Most probably the selected tree will be between 2 and 3ft high. which is too tall for bonsai. It should be cut at about 18in. if possible, but in any case above a side branch that can later be wired into position. The tree is then ready for shaping.
The actual shape decided upon is an individual choice, but the general opinion is that it should be as natural as possible. The grotesque shapes which are often attributed to bonsai are not recommended. In fact a number of bonsai growers in this country wire trees only when absolutely essential. A tree should grow naturally and look natural. This is the secret of bonsai, and it is sometimes necessary to use wire to attain this when working with stock which is too big for natural adaptation.
Trees raised from seedlings or cuttings provide the most fascinating method of growing bonsai, but it takes a long time and considerable patience is required. Seed is sown in shallow containers, and if allowed to grow for several years undisturbed appears like a miniature forest. Seedlings or cuttings can be planted individually in thumb sized pots or in groups of three in containers of about 4in. depth and 2jin. diameter.
Plants in thumb pots should be transplanted into slightly larger pots every two or three years, and two plantings are usually sufficient before planting the dwarfed tree into its permanent container. Trees recommended for growing from seedlings or cuttings are: Japanese maple, beeches, birches, yeddo spruce, pines, and all conifers, pomegranates and many South African indigenous species.
The actual shape decided upon is an individual choice, but the general opinion is that it should be as natural as possible. The grotesque shapes which are often attributed to bonsai are not recommended. In fact a number of bonsai growers in this country wire trees only when absolutely essential. A tree should grow naturally and look natural. This is the secret of bonsai, and it is sometimes necessary to use wire to attain this when working with stock which is too big for natural adaptation.
Trees raised from seedlings or cuttings provide the most fascinating method of growing bonsai, but it takes a long time and considerable patience is required. Seed is sown in shallow containers, and if allowed to grow for several years undisturbed appears like a miniature forest. Seedlings or cuttings can be planted individually in thumb sized pots or in groups of three in containers of about 4in. depth and 2jin. diameter.
Plants in thumb pots should be transplanted into slightly larger pots every two or three years, and two plantings are usually sufficient before planting the dwarfed tree into its permanent container. Trees recommended for growing from seedlings or cuttings are: Japanese maple, beeches, birches, yeddo spruce, pines, and all conifers, pomegranates and many South African indigenous species.
