Pruning your bonsai.
June 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured Bonsai Articles
The roots
This short article from Bonsai pictures is all about how to cut and prune your roots and branches effectivly.
The function of the roots are to retain the Bonsai tree in the substrate, store nutrients during the rest period and to absorb water and nutrients during the growing season. After 2-3 years in the same pot, the roots of a bonsai typically fill the pot. If left like that, it will choke with its roots and therefore die.
We must therefore do what is known as re-potting. The re-potting is usually done before the emergence of new shoots in the spring up to 2-3 years of age. Young bonsai can be re-potted each year.
Tips
Before re-potting your bonsai, leave the substrate to dry thoroughly. You should never water a tree before re-potting. A dry substrate can be removed more easily from the roots than a moist substrate.
Keep the pot in the shade and do it on a day that is not too hot.
Prepare the pot and the substrate prior to the re-potting.
Once the substrate is removed, spray a little water on the roots.
As a guide you should usually cut 1 / 3 of the total length of roots.
Make a small mound of substrate at the position where the tree will be placed.
You must ensure that no air pockets are under the roots.
With a stick, make a circular motion to fill any air pockets with the substrate.
Water the bonsai by submerging the pot in water once the potting is completed.
Place the bonsai in the shade for a month.
Wait a month before fertilizing.
Spray the leaves daily.
The branches
The size of the branches allow you to form the basic shape of your bonsai.
Generally, the training/pruning of the branches can be done during March / April and new shoots in May / June It is important to use the proper sharp tools.
If you cut a branch on parallel leaf species, the result will be two new shoots.
Bonsai pictures - pruning bonsai
Bonsai Pictures - Pruning bonsai
