Balance is one of the top priorities when developing black pine bonsai. In spring, as new shoots elongate, it often becomes quite apparent which shoots are stronger than others. Strong shoots near the apex of the tree Strong shoots on the back of the tree Although decandling is a very effective technique for balancing vigor […]
Bonsai Development
Bonsai Development posts form the heart of Bonsai Tonight. Learn about varieties like Black Pine, Shimpaku and Japanese Maple, techniques like Decandling and Grafting and Air Layering, and bonsai features like Deadwood.
Thinning a cork bark black pine
In the mid-1990s, I created a cork bark black pine by grafting foliage on a young pine I’d started from seed. The foliage was yatsabusa cork bark – cork bark that produces very dense foliage and lots of buds. Every year or two I thin the tree out, and on occasion I wire the youngest […]
Making a big cut on an ume bonsai
I’ve had this ume bonsai for a long time. Several years ago, the tree lost all but a single branch due to fungus. The branch survived, and I’ve been letting the tree grow freely so it can regain some vigor. Now that the tree is strong again, it’s time for some cutback. Semi-cascade ume One […]
Pinching spring buds on Japanese maple
Spring is a busy time for keeping after refined Japanese maples. In order to keep internodes short, I pinch new shoots as soon as they emerge. Shohin Japanese maple – 6.5″ tall, 13″ wide Because the buds open at different times, I check this tree daily to see if there are new shoots to pinch. […]
Removing the last sacrifice branch
Once the trunk on a pine in development reaches the desired size, it’s time to focus on the branches. After 13 years in development, the pine below is now ready for the refinement stage. 13 year-old black pine The branches are quite undeveloped at this point, but the basic trunk is set. Here’s a better […]