How to Make a Young梅花 Tree Bonsai Appear Ancient
In the art of bonsai, a sturdy and ancient appearance best embodies the beauty of time's accumulation. Although young梅花 bonsais are full of vitality, they often require specific techniques to create a sense of age. This article explains 7 professional techniques to help you create a梅花 tree trunk marked with the passage of time.
Techniques for Shaping the Trunk
Borer Hole Landscaping Method
In the late spring and early summer when ants are active, select the trunk position to scrape off the bast, and use a woodworking drill to create borers with a diameter of 1-2 cm. It is recommended to use a layered boring method: first form shallow borers, and after the xylem oxidizes and changes color (about 2 weeks), bore deeper to 1/3 of the xylem layer. After each boring, apply a diluted maltose solution (15% concentration) and spray a potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (0.2% concentration) to promote healing and maintain the natural texture of the borers.
Trunk Splitting Sculpting Method
Select an observation side for longitudinal trunk splitting, and use a curved knife to cut into the bark at a 30° angle, controlling the stripping area to within 1/5 of the circumference of the trunk. Key technique: Use a fish-scale peeling method, retaining some bast tissue to ensure nutrient transport and form a mottled texture. After completion, apply sulfur powder to the wound to prevent fungal infection.
Bark Treatment Techniques
Peel Lifting Technique for Tumor Promotion
In the peak growing season of the梅花 tree (May-June), use a mini bone chisel to lift the bark along the tree grain, keeping the lifting amplitude at 2-3 mm. Focus on the transitions of the branches, forming tumor-like protuberances through local tissue hyperplasia. After the operation, wrap the area with moss to keep it moist and spray with a vitamin B solution (50 ppm) to accelerate the formation of healing tissue.
Hammering Method for Texture Creation
Use a 500g rubber hammer to strike the lower part of the trunk at a 45° angle. It is recommended to use a "three light, one heavy" rhythm: after three consecutive light strikes (force 1 kg/cm²), follow with one heavy strike (3 kg/cm²) to create differentiated healing of the xylem. Perform this operation once a month, combined with the application of high phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (N-P-K=5-15-30), and visible texture changes can be seen in three months.
Techniques for Branch and Trunk Integration
Embedding Dried Wood Method
Select a dried梅花桩 with a diameter of 2-3 cm and cut a deep groove on the back (1.5 times the width of the scion). Use a 2-year-old healthy branch as the scion, shape it into a wedge after cutting, and embed it, filling the gap with a mixture of sphagnum moss and akadama soil (ratio 1:3). Key point: Ensure that the scion has at least 3 contact points with the dried wood, and leave a 0.5cm growth space when tying.
Branch Tearing and Scar Retention Technique
Use the "three tear, one cut" method for excess lateral branches: tear 3 cm from the base, retain 1 cm of connecting tissue, and after the xylem oxidizes and turns black (about 20 days), cut completely. The scars formed by this technique are naturally torn, more weathered than mechanical cuts.
By combining the above techniques, with moderate water control (maintaining substrate moisture at 40%-50%) and directional lighting (4 hours of east-facing sunlight daily), it usually takes 2-3 growing seasons to make the young梅花 bonsai appear as if it has the weathered texture of a decades-old tree. Regularly cleanings of bark dust with a brush and monthly applications of a humic acid liquid fertilizer (diluted 800 times) can maintain the longevity of the ancient appearance.