An amazing plant with numerous useful properties. It has a pleasant pine aroma and cleans the air.
Thuja is one of the popular kinds for bonsai due to its compact shape and flexibility of branches.
Location
Thuja does not tolerate dry room air, drafts, and air conditioning well.
During the warm season, it is best to keep the tree outdoors in a sun-shaded location.
Temperature regime
The optimal temperature for the spring and summer period is +20…+25 °C. It is important to provide good ventilation, but avoid drafts.
Lighting
Thuja grows in North America, preferring cool places, so when growing the plant should be shielded from direct sunlight. They cause burns on the foliage and the needles turn yellow. This tree belongs to shade-tolerant plants. However, if there is little light, the branches will begin to stretch out.
Soil
A quality soil for conifers made of a mixture of humus, peat, and sand is used. A good option: Akadama, Kiryuzuna and lava in equal proportions with the addition of organic matter. At the bottom of the pot, be sure to lay a layer of drainage (lava, pumice) 2-3 cm thick.
Watering
Thuja needs a large amount of moisture: water makes the needles more saturated, elastic and beautiful, promotes the development of the root system and the rapid increase of the crown.
Watering should be done regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not overwatered. In hot weather, watering is increased.
Thuja grows normally at any air humidity, and it is not necessary to specially moisten it from the sprayer. Water the plant with well-drained water, room temperature.
Fertilizers
During spring and summer, 1–2 times a month need feeding with complex mineral fertilizers for conifers. In spring time the tree requires nitrogen fertilizers, in the summer months — in phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. In the fall and winter period, it is not necessary to feed the plant.
Repotting
Young trees up to 4 years old are transplanted annually, adults — every 2–3 years in the spring. When transplanting, about a third of the roots are cut and the soil is renewed.
Pruning long roots stimulates the development of a compact root system.
Shaping and pruning
Thuja respond well to ornamental pruning and pinching. This helps to maintain the compact shape of the plant. It is carried out in early spring or late summer. A wire is used to shape and guide the growth of branches. It can be left on the tree for several months, after which it can be removed.
Winterization
Thuja in the pot is sensitive to frost, so in winter it is better to shelter the plants. You can move the pots to a cool, frost-free room with temperatures no higher than +12 °C.
With the onset of the cold season, the number of waterings is reduced. If the room where the tree is at this time, the temperature is plus, water once every 2–4 weeks.
Diseases and pests
The main pests are aphids and mites. At the first signs of damage to the plant, use the necessary means and techniques. It is necessary to pay great attention to prevention and care — keep the pot with the plant clean, in an open, well-lighted space, do not allow thickening of the crown, control the humidity of the soil, etc.
