Page 143 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

Creating a clump-style maple 143

9 Use a chopstick to work
soil down to the roots under
the plastic barrier—but make
sure you don’t nudge the
plastic or any of the trunks
out of position.

10 Water thoroughly. If
necessary set the pot at an
angle to ensure that water
gets to the roots underneath
the plastic—and remember
this as you water the tree
throughout the year.
9 10
11 Chop up sphagnum moss
and spread a thick layer over
the soil surface to retain
moisture and encourage roots
to develop above the plastic.

12 Make some wire hooks
and use them to fine-tune the
overall position of the shoots,
pulling the trunks together
or keeping them apart as you
prefer. Do not attempt to wire
the trunks at this stage.
Wire loop
helps trees
11 to support
13 Move the clump to a each other
sheltered spot, keep it well
watered, and allow the tree
to put on roots. The trunk
position and movement
should be set early in the
development of the clump,
so aim to make adjustments
to the trunk positions in the
first year by wiring once the
roots are more established. 13

Stop and relax
Allow the clump to establish
before introducing any more
movement—but make sure
12
you do this in the first year.
After two or three years, the
roots will be ready to separate.