Need advice on styling
- Thread starter ssvvss
- Start date
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Good start. I would have reduced those long side branches to 2 sets of leaves. it looks like you repotted the tree, so maybe wait a bit.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Let it grow and recover for now
Feed and water it
Nothing else until next year
Feed and water it
Nothing else until next year
RODERLO
Mame
You’ve set up a twin trunk design, which is entirely possible! I would try to lay out the first branches more horizontally. Branches that are higher up from those become gradually more vertical. Not only is this the way mature boxwoods grow (they look a lot like ancient live oaks), it also helps in this stage of development to get even light distribution into the canopy.
It’s really just the barebones right now after your first styling. You’re going to want to create plenty of options for later on, by growing out lots of new shoots. They backbud well, so lots of light in the interior will promote this.
It’s really just the barebones right now after your first styling. You’re going to want to create plenty of options for later on, by growing out lots of new shoots. They backbud well, so lots of light in the interior will promote this.
ssvvss
Sapling
I had to stop pruning because I felt like I had taken off a lot of foliage at this point and I was getting lost in it.
ssvvss
Sapling
Will do so, thank you.
ssvvss
Sapling
How would I lay those branches horizontally with wire or some trimming. As to getting even light distribution into the canopy should I defoliate leaves.
RODERLO
Mame
Just with wire. You've already wired most branches so just bend them outwards.
No need to defoliate boxwoods!
MarkoEurope
Seed
Hi, I got this ficus exactly a year ago, then I cut it twice and left it for the winter and now it is by the window or on the balcony outside in the sun. It looks very healthy and grows very fast, but I would like its outer roots to go out more, that is, to the air. Since I got it, only leaves and small twigs are growing. I don't know what I have to do or how to cut it to start getting strong outer roots, thicker and healthy. I know you should drastically shorten it, but I don't know where to start. Advice?. I live in the Mediterranean, with moderate winters and warm summers. Thank you
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RODERLO
Mame
@MarkoEurope welcome to the forum.
I would advise you to start a separate thread for your question. You’re now hijacking @ssvvss thread!
I would advise you to start a separate thread for your question. You’re now hijacking @ssvvss thread!
ssvvss
Sapling
Thank you I’ll try that
River's Edge
Imperial Masterpiece
You may wish to consider that the styling process is best begun when the trunk has reached the desirable thickness for the design. The reason for this is that the trunk grows faster with more branches and foliage. If we begin too early we slow the overall process down. Long way of saying grow the trunk more if you wish it to be larger before pruning and styling! Green mountain grow quickly if left in the ground for a couple of years in preparation before styling! They tend to be a medium to fast grower for a boxwood. I would suggest a trunk thickness of at least 3 to 5 cm as a good starting point for the leaf size and growth habit. Smaller dwarf boxwoods can look good with thinner trunks.
ssvvss
Sapling
Thanks for letting me know that I was just itching to practice techniques on a plant, so I didn’t think much of it. I was in a rush when I bought this plant as the store was closing.
I’m actually going to Home Depot this Saturday I’m planning on picking up some more material maybe a plant or two, I’d keep an eye out for thicker trunks. Anything else I should look out for ?
I do have a Juniper that I’m attached to,
I’m taking it much slower with it no styling, no wiring, just letting it grow and making sure it’s healthy.
River's Edge
Imperial Masterpiece
One of the smartest moves you can make is to learn how to select potential material and develop it for Bonsai. Just the basic foundation of desirable characteristics for particular species would be a great starting point. Key points after neglected include the length of time it takes to develop appropriate size and shape in material, the difficulty and length of time it takes to change undesirable characteristics and the ease with which material will develop if patience is included in the approach.
basically a good bonsai will take decades to develop and improve to the point where a bonsai pot becomes a consideration if young material is the starting point.
Tip # 1
Start with older material with excellent potential if it is within your budget and your abilities to care for. Simply if y ou are going to spend decades dev eloping a tree make it worth the time and effort.
There is nothing wrong with working on young material if one understands the limitations and is prepared to put in the time.
Tip #2
Plan on doing less work and leaving more branching and foliage over time to allow for faster development. Easy to remove something, harder to grow back. Easy to slow down growth later, takes longer to thicken and develop if weakened.
Tip #3
If wanting to practice skills, start lots of material so you do not overwork the few plants you have. ( this is already in your thought process as you have indicated.
Most of all enjoy the journey, the destination changes and takes a long time.
ssvvss
Sapling
Thank you so much I appreciate the help
