Bonsai Care

Bonsai care, bonsai care is important, and takes time but proper bonsai care makes the difference to the health of the tree. Not all bonsai need wiring, but constant bonsai care is needed to keep the tree healthy.

Leaf trimming: This technique involves removing leaves or needles from a bonsai's branches and the trunk. Removing the outer larger leaves forces the tree to grow a replacement set of leaves which are obviously smaller and keeps the tree miniturised, it also allows sunlight to get to the smaller leaves nearer the branches. The best way to trim leaves from a bonsai is 'finger pruning'. To finger prune your bonsai tree you need to pinch back any new growth helping it to grow bushy foliage and make it look more like a bonsai tree. To achieve this, take the branch in one hand and the growth between your thumb and forefinger and twist the leaf. Pruning and trimming leaves is the activity that wlll occur the most often because it is used for bonsai tree maintenance, and the one that occurs most frequently during the year.

Wiring: When wiring try to get the tree to grow into a natural looking shape for the particular bonsai you have. Not all trees need wiring to achieve there desired shapes they can just automatically grow into shape with no need for wiring and will only need pruning to remove any excess branches and leaves that will achieve the desired shape. You need to wrap copper or aluminium wire around the branches and trunk of the treewhich will allow you to create the general shape if there is a need for shaping. Aluminium wire is more expensive than copper wire but is easier to use especially for beginners and should be bought in different lengths depending on the size of branch you wish to train. The easiest way to wire the tree is to hold the branch with one hand (depending on the size of tree, it may take two hands, in which case roll the wire before bending) and roll the wire slowly around the branch, then slowly bend the branch into the rquired position and anchor to another branch or suitable anchor point. If the branch is very strong you can double the wiring on the same branch. Check the wiring every couple of weeks to make sure it does not cut into the bark because this couild cause damage that could take years to repair. It is best not to water the tree the day before wiring and after keep it in the shade for two weeks. When wire is used on new branches, it holds the branches in place until they convert into wood, this normally takes between 6–9 months. Wires are also used to connect a branch to another object (e.g., another branch, the pot itself) so that tightening the wire applies force to the branch. Some species do not grow strong new branches, and some trees branches are too brittle or stiff to be bent easily these cases should not be wired, shaping them is accomplished primarily through pruning.