Apple tree needs styling idea

[Deep Sea Diver]

Great!

Monitor the old media inner moisture vs the outer media moisture content, as there is a tendency for the two medias to sometimes create a ‘lens effect’.

This is the situation where the outer media seems dry as it drains faster, so one waters more, while the inner core stays wet and gets wetter. This can be avoided by aerating the inner core.

cheers
DSD sends

 

[bonsai-max]

Right, the inside media is the same mix, 50% pumice and 50% akadama, after 2 year still in very good shape, that is why I didn't made a full change. But I will double check

 

[bonsai-max]

Full life, even after the pruning nd the repot. I will leave the flowers for a while then I will keep only one fruit, plant need energy for the green.

 

[bonsai-max]

Hi, the weather was horrible, but the apple tree is pushing....
Any recommendation at this stage ?
My idea is to let her grow wild and cut this winter like the plum plant in another topic.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Looks really healthy!

This is another clip and grow job, yet simpler. See my remarks on the plum.

Best to begin this year.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[bonsai-max]

Best to begin this year.

Thank you so much, should I start to cut now or during the winter season ?
Because still I have not a clean idea of the future.
As I mentioned I have not so much experience with deciduous plants....

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Both. The goal is to get rid of the long straight sections and build taper and direction.

A couple thoughts

At this point it’s now time to get a general concept what the clump/tree will look like. This will not lock out all other ideas, but will put some aside. At least for now.

This is a place where many of us get stuck. We have begun to master the horticultural aspects of the trees, but haven’t totally grasped the different styles that can be applied to this specific raw material.

Best thing is to google Plum bonsai clump or jus plum bonsai and check all images there.

Can tell you my general opinions. But in the past folks haven’t reacted well to this sort of coaching, especially long distance. But I’ll give it a try

It seems you are already going in the right direction on the Apple, at the stage of getting ready to develop apex and branches. Identify each branch eventually location and work towards this. A craggy design in consonance with the stump

The plum clump idea likely would not work in a small composition. Needs height and spread to pull off. So some will go up, others diagonal, others to the side in 3D…. But no hedge! T the clump mast ends up with only 3-5 branches in the end to pull this off The trunks need individual identities sort of in sync with one another. Cragginess would rule, not possible to be convincing with a smooth tailored look with a larger leafed deciduous. The idea would be an interesting winter profile that carrie’s the design into foliage

Think about it…..Gotta get to work on trees!

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[bonsai-max]

Can tell you my general opinions. But in the past folks haven’t reacted well to this sort of coaching, especially long distance. But I’ll give it a try

I am 100% in, a picture worth more than 1000 words and helps a lot to visualize the project.

 

[bonsai-max]

Still pushing hard, I just cut and grow again....

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Nice!

Wondering. Have you sketched out a plan for the fall and next year etc?

Best
DSD sends

 

[bonsai-max]

Wondering. Have you sketched out a plan for the fall and next year etc?

Not yet, I am not competent at all . Maybe during the winter without leafs...
Would you help me ?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Sure thing. I’m sure others will chime in too.

Likely the plan would be to cut back this year’s growth to a decent length this fall at some point, seal tips, then wire into position, keeping all branches for now.

Also inspect the deadwood, define all margins and clean the deadwood well. Then lime sulfur with a bit of India ink to tone it done (hopefully you can get lime sulfur… @leatherback should know if this is used still in Europe, or what is substituted for lime sulfur)

Then plan to clip and grow throughout the year with wire assist as needed to further develop secondary branching. This ought to spur tertiary growth and this can also be styled as above.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[bonsai-max]

Also inspect the deadwood, define all margins and clean the deadwood well. Then lime sulfur with a bit of India ink to tone it done (hopefully you can get lime sulfur… @leatherback should know if this is used still in Europe, or what is substituted for lime sulfur)

Hi, thank you, lime sulfur is still allowed here, no problem.
About the India ink, how much ?
Is this ok ?

Black India Ink

If you have time have look at this thread I am interesting about your ideas:

https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/cytokinin-powder-test.60788/#post-1052775

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

One ounce ought to work.

As for the combination ratio, this would need to be something you test. Different folks like different colors. I’d check out this article. It will help guide you on some basics.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[bonsai-max]

Now with the cold weather and no leafs is a good time to shape the plant
I try to figure out a plan and this is my actual idea



Maybe with the plant a little bit more vertical as the pictures.

Front




Back




The vein is growing, should i clean a little bit ?

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Nice tree! If mine, I would be using the back view I think. It best shows the extent of the deadwood as a feature at this time.

1: Id be using this branch to the back to continue the trunk line behind the deadwood and to the right to create an informal upright form tree.

2/3: some minor cuts Id make in the spring once the tree has leafed out. My malus do not take well to fall pruning.

Green line is new soil line. I like the angle youve chosen.

 

[baldone]

Cool little tree and produces apple. wow

 

[bonsai-max]

Nice tree! If mine, I would be using the back view I think. It best shows the extent of the deadwood as a feature at this time.

1: Id be using this branch to the back to continue the trunk line behind the deadwood and to the right to create an informal upright form tree.

2/3: some minor cuts Id make in the spring once the tree has leafed out. My malus do not take well to fall pruning.

Green line is new soil line. I like the angle youve chosen.

Very nice idea, thank you so much.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Very nice idea, thank you so much.

You're welcome!!

 

[bonsai-max]

You're welcome!!

I am also thinking about a sabamiki in some years