Page 46 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q3

Top left; The tree after several Medium-Size Pot Development (part II)
sacrificial limbs were removed.
As you can see on top left, the As you can see on bottom right of previous page, the
tree has changed considerably growth has reduced somewhat and the main branch-
and has acquired a branch es have not grown out as they did before. Since the
structure that matches the container is large enough, the lower left branch was
aged character of the trunk. allowed to lengthen, as it needs to achieve greater di-
Top right and middle right; ameter. Some additional advantages of medium-size
Remove unsightly roots and
promote a radially emerging container cultivation are:
root column, comprised of • Presents opportunity for a gradual branch
numerous fine roots. structure development Because roots require equal attention as
Bottom left and inset; The tree • Allows a progressive growth cycle that will all other elements in bonsai cultivation, a
was then defoliated in summer translate into accurate taper on trunks and
and rapeseed fertilizer was branches. well tapered and “ramified” root system is a
added once the tree started desirable asset in the creation process.
to bud.
The Use of Sacrifice Branches
Sacrifice branches are the key to achieve taper in shari in Clerodendrum is hard, but new wood is natu-
bonsai structures. Although the subject of this article rally soft and susceptible to rot. We want those cuts to
is a Clerodendrum, the basics we present here are suit- heal as fast as possible.
able to all deciduous, broadleaf evergreen and tropical Top left is an image of the tree after several sacrifi-
species. On thing is certain, sacrifice branch removal, cial limbs were removed. The tree has changed con-
by itself, will not produce the desired results. A com- siderably and has acquired a branch structure that
bination of Clip and Grow Techniques, combined with matches the aged character of the trunk. However, I
bud/leader selection and wiring will enable bonsai am still not satisfied with the appearance of the lower
growers to guide our plants into the desired shape. left branch, as it needs to be thicker. Furthermore, the
Also, proper sealing of all open cuts with specialized number of twigs has to be increased, as this too is an
orange cut paste is indispensable. Any open wounds important characteristic of bonsai quality and repre-
might compromise the tree’s vascular system. Natural sentation of age.
Root and Twig Development
Roots: As stated before, the transfer of the tree to
different container sizes throughout its journey of cre-
ation is a pivotal step in preparing the tree for a future
bonsai pot. Because roots require equal attention as
all other elements in bonsai cultivation, a well tapered
and “ramified” root system is a desirable asset in the
creation process. Whenever we conduct repotting, it
is advisable to remove unsightly roots and promote a
radially emerging root column, comprised of numer-
ous fine roots:
These multiple fibrous roots will transport tons of
nutrients to our bonsai; a guarantee of health and sus-
tainability. Whenever possible, remove any downward
growing roots and promote those spreading outwards,
in a radial fashion.

44 | BCI | July/August/September 2016