Guide on inducing a bonsai to produce additional branches
In the captivating world of bonsai, nurturing new branch growth is a key aspect to maintaining the overall health and vitality of these miniature masterpieces. Here's a guide on how to encourage vigorous new branch growth in your bonsai trees.
Pruning
During the initial development phase, it's best to let the spring flush grow fully, only pruning problematic or unwanted branches. This encourages faster, vigorous growth and building of the tree’s structure.
In the subsequent refinement phase, pruning becomes more strategic. The aim is to manage apical dominance by selectively pruning to prevent top branches from overtaking the lower ones, avoiding leggy growth. Use pruning techniques to encourage thicker branches at the base and finer branches at the tips.
For certain species like elm, the "clip and grow" method can be effective. This involves regularly pruning new shoots back to 2–4 leaves to encourage multiple side branches and denser foliage.
After defoliation, prune and wire new shoots while the tree is still strong. However, avoid wiring very soft, green new growth to prevent damage.
Defoliation
Defoliation, or removing leaves, encourages a second flush of growth, resulting in smaller leaves and more branch ramification. This opens the way to prune branches and control growth lines. Defoliation is often done during active growing periods when the tree can recover quickly.
After defoliation, it's ideal to prune any poorly placed or unwanted shoots to focus energy on desired branches.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for bonsai tree health. Monitor wiring to prevent wire bite as branches thicken. Wire when growth is hardened but still manageable.
Understand seasonal growth rates; slower growth periods allow for maintenance like wiring, pruning, and design adjustments without stressing the tree.
Use pots and substrates that help control vigor. For refinement, shallow bonsai pots and inorganic substrates can reduce growth speed, helping to promote denser branching rather than long, leggy shoots.
Fertilization with low nitrogen in autumn helps prevent excessive elongation during spring growth, encouraging finer branch structure.
Balancing Growth and Control
Encourage vigorous, unhindered growth early via minimal pruning. Then, in later stages, slow growth strategically through pruning, defoliation, and root confinement to promote finer, denser new branch growth and refinement. Regular maintenance including pruning after defoliation and careful wiring preserve tree health and guide structured development.
In conclusion, this approach balances growth stimulation and control, builds structure, and enhances ramification essential for quality bonsai branches.
Remember, gathering sharp, clean, disinfected pruning shears, wire cutters, bonsai training wire, and bleach for sanitizing tools is essential before starting any pruning or defoliation.
By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to promoting healthy branch growth in your bonsai trees, resulting in a beautiful, thriving bonsai that is a joy to care for.
[1] "Bonsai: The Art of Growing Miniature Trees", John N. S. Cooper [2] "Bonsai: The Art of Growing and Maintaining Miniature Trees", David J. DeLeo
Maintaining a bonsai tree is not just about cultivating these miniature trees, it's also about adapting a suitable lifestyle that aligns with home-and-garden hobbies such as gardening. By employing bonsai training techniques like pruning, defoliation, and wiring, you can stimulate healthy, new branch growth, effectively refining your bonsai trees and enhancing their structural beauty. This art form demands regular maintenance and understanding of the tree's growth patterns to foster a bonsai with quality branches that will thrive in your home garden.
