Training Young Bonsai

MerBear · 08-13-2010, 11:26 PM

I have done much research online prior to purchasing my first bonsai, but I'm still not sure when it is ok to begin cutting and training the young plant. I have a grewia occidental, but could not find much information on training it (I assume it can be). It is a pretty young tree: only about 4 inches tall, so I didn't have any plans to doing anything with it right away of course. Does anyone have any suggestions?

MerBear · 08-14-2010, 03:48 PM

actually, the bonsai is a lot bigger than I thought it would be.

http://a.imageshack.us/img718/7720/houseplants001.jpg

Salvelinus · 08-14-2010, 06:57 PM

I don't know anything about that species, sorry. However, I do think you should grow it for a while, encouraging low foliage and allowing it to just grow so you can develop a good trunk.

M.B. · 08-14-2010, 11:51 PM

I have a small one also. It was looking pretty good until I left it out in freezing weather and I lost the entire top of the tree. It's rebudding at the base but it will be a long time before it develops a decent trunk again.
Mary B.

treebeard55 · 08-19-2010, 06:39 PM

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with Scott: unless you want to create a literati (aka bunjin,) best to give it a roomy pot, plenty of fertilizer, and a couple of years to grow!

08-13-2010, 11:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
MerBear Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 4	Training Young Bonsai I have done much research online prior to purchasing my first bonsai, but I'm still not sure when it is ok to begin cutting and training the young plant. I have a grewia occidental, but could not find much information on training it (I assume it can be). It is a pretty young tree: only about 4 inches tall, so I didn't have any plans to doing anything with it right away of course. Does anyone have any suggestions?

08-14-2010, 06:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Salvelinus Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Greater Cincinnati, USA Posts: 98	I don't know anything about that species, sorry. However, I do think you should grow it for a while, encouraging low foliage and allowing it to just grow so you can develop a good trunk. __________________ Namaste, --Scott ><> "There seems to be no survivors to interview, but I suspect [kamikaze pilots] did not shout 'traytree' the moment before their personal sacrifice." --Herb Gustafson

08-19-2010, 06:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
treebeard55 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Warsaw IN, USA USDA zone 5b Posts: 511	Welcome to the forum! I agree with Scott: unless you want to create a literati (aka bunjin,) best to give it a roomy pot, plenty of fertilizer, and a couple of years to grow! __________________ Treebeard 55 Steve Moore http://hoosierbonsai.blogspot.com The most important bonsai tool is your brain.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-14-2010, 03:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
MerBear Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 4	actually, the bonsai is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. http://a.imageshack.us/img718/7720/houseplants001.jpg

08-14-2010, 11:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
M.B. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Outside Sacramento, CA Posts: 116	I have a small one also. It was looking pretty good until I left it out in freezing weather and I lost the entire top of the tree. It's rebudding at the base but it will be a long time before it develops a decent trunk again. Mary B.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)