Improving bonsai trees is our main focus. Why else would each of us spend countless hours watering, fertilizing, trimming, wiring, and repotting our trees? It takes quite a bit of work to improve your trees.
Here is a list of 10 things that can be done to improve your bonsai.
- Fertilize, heavily – Fertilizing at different times can control growth at certain stages. For the most part however a healthy tree is a well-fertilized tree. I prefer to rotate a series of organic fertilizer cakes, fish emulsion, and liquid seaweed fertilizers.
- Cull – Your better trees will be greatly improved by removing lesser specimens. Time can be spent on improving the better trees. Also by comparing trees left on your benches with better specimens, this will greatly improve the overall outcome.
- Repot – Currently my trees are on a 2-3 year repotting cycle, with an overwhelming majority being repotted within a 2 year time frame. By correcting problems below the soil surface and developing more feeder roots, the health of your tree will greatly improve. A well-draining inorganic soil mix and proper watering routine will help to increase the health of your trees.
- Insecticide – From time to time it may be necessary to treat your trees with a dose of insecticide. I prefer to do this once pests are discovered instead of helping the pests develop immunity to the insecticide. I find Ultrafine in the spring and lime sulphur in the fall to be highly effective.
- Fungicide – Fungicide, especially in spring, can be a necessity for some species. I have found that Chinese Elms and Satsuki Azaleas can benefit from a little preventative treatment. A light spray can go a long way in eliminating black spot, petal blight, etc.
- Wire often – Deciduous trees grow incredibly fast and wire may cut in and scar branches much faster with conifers. Wire should be applied and reapplied often to keep the desired shape of the branches. If wire starts to cut in, then remove the wire and reapply to a separate section of the branch.
- Pinch – Some species, such as Japanese Maples, should be pinched regularly during the spring growing season. This applies mainly to finished trees, as the pinching action will slow down any elongating growth. Careful timing and proper planning should be used to determine when best to pinch, if at all.
- Prune – Pruning can direct growth and help reclaim the silhouette of a tree. Pruning at appropriate times will dramatically improve a tree’s appearance and improve it’s future. There are also special techniques for pruning, such as Japanese Black Pine candle pruning in summer.
- Ramify – A well ramified branch will improve the appearance of any bonsai. Careful pruning and pinching should increase the ramification, adding secondary and tertiary branches to your final design. Branches should end in a pleasing shape with well defined branching.
- Clean – Keeping the bonsai soil free of weeds and other debris will help maintain the visual appearance of your bonsai. The pot should also be kept relatively clean. Staying on top of the cleaning chores will decrease the amount of time spent in preparing for a show or display.
What else would you like to see added to this list? Do you have any tips or tricks that you use to quickly see improvement in your trees? Please leave your comments below.
