at +14...+15 °C. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below +10 °C.

Pests and diseases
Main: spider mites, scale insects, aphids.
At the first signs, treat with insecticides (e.g., neem oil-based).
Diseases: fungal infections due to overwatering (spots, leaf fall).
Treatment: fungicide, improved drainage and ventilation.