Page 9 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q3

If we leave too many sub-branches a thick, monotonous Branches sub-divided into smaller masses are more interesting.
and heavy mass will be the result.

This other model of branch creation, consisting of minor foliar
masses, is quite suitable for broadleaf species. This type of
branch formation requires more spacing between each branch;
hence the tree should have less primary branches.

The closer a secondary branch is to the main trunk, the longer the
distance between this and another secondary branch should be.

CREATION OF FOLIAR MASSES, WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT

Another tendency, quite common in Remember, the longer we allow branches to Even if you are tempted, refrain from pinch-
aficionados, is to begin pinching way too get, the thicker they become. ing the branches in the early stages.
early, before the main branch structure is If we begin pinching the tree too early, Branch creation is like building a roof. First
completed.
branch thickening is considerably hindered. you lay a solid structure, with a strong foun-
Creation of the main branch structure in a As such and during the first years of cultiva- dation that can withstand the weight of the
bonsai may take three (3) to five (5) years, tion, we allow the branches to grow freely; roof. The shingles represent the leaves and
depending on growing conditions, tech- the longer the better! the foliar masses. Before adding the shingles,
nique and climatological factors of the zone As stated before, the creation process con- we must first build the foundation structure
where our wild olives grown in. sists of wiring young shoots when they are in which they will rest on. On the other hand,
We have to bear in mind that, before we cre- still flexible and allowing them to grow if the foundation is not solid, the weight of
ate the foliar masses, we must have conclud- freely. This way, we are able to fix their posi- the secondary elements will make it collapse.
ed an organized coherent branch structure tion quickly and allow them sufficient time In the case of a bonsai tree, visual strength is
which, in turn, is proportionate to the main to thicken up. achieved by means of a proportionate/thick
trunk. primary and secondary branch structure..

July/August/September 2016 | BCI | 7