How to prune bonsai osmanthus
As a representative tree species of traditional bonsai art in China, osmanthus is popular for its evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers. However, pruning skills are particularly critical to make the bonsai osmanthus take on a vigorous and quaint shape. This article will use systematic illustrations to explain in detail the pruning tips at different growth stages. 1. Basic principles for sweet-scented osmanthus bonsai pruning 1.1 Branch selection rules give priority to the "four branches": overlapping branches need to be cut to block light, cross branches should be selected for damage shapes, parallel branches should be retained for the best branch, and the weaker branches should be selected to cut off. Retaining branches must meet the "three-degree" standard: the curvature shows natural beauty, the thickness ensures nutrient transport, and the length conforms to the shape proportion. 1.2 Shortening and storing branches. When the year-old branches grow to a thickness of 0.8- 1.2 cm, strong shearing is implemented, and 1-2 pairs of leaf buds are retained to promote secondary branches. After the secondary branches have grown, they are shortened again, and the characteristics of "chicken claw branches" are formed through a 3-5 year cycle. Each node retains two branches,"one long and one short", accumulating a vigorous branch texture. 2. Trim steps during the modeling and cultivation period 2.1 Focus on cultivating the main branch skeleton within 2-3 years after natural tree cultivation and finalization, and retain 3-5 new buds that expand outwards every spring. In summer, picking is used to control the growth, retaining 2-3 leaves of the new tip and pruning it repeatedly, and combining it with aluminum wire winding to create a wavy branch curve. 2.2 The shape of cutting trunks and storing branches is suitable for making cliff style, literati tree and other shapes. After selecting the main stem, cut the incision 1 cm above the turning point and apply healing agent to the incision. The retained lateral branches are shaped by the "three-cutting method": the first cutting determines the direction, the second cutting controls the length, and the third cutting adjusts the density, gradually forming the artistic effect of "one inch, three bends." 3. Key points for maintenance and pruning during the forming period 3.1 Post-flowering plastic pruning is carried out every autumn after the flowers fade, and 2-3 bud points of the branches are retained. Pay special attention to cutting off inner branches and standing long branches to maintain crown permeability. Add phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to supplement after pruning to promote wound healing. 3.2 Make daily and meticulous management to inspect the growth of new buds every month in spring and summer, and promptly remove bud spots that damage the shape such as dorsal buds and axillary buds. Leaf picking treatment is carried out on the extended branches, retaining 4-6 functional leaves per branch, which not only ensures photosynthesis but also controls crown expansion.
The shape of bonsai osmanthus requires 5-8 years of continuous shaping, and corresponding pruning strategies are adopted at different growth stages. Mastering the core principle of "observing bones, retaining branches, cutting and storing them in an orderly manner" and cooperating with scientific maintenance, we can eventually cultivate masterpieces that have both natural and artistic interests. It is recommended to combine management measures such as pot change and root trimming and directional fertilization to comprehensively improve the styling effect.