Bonsai Tasks to do in Cape Town in January

     JANUARY  

Month Mean Rainfall mm Rel.  Humidity % Daily Sun­shine Hrs Temp. Max Celcius Temp. Min Celcius
Jan 11,6 70 11,1 26 15,7
POSITION  Long, hot, windy days, trees need protection & must not be allowed to dry out. 
WATERING Humidity is low, mist and place containers of water between trees to increase humidity. Trees that dry out may suffer leaf burn and die if left dry for too long. Watch watering carefully.
FERTILISING Some trees, such as maples suffer from a combination of drying wind and build up of sodium in the soil which makes it difficult for them to take up moisture. Try sprinkling a small amount of gypsum on the soil and water well. All the watering causes’ nutrients to leach out of the soil so fertilise regularly. Fertilise flowering plants with 3:1:5.  
DISEASE CONTROL Pests and diseases may be slightly less prevalent during these low humidity days but watch for them anyway and spray as necessary.
PRUNING Maintenance pruning and nipping needs to be kept up and wiring may be done but watch out for branches thickening and causing wire scars. Strong growing and healthy deciduous bonsai may be de-foliated early this month to encourage a second growth season and to reduce leaf size. 
POTTING Figs may be potted now but it is too hot for most species to be potted.
REMARKS A nice time of the year to get out and about, collect stones and rocks and even compost and gravel for mixing soils. Mosses mostly look unhappy during this time of year due to low humidity. Try to mist spray bonsai often. 
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