One of the most important care measures for a bonsai is regular pruning. But he wants to be learned. You need to follow a few basic rules beforehand.
Anyone who chooses a garden bonsai also decides to give the plant a lot of love, care and attention. Armed with water and scissors alone, care is far from over.
The right location also determines the success of a bonsai. For example, the high-quality Japanese bonsai Pinus Parviflora (white pine) needs a lot and likes sun, whereas the Japanese yew Taxus cuspidata is also satisfied with a shady spot (source: care instructions from luxurytrees.com). It also depends on the variety of bonsai. And that not only applies to the location, but also to the editing.
Regular pruning is therefore one of the most important care measures for a bonsai. Because that is what decides the form. Finally, the basic structure of the tree must be represented. The branches must not grow wildly and the course of the trunk must be recognizable. Although the actual pruning depends on the variety, the basic rules apply to all species.
The right tool
Whether it's roses, fruit trees or other plants - when it comes to pruning, you need the best tools. Otherwise, the branches will be crushed more than cut. In the worst case, pathogens could accumulate and destroy the plant.
Special bonsai scissors and tongs are best for cutting bonsai. And who can hardly believe it? The best models come directly from Japan, the country where bonsai originated. Of course, there are also Chinese products that are a lot cheaper, but are absolutely not comparable in quality. The tools from Japan are sharp (and remain so) and are much easier to use. Every now and then a higher investment is worthwhile.
If possible, have the pliers in several sizes in stock. So you have the right pliers for every branch.
Reasons for regular pruning
The reasons for regularCut are very diverse. There are different reasons behind each part of the bonsai.
- The branches are cut, for example, to give the bonsai a basic structure. The purpose of the cut is to thin out the tree and ensure harmonious growth.
- The foliage of the bonsai is pruned to encourage new growth and growth of the branch. In addition, the topiary is also very important here.
- The trunk, for example, urgently needs the cut so that it grows evenly. In addition, a new trunk history can be formed.
- You have to cut the roots to stem the growth. If you don't cut the roots, it will just get way too big. In addition, the roots need enough space in the often relatively small container.
10 basic rules for regular bonsai pruning
Rule 1:
1 All branches moving inwards towards the crown must be cut off.
Rule 2:
2 There are no two crossing branches on a bonsai. You have to decide which of the two fits less into the picture. As hard as it is sometimes, a branch has to believe and be cut off.
Rule 3:
3 Small thin branches growing out of the trunk need to be trimmed. The cut is made directly at the base. The only exception: If you need a branch exactly at the point, it can stay.
Rule number 4:
4 The branches must not face each other. In a bonsai, the branches must be arranged alternately.
Rule number 5:
5 Branches that are unnaturally bent or have odd twists or curves will be truncated.
Rule number 6:
6 If a relatively thick branch has formed in the upper part of the tree, this must also be removed. The natural look of the tree has thick branches at the bottom and they get narrower at the top.
Rule number 7:
7 Cut off old branches to encourage dormant buds to grow. This is how the inner tree crown can be renewed.
Rule number 8:
8 Always cut strong shoots diagonally, just above the bud. Weak shoots are cut off at right angles to the direction of growth.
Rule number 9:
9 Small thin branches may be cut all year round. With the thicker branches you should pay attention to the rest period. This is for bonsai in winter. But beware: Only on frost-free dayscut!
» Important note: Do not place outdoor bonsai in heated rooms over the winter. The hibernation would be disturbed in this way. The hibernation is essential for the survival of these plants (source: care tips from bonsai.info)!
Rule number 10:
10 Each cut you make will leave a scar on the bonsai. Accordingly, you should treat the scars with a wound closure after the cut. This mainly applies to large cuts.
This wound closure ensures that no pests and diseases penetrate. It also makes the wound heal faster.
Read:
Anyone who has bought a new bonsai is naturally afraid of doing something wrong from time to time. And since the large plants are not necessarily cheap for the garden, it is important to avoid making major mistakes.
During my research I came across this checklist. Here you will find the 10 most serious mistakes when handling a bonsai. Highly recommended!
10 serious mistakes that you should definitely avoid so that your bonsai stays he althy, beautiful and strong - free as a PDF file