Lime Sulphur fungicide and pesticide

Lime sulphur is a water-soluble fungicide, insecticide and acaricide concentrate used in bonsai cultivation for various purposes. Here are some key uses of lime sulphur in bonsai:

Pest and Disease Control:

Lime sulphur is primarily used as a fungicide and insecticide in bonsai cultivation. It helps control and prevent the spread of fungal diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, black spot and rust. It is also effective against certain pests like mites and scale insects. Diluted lime sulphur is usually applied as a spray to the branches of deciduous bonsai trees during the dormant season. It will discolour the leaves of evergreens. Cover your bonsai pots with newspaper, when using it, to avoid staining. The suggested dosage is 35ml to 1 litre water if spraying during a period where the temperatures are over 20°C. If temperatures are between 10°C and 20°C then the dosage should be 50ml per 1 litre of water. Spray twice in Winter with a 2 week gap.

Deadwood Preservation:

Lime sulphur is used to bleach and preserve deadwood features in bonsai. It is applied neat with a small paintbrush. It lightens the colour of deadwood, giving it an aged and weathered appearance. Lime sulphur is often applied to deadwood areas like jins (stripped branches) and shari (carved or natural deadwood) to enhance their visual appeal.

Caution:

When using lime sulphur, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and exercise caution. Lime sulphur has a strong smell and can cause skin irritation, so it’s recommended to wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.