PeaceLoveBonsai
Chumono
Inspired by @Gustavo Martins post on his P Afra, I thought I would share a progression of one of mine. There is some debate as to whether these are considered Bonsai. But for me, they are great way to learn because they respond to bonsai techniques and are very hardy.
After 3 years, I’ve learned there is a delicate balance as you learn. On the one hand, you want (and need) to try different techniques. There’s only so much reading you can do. Doing is the best way to learn. On the other hand, the learning from a tree stops after it dies. Keeping the tree alive over years is such an important step towards understanding bonsai and the training techniques.
The Portulacaria Afra offers the chance to apply several techniques (wire, pruning, clip and grow, etc) while being almost impossible to kill. If you are new to Bonsai, continue to chop up those nursery junipers, but I highly recommend adding these as well.
Now onto my progression!
Summer of 2015, As purchased from my local big box store:
Summer 2016, After one year of growth
Summer of 2016, first re-pot
Winter 2016, decide to apply to some Peter Adams techniques from his books on creating taper in deciduous trees Before:
After:
Again, let it grow, this is Summer of 2017, re-pot and cut back Before:
After:
Now the basic structure is beginning to take shape.
Summer of 2018, after another re-pot and into this Bokeno oval that fits better with the feminine design and works well I think with the bright green leaves.
After 3 years, I’ve learned there is a delicate balance as you learn. On the one hand, you want (and need) to try different techniques. There’s only so much reading you can do. Doing is the best way to learn. On the other hand, the learning from a tree stops after it dies. Keeping the tree alive over years is such an important step towards understanding bonsai and the training techniques.
The Portulacaria Afra offers the chance to apply several techniques (wire, pruning, clip and grow, etc) while being almost impossible to kill. If you are new to Bonsai, continue to chop up those nursery junipers, but I highly recommend adding these as well.
Now onto my progression!
Summer of 2015, As purchased from my local big box store:
Summer 2016, After one year of growth
Summer of 2016, first re-pot
Winter 2016, decide to apply to some Peter Adams techniques from his books on creating taper in deciduous trees Before:
After:
Again, let it grow, this is Summer of 2017, re-pot and cut back Before:
After:
Now the basic structure is beginning to take shape.
Summer of 2018, after another re-pot and into this Bokeno oval that fits better with the feminine design and works well I think with the bright green leaves.
