Understanding the characteristics of old Buxus microphylla bonsai, preparation before pruning, pruning skills for old Buxus microphylla bonsai, and post-pruning care
Old Buxus microphylla bonsai is a gem in the traditional Chinese art of bonsai, beloved by enthusiasts for its antique, elegant, and resilient nature. Pruning is a crucial step to maintain its beauty and vitality. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the pruning skills for old Buxus microphylla bonsai, helping you create a masterpiece with unique craftsmanship.
Understanding the characteristics of old Buxus microphylla bonsai
Before pruning, we need to understand the basic characteristics of old Buxus microphylla bonsai. The tree bark is rough, the leaves are small, and the branches are strong, with good cold and drought resistance. These characteristics make pruning old Buxus microphylla bonsai challenging, but they also add to the ornamental value of the pruned bonsai.
Preparation before pruning
1. Tool preparation: Pruning old Buxus microphylla bonsai requires tools such as scissors, saws, and gardening shears. Choose sharp, rust-free scissors and saws suitable for pruning thicker branches.
2. Environmental preparation: Choose a sunny, windless day for pruning, avoiding pruning after rain or in humid conditions to prevent affecting the growth of the bonsai.
Pruning skills for old Buxus microphylla bonsai
1. Pruning principles: Follow the principles of "thinning, penetration, uniformity, and beauty" when pruning, which means removing sick, weak, intersecting, and inward branches to maintain the transparency of the bonsai, ensuring uniform distribution of branches and leaves, and achieving overall beauty.
2. Pruning methods:
a. Thinning: For dense and overly long branches, perform thinning, retaining the main branches to ensure uniform distribution of leaves.
b. Trimming branch tips: Cut the branch tips diagonally to facilitate nutrient transport and moisture evaporation.
c. Trimming branch trunks: Trim the branch trunks to adjust the overall shape of the bonsai.
d. Trimming sick and weak branches: Timely trim sick and weak branches to prevent the spread of diseases.
Post-pruning care
1. Watering: After pruning, water promptly to keep the soil moist and promote wound healing.
2. Fertilization: After pruning, apply a moderate amount of compound fertilizer to supplement nutrients and promote the growth of the bonsai.
3. Shading: After pruning, place the bonsai in a semi-shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which may affect the recovery of the bonsai.
Pruning old Buxus microphylla bonsai is an art that requires patience and skill. Through the above analysis, you should now have mastered the basic pruning skills for old Buxus microphylla bonsai. During the pruning process, pay attention to the growth condition of the bonsai and adjust the pruning methods accordingly to make your bonsai flourish.
References:
Chinese Bonsai Art
Bonsai Pruning and Care
Bonsai Making and Care