Bonsai Step Four Preparation For Potting

Bonsai Step Four Preparation For Potting

The process of transplanting a bonsai from its grow- ing container into a finished bonsai container can be com- pared to selecting the right frame for a painting. A wise and compatible choice can make a dramatic difference in how the whole composition is perceived. Beginners should be aware that no matter what the size, shape or color of the container they select, it must meet one very important requirement. Containers must always provide sufficient space for the growth and health of the root system. This is a purely horticultural consider- ation and not an artistic one, but it is very important. The container you select may look fabulous with the tree, but if
it fails to provide sufficient room for the healthy growth of the trees roots, it will very shortly not matter what it looks like. Make sure the pot you pick out is big enough. There are a number of bonsai guidelines dealing with the sizes, shapes and glazes on containers when used in combinations with the various varieties and styles. As you study the art you will become more familiar with which containers work best for a particular tree. The juni- per in this example will be potted into an unglazed rectan- gular pot of Chinese manufacture.

(Screen mesh must be affixed over the drain holes in the bottom of the pot. The screen is held in place with the use of a wire “hair pin.”)

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Beginner Basics Creating A Bonsai For The First Time

Beginner Basics Creating A Bonsai For The First Time greenery from which they most often work. A firm grasp of the fundamentals is of paramount to enhancing your ability to identify usable and non-usable elements of the plant material. Once you have that, the ability to “see” becomes gradually clearer with more and more practice. For this exercise, we have selected a Dwarf Japa- nese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procurement nana). We have done so because, junipers are particularly good specimens for beginners to practice on and because they are extremely vigorous growers with flexible branches and trunks. They like full sun, but will grow happily in a wide variety of locations and conditions. They also have the added advantage of being a bit “forgiving” when newcom- ers make mistakes. Since you are learning, we assume you will be mak- ing a few mistakes along the way. Its good to have plant material which is willing to work with you. Junipers (par- This step-by-step pic

Step Three Detail Pruning & Shaping

Step Three Detail Pruning & Shaping Once you have move all the branches into the ap- proximate positions for your final design, trim back the length of branches to establish the overall shape of the tree. Remember that all bonsai have a triangular shape. In most cases, the largest and longest branches are located at the bottom. Branches gradually get thinner and shorter as they approach the apex. Once you have shortened the branches to the desired length and established a well balanced composi- tion, begin to work on each individual branch. Remove all green growth which emerges from the bottom of these branches. (Trees do not grow leaves out of the bottom of a branch) and cut or pinch back foliage on the tops and sides of each branch until they begin to develop a pad like shape. In the future, as the tree grows and develops you will need to keep these foliage pads pinched back and well formed. They will become more dense with green growth and add greatly to it’s appeara

Bonsai tree Step Six: Aftercare

Bonsai tree Step Six: Aftercare Once the transplanting is complete it is important to get the root mass wet as quickly as possible. This is most effectively done by filling a basin or tub with water and set- ting the tree in the tub up to its rim. Water will come up through the drainage holes and saturate the entire root mass. Allow the tree to sit in the tub for about 15 minutes and then remove it. You may add rooting stimulants, such as Vitamin B-1, Superthrive or Dy- nagro KLN, to the soak tub, if you wish. Such chemicals sometimes help the root system to overcome transplant shock and recover more quickly. The initial transplanting process is usually the only time it will be necessary to bottom soak the tree. Most of the time, bonsai are simply watered from the top with a hose or a watering can. Should the tree accidentally dry out you may bottom water again if you wish. It is an effec- tive way to insure that the total root mass is saturated. Remove the tree from the w

Bonsai Tree

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