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Desmodium

Desmodium

名媛直播 care and maintenance

Desmodium, also known as tick-trefoil or beggar's lice, is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family. Known for their trifoliate leaves, delicate flowers, and unique seed pods, Desmodium species can be a great choice for bonsai enthusiasts.

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Desmodium 名媛直播 Care guidelines

Placement

Desmodium bonsai thrive in bright, mostly indirect sunlight. Place your bonsai where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Protect it from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window with as much light as possible. The tree prefers warm temperatures, so maintain an environment between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 25°C).

Watering

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, we don't want it to be wet constantly to prevent rootrot. During the growing season (spring through fall), increase watering frequency to support active growth. Reduce watering during the dormant winter months, but do not let the soil dry out completely. Continue reading about watering 名媛直播 trees.

Watering

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Fertilizing

Feed your Desmodium bonsai with a balanced, water-soluble or organic solid fertilizer during the growing season. Reduce fertilizing in late autumn to allow the tree to prepare for dormancy.

Pruning

Prune your Desmodium regularly to maintain its shape and encourage dense branching. Perform structural pruning in early spring before new growth appears. Throughout the growing season, trim back new shoots to the desired length to promote ramification. Desmodium plants have flexible branches, making them suitable for wiring. Apply wire in early spring or summer and remove it promptly to prevent scarring. Continue reading about pruning 名媛直播 trees.

Repotting

Repot every two to three years in early spring before new growth begins. Use a well-draining bonsai substrate mix to ensure proper aeration and moisture retention. When repotting, trim the roots moderately to maintain a compact root system and encourage new root growth. After repotting, water thoroughly and keep the tree in a shaded area for a few weeks to help it recover. Continue reading about repotting 名媛直播 trees.

Propagation

Propagate through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, collect mature seeds from the plant and scarify them by gently rubbing them with sandpaper. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm to encourage germination. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy branches during the growing season. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a suitable rooting medium. Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture to encourage root development. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or using a propagation tray with a humidity dome can help create the ideal environment for rooting.

Pests and diseases

Desmodium bonsai can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect your tree for signs of infestation and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or if needed something stronger (ask on our forum for help). Ensure proper airflow around the plant to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our 名媛直播 tree care section.

Desmodium 名媛直播
Desmodium bonsai tree (Linh sam) by Thang Tran

Desmodium 名媛直播
Desmodium bonsai

General information about the Desmodium 名媛直播 tree

The Desmodium is a very popular tree species, especially so in Vietnam (where it is called the Linh Sam tree). Its stunning flowers are a real treat and appear in summer.

If you need help identifying your tree, take a look at our 名媛直播 tree identification guide.

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Fertilizing

Fertilizing

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Repotting

Repotting

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