The Balsam Fir, also known as the “Ba Chia”, is a unique and fascinating tree with a plethora of meanings in feng shui and life that has captivated many. Let’s delve into its characteristics, symbolism, and cultivation!
1 Introduction to the Balsam Fir
The Balsam Fir is a small tree
The Balsam Fir, or Antidesma acidum, is also known by several other names, including the Ba Chia, Sam Rung, Sam Nui, and Linh Sam Nui. This tree is native to Asian countries, including Vietnam, and is now commonly found in Asian gardens as a bonsai or houseplant.
As a small tree, the Balsam Fir has a long lifespan and is prevalent in the central mountainous regions of Phu Yen, Binh Thuan, and Khanh Hoa, among others. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 meters, with some specimens reaching up to 4-5 meters. The bark is dark and rough, while the leaves are spiraled and wrinkled, giving it a distinctive appearance.
The leaves of the Balsam Fir are a lush green, oval-shaped, and slightly pointed at the tip. They are usually 4-6 centimeters long and 1-2 centimeters wide, brittle, and easily breakable. The roots of this tree are robust and sturdy, capable of penetrating deep into the soil to absorb nutrients, contributing to its enduring vitality. For these reasons, the Balsam Fir is a favorite among gardeners and is often sought after for display in personal gardens.
2 Different Types of Balsam Fir and Their Characteristics
The Balsam Fir is a versatile tree with numerous varieties due to its propensity for hybridization, mutations, and adaptability to different environments and care methods. Here are some characteristics of popular Balsam Fir types in the gardening world.
Hinh River Balsam Fir
This variety of Balsam Fir is the most economically valuable due to its large, dark, and attractive flowers. Gardeners are willing to pay a premium for this rare tree, which is almost extinct in the wild.
Hinh River Balsam Fir can change farmers’ lives
Balsam Fir 86
This is the most common variety among gardeners. It has dark green, shiny leaves with a small, compact shape. Balsam Fir 86 is easy to bend, resistant to branch death, and produces an abundance of beautiful flowers, making it ideal for bonsai.
Popular Balsam Fir 86
Tan Phu Rice Grain Balsam Fir
Named for its tiny leaves, which resemble rice grains, this variety has dark green, shiny leaves with minimal thorns. It is often grown in gardens and shaped into ancient bonsai trees.
Tan Phu Rice Grain Balsam Fir
In addition to the three varieties mentioned above, there are numerous other famous types of Balsam Fir, such as the An Hai and popular varieties like the Purple Balsam Fir and the Marble Balsam Fir.
3 Symbolism of the Balsam Fir
The Balsam Fir holds multiple positive meanings in feng shui and life
Feng Shui Significance
The Balsam Fir is not just a beautiful ornamental tree; it also carries auspicious meanings. Displaying a Balsam Fir in your home is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, health, wealth, honor, and peace to the household. Additionally, the green leaves and purple flowers of the Balsam Fir are particularly beneficial for individuals with Wood and Fire elements in their Chinese zodiac signs. Since Wood generates Fire in the Chinese elemental cycle, planting a Balsam Fir in your garden can attract wealth and luck.
Significance in Life
The Balsam Fir symbolizes resilience and endurance due to its ability to adapt to varying climatic conditions. It represents the image of an unwavering, indomitable, and majestic gentleman.
4 How to Grow and Care for the Balsam Fir
Although the Balsam Fir is adaptable, specific cultivation and care techniques must be followed to ensure its thriving growth.
Planting Techniques
There are two common methods for growing Balsam Fir: in pots and directly in the ground. While these approaches may seem similar, they differ in several key techniques.
Pot Cultivation
– The Balsam Fir is a rapid root grower, so you can propagate it through cutting or layering methods.
– Use soil or sand as a growing medium for the Balsam Fir, as both support its development.
– Select a large cement pot with excellent drainage holes and add a few pebbles to prevent root rot caused by water stagnation.
– Fill the pot with soil or sand, gently tapping it to compact the medium around the tree’s roots. After planting, place the pot in a sunny location and water frequently to maintain adequate moisture.
– The tree will sprout new shoots within a month, and after five months, you can replace the soil and begin shaping the tree.
Balsam Fir can be grown in pots or directly in the ground
Ground Cultivation
– Choose a shady and well-lit location for planting.
– Create a large sand mound and plant the Balsam Fir on a concrete base. Water the tree periodically to maintain moisture. When the root sprouts exceed 40 centimeters in length, remove the sand and transplant the tree to regular soil.
Caring for the Balsam Fir
The Balsam Fir thrives with ample water, so ensure you provide sufficient water without overdoing it to avoid waterlogging.
Apply 5-10g of NPK fertilizer in a 20:10:10 ratio and 30g of compomix every 1-2 months. Additionally, add a small amount of potassium during the flowering stage to encourage larger and more beautiful blooms.
Prevent common pests such as powdery mildew, leafhoppers, and leaf yellowing by consulting a gardening store for specific pest control recommendations.
5 Where to Buy the Balsam Fir and Price Range
The price of the Balsam Fir varies depending on the variety and size
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous varieties of Balsam Fir available in the market today. You can find Balsam Fir specimens to suit your personal taste at local nurseries or reputable online bonsai and gardening stores. The price of each tree will vary depending on the variety, size, and rarity. Here is a price range for some of the Balsam Fir varieties:
- Mini Balsam Fir for table decoration: 300,000-3,000,000 VND/pot
- Balsam Fir for miniature landscapes and stone arrangements: 1-4 million VND
- Bonsai Balsam Fir: from 500,000 to tens of millions of VND.
- Balsam Fir 86: 60,000- 500,000 VND/tree.
We hope this information about the different types of Balsam Fir has been helpful. If you’re interested in growing this beautiful tree, we wish you success and joy in your gardening endeavors!
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