Carmona, often referred to asTea Tree, an Asian plant. Although the synonym Carmona microphylla is widely used, the correct botanical name is Ehretia buxifolia. An evergreen shrub with small, shiny leaves covered with short, light hairs. The bark of Carmona has a rough surface, which over time takes on the appearance of the bark of a very old tree. It blooms with small white flowers, from which red or yellow fruits are formed.
Soil:
A mixture consisting of clay granulate, sand, and peat in equal proportions. Substrate replacement is usually done in the spring. Young plants have their soil changed every two years. Old and healthy bonsai can do without substrate replacement for a longer period.
Lighting:
Carmonalight-loving, in summer the plant can be kept in partial shade outdoors. In winter the plant should be kept in a warm room with high humidity, for which it should be sprayed regularly.
Temperature:
Moderate in summer. In winter, it is advisable to keep it indoors at room temperature.
Watering:
The substrate must be kept uniformly moist. Rainwater or settled tap water is used for watering. If the soil dries out, the plant is likely to die.
Top dressing:
Use special fertilizers for bonsai. From early spring to autumn, feed once every two weeks, in winter - once a month.
Formation:
Carmona can be used to obtain any style of bonsai. One- and two-year-old branches easily take shape when wired. For woody branches, tension devices are used, which helps to avoid damage to the bark of the tree.
It is easy to buy a Carmona with an already established bonsai style that can be maintained or improved. A poorly formed plant will require at least a year.
Strengthened shoots, reaching a length of 10-20 cm, are shortened to 1-3 leaves depending on the stage of development and health of the plant. In the process of forming a tree, when removing old branches, the pruning sites should be treated.
Purchasing a plant:
Carmona can be purchased in specialized stores. Both young and well-formed specimens are available for sale. It is propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Pests and diseases:
It is an easy target for various insects and diseases.
