FountainFlow.Com

How to Wire a Bonsai

The technique of wrapping copper or aluminum wire around the branches or trunk of a bonsai tree to shape it is called wiring. In order to create basic bonsai styles, you must wrap the trunk and branches with the proper thickness and length of wire. The formal upright style requires no wrapping, but the cascade shape involves many months of considerable training.

You must be very cautious when you are applying wire to the trunk or branches of a bonsai tree due to the stress it causes. Improper technique could easily lead to broken branches or even worse, a damaged trunk that causes the tree to perish. You can also wrap it too forcefully or even at the wrong time of year. This can cause lasting damage to the tree, or might even kill it outright.

You ought to give yourself some wiring practice sessions using something like a plain wooden pole before actually working on your bonsai. This will assist you in getting a feel for the wire and will help you develop the dexterity necessary to wrap a branch while holding it. As soon as you are at ease hanging on to the branch one-handed while wrapping with your other hand, not pulling or bending anything expect the wrapped section, you can then move ahead to the bonsai tree.

The first thing that you have to do is choose which wire will work best. Copper and aluminum are the two favorite alternatives, although copper is thought to be more attractive during the extended training period. When wrapping a bonsai, use annealed copper only, as steel wire is toxic to a few species. Novices find it easier to use aluminum since it isn’t as difficult to bend. Copper wiring tends to be a bit stiffer, however it can also scar the bonsai if you don’t apply it with care. Using wire that is one third as thick as the branch it’s going to wrap is a basic rule with which to begin.

Strategically placed little stresses along the tree trunk or branch are what permits the wire to change the shape of the tree. So, in order for the tree to change its shape and not the wire, the wire needs to be more powerful than the branch or trunk.

To develop the dexterity needed to wire a bonsai tree you should practice wrapping on a tree branch of similar species. Try out various thicknesses on tree branches from the same species prior to using them on the bonsai tree that you’re training. For doing the full tree a number of different thicknesses will be needed and you should practice using each and every of them.

Wiring a bonsai is a skill that requires a lot of patience in order to master. Do not be discouraged, though, because if you’re willing to take the time you can learn how to do this, and you’ll be so pleased with the results.

September 22 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »

Tips for Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees

Bonsai plants, the result of an age old tradition, are an attractive addition to any home. There are many people who choose to have bonsai plants in their homes because of their beautiful appearance. However, extra care is needed for indoor bonsai trees. The reason for this is that they aren’t getting the advantages that come from exposure to outdoor weather conditions and natural sunlight. They may look to be quite hardy. But certain types of bonsai are quite picky in their water and light requirements.

Watering Your Indoor Bonsai

When you bring a bonsai tree indoors it will require lighting to replace the natural sunlight that it would have been receiving beforehand. Monitoring how frequently it is watered is also important. Your bonsai plant will also thrive if kept in a well ventilated area. The water requirements of your bonsai plant will depend on what type it is. The soil is also another important factor. Some bonsai plants or trees require damp soil, whilst others survive well in a drought. Your plant might need to be misted. Your bonsai will thrive with the extra humidity and the rainforest environment this creates. If you decide to use a humidity tray then ensure that the pot is not exposed to the water, but rather placed on some pebbles or a stand.

Bonsai Cutting and Pruning

Indoor bonsai trees still require pruning and cutting on a regular basis in order to maintain their appearance. Just because bonsais look ageless and timeless, this doesn’t mean they don’t keep growing. It is important to repot indoor and outdoor bonsai plants anywhere from once yearly to every three years depending upon what kind of plant or tree it is. Another important consideration is maintenance of the branches so it retains its shape. Cutting back on the amount of fertilizer during the cold months is usually recommended, depending on the bonsai variety. This is due to the fact that there are certain species of bonsai that hibernate during the season. This means that they don’t need as much nutritional supplementation as they do in spring and summer. Because of the artificial environment in which they are kept, indoor bonsais don’t experience the complete cycle of seasons. It is also important to check indoor bonsai trees for pests and other anomalies. An indoor bonsai is very attractive to mites, spiders and other pests. Carefully cleaning the branches and leaves with a soft brush or moistened cloth is the best approach.

By following these tips for bonsai care, your tree is sure to be an attractive feature of your home for years to come.

May 23 2009 | Gardening | No Comments »