What kind of tree stumps are best for bonsai? Learn these three points!
Bonsai tree stumps, as a concentrated form of natural art, derive their core value from presenting the unique beauty of aged tree stumps through shaping. Choosing a stump is like selecting material for jade carving, directly affecting the final artistic effect. Mastering scientific selection methods can help bonsai enthusiasts avoid common pitfalls and find truly high-quality stump materials with potential for cultivation.
Three Principles for Choosing Materials for Bonsai Tree Stumps
Principle of Tree Species Suitability
Evergreen series such as firethorn, nandina, and red sandalwood are preferred for their dense and evergreen leaves, with firethorn's red fruit lasting on the branches for up to half a year. The deciduous series recommend crape myrtle, Japanese apricot, and trident maple, with the sturdy branches of Chinese elm complementing the changes of the seasons, displaying the meaning of the interplay of growth and decay. Special varieties such as Euonymus plants have the characteristic of Winged wood, which can create a unique texture effect.
Method of Judging Vital Signs
When testing the bark, it is necessary to scrape off the outer layer of old bark to observe the cambium layer, with fresh green sap indicating survival. For the flexibility test of branches, a 45-degree bending experiment can be performed, and moist fibers after breaking indicate good vitality. The focus of root inspection is on the number of fibrous roots, with more than 60% white root tips observed under a magnifying glass being ideal.
Standards of Aesthetic Sculpture
Ideal stump materials should have the golden ratio, with the diameter of the main trunk to height ratio being 1:3. The choice of texture needs to focus on the natural transition of natural cracks and deadwood, avoiding artificial traces. Branch distribution follows the "three-branch method" principle, ensuring that each viewing face has a layered layout of branches.
Advanced Tips for Bonsai Maintenance
Use the "dry and wet" watering method, combined with atomized spraying to maintain the humidity of the small environment. Apply bone meal fertilizer monthly in spring and autumn, and switch to alum fertilizer water in summer to prevent chlorosis. It is recommended to adjust the shape during the germination period, using the plant's apical dominance to guide the direction of growth.
After mastering these selection tips, you can try combining different tree species to create themed bonsai. For example, using red sandalwood to represent the gentle charm of the Jiangnan water towns, or using trident maple to create the desolation of autumn in the North, making each tree stump a breathing work of art.