Page 58 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q4

fingers to loosen the old needles. This makes the struc-
ture of the pads more visible and allows light to pene-
trate and stimulate the formation of more buds inside,
which ultimately will replace branches that outgrow
the intended design.
Two years ago I repotted the plant in a pot that fits
the current structure well but is not yet the final pot,
and I continued training the back because I had over-
looked this side (an error which I tend to make with
other plants also).
In the future I will work to strengthen the apex,
which today is not well defined, and to better refine
the small branches that make up the main foliage
pads, thinning them to increase the transparency of
the structure.
I’ve never had any problems with pests and I always
use an organic fertilizer. The potting medium consists
of 60% pumice, 20% akadama, 15% potting soil and
5% humus, irrigation is rather intense (but the plant
has also endured dry periods).
I do not know what variety of Cryptomeria it is be-
cause I have not come across others so compact and
with such a clear color to the new growth. Unfortu-
nately many of the cuttings that I tried to root so far,
Top; Francesco Damini and his In the 4 years following I fertilized regularly, began only one has rooted and I cultivate it jealously, hoping
prized Cryptomeria forming the primary branching and giving structure to create another small bonsai. I regret not having the
Bottom, left to right; photos to the first branch, wiring even the tiniest twigs. patience to air layer the top instead of throwing away
from 2006, 2008 and 2013. In 2006, on the occasion of the second transplant, 50 cm of the plant when I first acquired it.
I could not resist the temptation to see the plant in a The satisfaction of receiving an award from BCI and
nice pot and, after making sure that the root ball was BCI Director, Massimo Bandera, at Arcobonsai 2014
well-formed, it was repotted in a container that would makes me very proud of my work, but I share this with
host the tree until 2012, during which time I slowly all my club and in particular with Gabriele Sbaraini,
continued to refine the branch pads. president of Arco Bonsai Club without whom our
I never used scissors unless it was to remove a few wonderful event would not exist and maybe not even
woody shoots growing beyond the intended shape. the club itself.
Instead I continued to pinch the annual growth to the It is only because of the serenity, friendship, stimu-
desired length with my fingers to shape the branch lation and advice of fellow club members that I was
pads a little at a time. able to cultivate my passion and experience the joys
In late winter I would remove dried needles from that bonsai has to offer.
internal twigs by passing every branch between my

56 | BCI | October/November/December 2014