I’ve been working for the last few years on a Japanese maple my mother collected as a seedling. The last time I worked on the tree, I removed a couple of large branches. Since then, the tree has grown freely to help heal the scars.
Japanese maple
Now that some of the new sacrifice branches are getting big, I shortened or removed them to prevent them from getting any bigger. The big cuts will also give the tree a chance to produce new buds in the tree’s interior.
Japanese maple – after cutback
The tree can continue to grow freely at this point, but I’ll check on the new buds in a month or two to see if any of the new shoots need wiring.
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Paul says
It looks like there is organic material in the soil. If there is, does it help when growing a tree for bonsai????
Dane Smith says
Would be helpful if you would show closer shots and more pictures than just the two.
Evan says
will you put some wire on at this point with the maple, or other maples in the same developmental stage? or do you wait, if so when?
seems like putting some wire on now could help later on in shaping the tree, when those branches may be too large or more difficult to shape.
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Evan – the branches I’m most interested in shaping are the ones that haven’t sprouted yet. Once the new shoots are out I’ll look to wire the key ones into place.
@Dane – thanks for the request for close-ups; I’ll make closer shots when it’s time for branch selection. At this point the idea is to simply force growth in the tree’s interior.
@Paul – there is no organic material in the soil mix – I haven’t used any in years – though there may be some broken down fertilizer near the surface that I have yet to clear out. Thanks for the question!
Scott Shatrowsky says
Great post Jonas. How long has it been growing in the colander?
Also, I’ve been on this moss kick recently. How do you get the moss all over? I have a kiyohime in a square colander. Only problem is keeping it moist and happy. I added moss to the surface to help with humidity. I wish the sides had some more protection from evaporation and wind.
Year 2 is starting strong for this one though.
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Scott – I’m not sure but it may be 2 years now. I did nothing to encourage the moss, it just showed up. As for keeping your kiyohime happy, a shade structure that offers a break from the wind might make sense it you’re in a warm area. Some other things you can do: set the colander in a larger colander with soil in it, set the colander on a tray with pumice so the roots can escape the colander and expand to where there’s more water, or tape a plastic drape around the colander that hangs straight down. I’ve seen this last approach used in Japan but haven’t tried it here as I use larger containers when the trees get too dry.
Hope this helps!