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When you have chosen the
bonsai style you desire, first, imagine which branches you would like to trim.
When you trim any branches, trim the branches as flush to the tree trunk as possible.
Then, you can begin trimming away the unwanted foliage. We remove all the foliage
from the underside of each branch so the foliage is not so thick as to obscure
the branches, tree trunk, or general design of your tree.
Wiring techniques can be used to train the branches of your tree to grow in virtually
any direction you desire. Since you are dealing with such a small tree, you should
first anchor the end of the wire in the soil. Then start the wire in back of the
tree trunk and wrap the wire in a diagonal direction up the trunk and out to the
branch to be trained. Wrap the wire snug, but not so tight as it causes any harm
to the growing limb. Now begin to bend the limb in the direction you desire. Only
a partial bend is used for the first month, then you may bend the limb more until
it has reached the position that you desire. In this manner you can begin positioning
two or three branches at a time without putting undue stress on the tree. The
wire should be checked often to ensure that it is NOT growing into the wood. In
some cases, removing the wire takes great care and must be performed slowly and
delicately. I will sometimes use my clippers to clip off pieces of the wire as
I am unwrapping it to avoid damaging the limb.
Place the bonsai container in front of you and fill it with enough pebbles to
cover the bottom of the container (approximately 3/16"). This will ensure
that your bonsai tree shall always have a good drainage field. We do not recommend
the use of mesh of any kind to cover the drainage holes because we have found
that the roots will grow over and clog up the mesh, which leads to drainage problems.
Save the remaining pebbles to decorate the surface of the tree when you are ready
to add the finishing touches to your tree.
Remove your tree from the plastic grow pot it was shipped in. Gently loosen the
soil and roots with your fingers. Try not to disturb the soil at the center of
the root mass
Place your tree in the ceramic container in the position you desire. I generally
will position my trees in a position off-center in the container. Spread the roots
around the container in a loose, comfortable manner but do not allow any of the
roots to extend over the edges of the container.
The base of the tree should extend slightly above the top edge of the container.
This may require you to add a thin layer of the soil mixture over the pebbles.
Now place the fertilizer around the base of the tree and begin to fill the container
with the rest of the soil mixture. Use your fingers to pack the soil firmly into
the container. When you are finished, the soil should be level or slightly below
the top of the container.
The first water you add to your newly designed bonsai is very important. Using
a misting attachment on your hose or sink, slowly water the tree through the foliage
until water starts to drip through the drainage hole in the bottom of the container.
Now it is time to add the finishing touches to your bonsai. Place the sheet moss
we have provided for you into some water for a few minutes to allow it to soften.
The moss should then be placed on the surface of the soil around the tree. Press
it firmly in place. The moss should cover no more than one-half of the surface
soil. The remainder of the surface should be decorated with the remaining pebbles.
It is now time to give your bonsai a name. Don't forget to keep in "touch"
with your tree daily by sticking your finger into the soil to check and see if
it needs watering or not. After a week or so you will know the watering schedule
your new friend desires. With a little tender, loving, care you and your tree
should have many happy years together.
Information complements
of Eve's Garden, Inc.
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