Malpighia glabra

Malpighia glabra requires a sunny location to grow healthily and vigorously. In temperate climates, it can remain outdoors year-round, but in areas where temperatures drop below 10°C, protection is essential. In winter, it should be brought into a well-lit, temperature-controlled cold greenhouse, avoiding cold snaps and drafts.

The common watering rule, which dictates watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, is also ideal for Malpighia, although more frequent watering is necessary during hotter periods and in strong winds. Often, in these cases, the soil risks remaining completely dry. It's also important to keep in mind that both a lack of water and an excess of water can cause serious problems for the plant. Specifically, a lack of water causes drooping leaves and stunted growth; excess water causes the leaves to blacken at the apical tips.

Repotting is needed every 2 or 3 years, preferably in early spring, before the plant starts growing again. This ensures room for the roots and renews the substrate, which over time tends to become compact and lose its drainage capacity. During repotting, it's advisable to lightly prune the roots, removing any that are dry or too long, to encourage a thicker and healthier root system. The ideal soil is well-aerated and draining, a mixture of akadama, pumice, and a small amount of prepared soil, to ensure nourishment and facilitate moisture management.

Pruning is needed to shape the bonsai, maintain the desired form, and stimulate branching. The main interventions are carried out in late winter or early spring, removing untidy, weak, or overly vigorous branches that disrupt the tree's harmony. Malpighia responds well to pruning, producing new shoots fairly quickly. However, drastic cuts should be avoided during colder periods or on weak plants, as this can compromise their health.

Pinching is a delicate but essential technique for maintaining the compactness and aesthetic balance of a bonsai. It involves pinching off new growth when it has produced 4 or 5 leaves, leaving only 1 or 2 to contain its growth. This helps to reduce the size of the leaves and thicken the canopy. Pinching should be done regularly during the growing season, from April to September, but avoiding periods of stress such as heatwaves or after recent repotting.

Wiring allows you to shape and direct branches, especially young and flexible ones. Aluminum wire is generally used, applied carefully to avoid damaging the bark. The best time to wire is spring or early summer, when the plant is active but not too fragile. Malpighia branches tend to grow rapidly, so it's essential to check the wire frequently and remove it before it leaves permanent marks.

Fertilization is important to support growth, flowering, and, if present, fruiting. During spring, it's recommended to apply a fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, preferably balanced or with a slight predominance of phosphorus and potassium. In autumn, fertilization should be gradually reduced, and in winter, it can be suspended altogether, as the plant is dormant. The use of slow-release solid organic fertilizers can be an excellent choice to ensure constant nutrition.

Oltre alle tecniche di coltivazione, la Malpighia bonsai richiede attenzioni specifiche alla salute generale della pianta. Può essere attaccata da parassiti come afidi e cocciniglie, soprattutto in ambienti umidi e poco ventilati. È quindi utile effettuare controlli periodici e intervenire prontamente con trattamenti naturali o mirati. Una buona esposizione alla luce, la circolazione d’aria e l’uso di un terreno ben drenante sono fattori fondamentali per prevenire malattie. In inverno è importante evitare sbalzi termici e mantenere un livello di umidità moderato.