Bonsai pruning simple tips, try your own and make it awesome.Bonsai literally means, a plant or tree that grows in a container. Also it can be a group of trees, such as the forest or raft styles of bonsai. However, a bonsai is a miniature tree that looks exactly like those growing naturally. Especially with all the characteristic features, like the shape, distribution of branches etc.
Bonsai pruning simple tips
The perfection and beauty of the bonsai depends on the way we take care of it. The dedication, as well as the aesthetic sense of the artist, is equally important. We can shape our bonsai plants to different styles, by applying simple techniques during the training period. Preferably, the basic styles that include formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, broom, forest etc. As a beginner, you can try any of these styles, that are easy to follow.
Bonsai pruning – a general outline about the simple tips.
Generally, pruning is the process through which, we remove the extra buds, branches and leaves of our bonsai. In a like manner, we can do root pruning, which is also important, for the healthy growth of our bonsai. For this, about two third of the roots of the plant is removed, at the time of repotting.Give below are pics that show a Fukien tea tree bonsai under training, before and after pruning.
Pinching and pruning are the first steps of training our bonsai. Once the plant gets adapted to the new medium in the training pot, we can start these processes.Right from the beginning, we should have an idea about the shape and style of our bonsai. Because, we can take a decision easily, regarding removal as well as retention of branches.
Through pinching, we can nip off the unwanted buds and tender leaves with our fingers. But for pruning the branches as well as hard stems, we have to use the particular tools.
Essential tools for pruning bonsai trees
However as a beginner, you can definitely start with a sharp knife and a pair of good quality kitchen scissors.
Bonsai pruning simple tips – illustrated with example of a Ficus microcarpa.
Definitely we can start pruning our bonsai, as and when the plant starts branching out in the training pot. First, we have to decide which branches are to be retained.Using the pruning scissors, we can cut all the branches that are not required for our bonsai. Always remember to use sharp and clean tools for pruning. Because, this may help preventing the plants from the attacks from any kind of infection.Likewise, ensure that the cuts are closer to the trunk. Surely you can do this by placing the pruning scissors at an angle of ninety degrees to the stem.Gradually new buds start sprouting around the pruned area. But remember to retain those in a useful position, and remove all the others.
Annual pruning.
Your bonsai trees will produce a lot of shoots from the axils, every year. Too many of them, can dominate the appearance of your bonsai, if they are allowed to remain as such.Therefore, it is essential to remove all the unnecessary shoots. Also you can do root pruning, at the time of repotting your bonsai. For a healthy growth, most of the bonsai trees need repotting every two or three years. Furthermore, it is important to fill the pots with fresh medium while repotting each time.
Ficus microcarpa Bonsai
Pruning simple – tips
Really, trees from the Ficus family, are ideal, for making bonsai in tropical climates.Hence let us see the simple tips for pruning a Ficus microcarpa bonsai. In addition, Ficus benjamina, Ficus ginseng microcarpa, Ficus alii etc. are also fine. Besides, the Jade, Tamarind, and Bougainville are suitable plants for making bonsai in tropical places.For Pruning our Ficus microcarpa bonsai, first place the plant at eye level, preferably on a turn table. By doing this, we can see the plant clearly from all the sides.
Then observe the plant carefully, to decide which parts are to be removed.After that, start cutting the leaves as well as branches that are over grown.
Using an ordinary pruning shears or leaf cutter, it will be easy for you to trim the leaves.If necessary, you can remove the extra growth of stems, using a branch cutter.
Finally, observe your bonsai from all angles, to see whether it is perfect.
After pruning, keep your bonsai in shade for a few days. Water regularly, and feed occasionally with some organic fertilizer, to retain the health and beauty.With the above simple tips, prune your bonsai to make it really fantastic.
