Bonsai shaping technique ultimate变态 mastery
Today, I will explain the knowledge topic of bonsai making for netizens, the ultimate变态 technique of bonsai shaping, and then let's learn about it together.
Bonsai shaping techniques, in addition to tying and pruning, there are other techniques, mainly including the following:
1. Skin Peeling Method
This involves using a sharp knife to pierce the cambium layer of the tree trunk during the tree's growing season, then gently prying it to temporarily separate the bark from the xylem. Stones of appropriate size can be placed in the pried bark, then wrapped with hemp or palm bark. After the wound heals, the trunk will locally swell and bulge, presenting a dragon-like appearance.
2. Splitting Method
This involves using hands instead of scissors to remove branches that need to be thinned, including the bark and some of the xylem, creating a wooden groove in the tree. After the wound heals, it looks naturally formed, giving a sense of ancient elegance.
3. Stick Bending Method
This uses sticks such as wooden rods, bamboo poles, iron rods, hard plastic pipes, and iron pipes as supports. According to the shaping design, the young tree trunk is wrapped around the support to create a bending shape. Depending on the required trunk shape and bending degree, one, two, or even three sticks can be cleverly combined. Since iron pipes conduct heat quickly and are not good for trunk growth, they can be wrapped with cloth or hemp to insulate. Trees suitable for this method are 2-3 years old young trees; older trees with hard trunks are not suitable. After bending, tie securely with a rope and prune and shape the branches and leaves during maintenance. After 1-2 years of binding, remove the sticks and process slightly to create a naturally bent and graceful osmanthus bonsai.
4. Bump Method
This method usually selects young trees with flexible trunks, ties a knot or forms a 360-degree circle at the base of the trunk, then slightly binds it. After a few years of cultivation (while lifting the roots) and pruning processing, it can become a uniquely shaped bonsai.
5. Skin Removal Method
This involves removing an irregular piece of bark from the middle and lower part of the trunk on the display side of the osmanthus bonsai, exposing the xylem. After the wound heals and scar forms, the trunk appears old and beautiful.
6. Trunk Cutting Method
This involves removing a piece of bark from the middle and lower part of the trunk on the display side of the bonsai, then removing about one-third of the xylem with a sharp knife or small chisel. After scarring, the concave xylem is exposed, showing the ancient and unique nature of the bonsai. However, the cutting should not be too deep, not exceeding half the diameter of the trunk, and not too many, generally one or two cuts per bonsai, otherwise, it may affect the growth of the bonsai and have a "hundreds of holes" appearance.
7. Branch Breaking Method
The branch-breaking method can be divided into two types: leaving a mark and breaking without completely breaking.
(1) Branch-breaking with Mark Method. This involves sawing a groove in the part of the branch to be broken, about half the diameter of the branch, then tearing off the bark and xylem together. After the wound heals, it looks like it grew naturally, with a beautiful shape.
(2) Breaking without Complete Break Method. This involves wrapping the branch to be broken with metal wire, then breaking it halfway (the branch still survives). The angle and position of the broken branch depend on the shaping needs. Generally, only one or two branches are broken per bonsai, with a straight and strong curve.
8. Vertical Skin Cutting Method
Some bonsai trunks are smooth and lack an old appearance. In spring, several vertical cuts can be made on the trunk, reaching the xylem. After the wound heals, the bark becomes rough and old.
9. Splitting the Trunk
This involves splitting the trunk vertically. Depending on different shaping requirements, there are two methods: one is to split the root and trunk but not the canopy, meaning the lower part is split but the upper part remains one plant; the other is to split the root, trunk, and canopy, creating two plants. With careful maintenance, two osmanthus bonsais can be made.
The trunk splitting method should be chosen for plants with strong vitality and performed before spring germination.
The above brings the full content of the ultimate变态 technique of bonsai shaping. Green plant enthusiasts can refer to this aspect.