Osmanthus Bonsai Styling - Pruning Techniques
Sharing knowledge about bonsai creation, this article introduces the styling and pruning methods for osmanthus bonsai. Let's delve into the details.
Pruning is one of the main methods for shaping osmanthus bonsai and an essential means to maintain the shape. Appropriate pruning not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tree but also improves ventilation and lighting conditions, reduces diseases and pests, and makes the flowers denser. Pruning should be consistent throughout the creation and maintenance of osmanthus bonsai.
During pruning, adjustments should be made to tangled, overlapping, parallel, and opposite branches by cutting one or thinning them. The remaining branches will grow stronger due to the concentrated nutrients. When the branches reach a suitable thickness, they should be pruned more intensively to promote the growth of the second set of branches. Once the second set of branches reach a suitable thickness, they should be pruned again. This process should be repeated for the second, fourth, and subsequent branches. Generally, two smaller branches are left on each section, one long and one short. After years of pruning, the branches become short and sturdy, creating the desired tree shape.
Pruning methods for osmanthus trees include pinching, cutting, thinning, and injuring. Pinching refers to pinching the shoot tip and leaves. During the growing season, removing the tip of the new shoot is called pinching, which promotes axillary bud growth, increases branching, suppresses vertical growth, and is beneficial for the aesthetic appearance of the bonsai. Pinching leaves involves removing some leaves to promote the growth of new leaves. Cutting refers to shortening the current year's branches, which increases the number of short branches and thickens the parent branches. Thinning involves cutting dense branches from the base to improve ventilation and promote the vigorous growth of the remaining branches. Injuring includes methods such as scoring, girdling, twisting branches, and bending shoots to encourage flowering.
1. Pruning during the Cultivation Period: The cultivation period refers to the time from the shaping and planting of the osmanthus bonsai to before it is fully formed. The length of this period is related to the styling method. If a natural tree shape is desired, the cultivation period is shorter. If using the branch storage and trunk cutting method, the period is longer since branches require multiple prunings over several months or even a year.
For osmanthus bonsai cultivated from tree stumps, after shaping, the trunk and main branches are determined. Further pruning is needed for the secondary and finer tertiary branches. The basic principles to follow are that each branch should have some curvature and vary in length to appear graceful.
Pruning also involves focusing on bud growth. According to the styling requirements, one should choose one of the lateral buds, determine the direction of growth for opposite buds, and generally cut off long, vigorous branches and one of the forked branches.
2. Pruning during the Viewing Period: This refers to pruning that maintains the graceful shape of the mature osmanthus bonsai. This type of pruning is long-term and extensive and must be done carefully.
For osmanthus bonsai used for flowering, intensive pruning should be performed after the flowers fade, leaving only 2-3 buds and shortening the branches. New buds that grow from the branches in spring and summer, which are not needed for styling, should be removed promptly. Generally, when branches reach 20 cm, and some reach about 30 cm, the tips should be cut to control the length, promoting bud differentiation.
Osmanthus bonsai can be pruned throughout the year, but the best period is still before the spring when the temperature is low and the sap flow is slow.
The above introduces the specific pruning techniques for osmanthus bonsai styling. I hope you will enjoy it!