How to Shape a Banyan Bonsai
Banyan bonsai, as a representative species of the Lingnan school, integrates natural beauty with artificial ingenuity in its shaping art. Mastering the correct shaping techniques not only creates a robust and ancient appearance but also promotes healthy growth through artistic processing. This article systematically explains five core techniques to help you create a unique and rhythmical banyan bonsai.
Five Core Techniques for Shaping Banyan Bonsai
1. Pinching the Apex to Control Height and Shape
Pinching is the basic shaping operation, recommended when the new shoots grow to 5-8 nodes in spring. Use a sterilized scissor to cut off 1/3 of the terminal bud, focusing on the main stem and strong branches. Be sure to retain 2-3 basal leaves to promote the germination of lateral buds, and rotate the pot to ensure even lighting, forming a layered, umbrella-like framework.
2. Precise Bud Removal to Adjust Shape
During the growing period, continuously remove excess axillary buds, focusing on cross buds, buds on the back, and axillary buds. Apply the "three keep, two remove" rule to the retained buds: keep outer buds to expand the canopy, keep strong buds to strengthen the growth trend, keep opposite buds for symmetry, and promptly remove redundant buds that disrupt the shape, maintaining an orderly spacing of branches.
3. Scientific Pruning to Promote New Growth
Pruning includes branch cutting (heavy pruning during dormancy) and leaf cutting (delicate pruning during the growing period). Use the method of cutting the main stem and storing branches, cutting thick branches to 3-5 cm to promote fine branches, combined with defoliation (retaining petioles) to stimulate new leaf growth. Pay special attention to removing parallel branches and whorled branches, and apply healing agents to the wounds to prevent infection.
4. Root Lifting Technique for Ancient Elegance
Implement root lifting after the main stem diameter reaches 2 cm, with the best time being during the pot change in autumn. Use a three-year progressive lifting method, elevating the roots by 1/3 each time, combined with high-waisted containers and granular soil care. After root lifting, spray fulvic acid to promote aerial root growth and use bamboo skewers to secure the transition roots to form an intertwined pattern.
5. Wiring to Create Creative Landscapes
Use coated aluminum wire (thickness = 1/3 of the branch) for shaping, wrapping spirally from the base of the main stem to the tip. Follow the "primary before secondary" principle, first determining the main stem trend and then adjusting the branches. Remember to loosen the ties every three months to prevent the wire from embedding into the bark. Recommended classic shapes include the cliff style and the literati tree.
By organically combining the five techniques, along with regular pot rotation, water control, and fertilization, you can create a high-quality bonsai with hanging aerial roots and robust branches. Beginners are advised to start practicing from pinching and bud removal, gradually mastering the shaping rhythm, and finding a balance between natural growth and artificial intervention.