Bonsai art, as a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, has been passed down through thousands of years, and is loved by people for its unique artistic charm and profound cultural heritage. In the process of making and caring for bonsai, pruning is a vital step. It not only affects the overall shape of the bonsai but also concerns the growth and health of the plants. This article will introduce the commonly used methods of pruning bonsai plants to help enthusiasts master the techniques in their creative process.
Purpose and principles of pruningBefore starting to prune, it is first necessary to clarify the purpose of pruning. The main purposes of pruning bonsai are to adjust the shape of the plant, promote the growth of branches and leaves, control the height of the plant, and enhance its ornamental value. When pruning, the following principles should be followed:
1. Timely pruning: Choose the right time for pruning according to the plant's growth cycle and seasonal changes.
2. Sequential pruning: Prune step by step from the main stem to the branches and leaves to avoid damaging the overall structure.
3. Moderate pruning: The degree of pruning should be moderate, neither too much nor too little.
Common pruning methods1. Thinning method
The thinning method refers to cutting off excess branches, weak and diseased branches, and intersecting branches to allow the plant to ventilate and light, promoting healthy growth. When thinning, the main branches should be retained, and dense and long branches should be removed to make the bonsai shape more beautiful.
2. Pruning method
The pruning method shapes the plant by pruning, such as creating cliff-style, round-top style, natural style, etc. When pruning, the length and angle of the branches should be pruned according to the shaping needs to achieve the desired effect.
3. Branch pulling method
The branch pulling method involves pulling branches that grow in the wrong direction to a predetermined direction to make them grow into the desired shape. This method is suitable for more flexible plants such as pine and cypress.
4. Cutting method
The cutting method is suitable for plants with thicker branches. By cutting, the growth direction and shape of the branches are changed. When cutting, it is necessary to choose the right cutting tools, such as saws or knives, to ensure a flat cut.
5. Thinning bud method
The thinning bud method refers to removing excess buds and flowers to allow the plant to concentrate nutrients and promote the growth of branches and leaves. This method is suitable for flowering shrub bonsai.
Pruning skills1. Pruning timing: Spring is the best time for pruning, as plants grow vigorously and recover easily after pruning.
2. Pruning tools: Pruning tools should be sharp and clean scissors or saws to avoid plant damage.
3. Post-pruning treatment: After pruning, the wound should be cleaned promptly and coated with horticultural ointment or plant ash to prevent the invasion of bacteria.
Bonsai plant pruning is an art that requires long-term practice and accumulation. By mastering the commonly used pruning methods and techniques, enthusiasts will be more skilled in their creative process. It is hoped that this article can provide useful references for bonsai enthusiasts to jointly inherit and carry forward our excellent bonsai culture.