Bonsai Focus (English Edition) – July-August 2019

A

A

The lowest branch (A) on the left is often developed

so that it helps towards creating a nebari. The base

of the branch has become too thick, though

The lowest left branch
seen from above. The
base has become very
thick, as you can see
from the illustration.
You could remove the
middle part, but the
branch would still be
way too thick

Removing branches that are too thick

To avoid branches from thickening up at the tips, as
shown here, you need to make corrections

Use concave pliers to prune up to a small side branch.

This will improve the ramification

Use a branch splitter like the one above to cut back the thick branch little by little

TECHNIQUE

Wiring:

Wire to create a better

branch structure. Use

aluminium wire. Monitor

your tree at the start of the

growing season.

Watering:

Likes to be kept moist during

the entire season.

Repotting:

Repot in early spring before

leaves start to bud, then

every two to three years. Use

a well-draining soil mix.

Pruning:

The clip and grow method is very

successful when thickening of the

branches is necessary. Then let the

new shoots grow out to four leaves.

Tolerates repeated defoliation when

leaves are hardened off. This

can be done during the

growing season to create

very small leaves. Structural

cuts can be made, especially in

autumn or early spring.

Placement:

Likes full sun; however,

in summer you need to

protect the plant from the heat and

hot sun by semi-shading it. In winter

keep protected against cold winds

and frosts.

Zelkova - HUSBANDRY

Propagate:

From cuttings or air layering.

Improve the branch structure

Bonsai Focus 17