Bonsai Techniques - #5

#5: Wiring

Wondering how an old looking tree kept small and lively in a pot? Seen those bonsais that bend and curve from left to right with symmetrical and proportionate branches? So how do the bonsai masters achieve this powerful and attractive effect? The answer is so simple – wiring.

Wiring is basically the technique or process of controlling the shape of your tree. This is best to be done in fall or spring when only a small amount of foliage is present. This is also the right time to wire since these seasons help keep your bonsai not too stiff, allowing you to move the trunks and branches from here and there.

There are certain steps involved in the task of wiring. The primary move is to wrap the trunk of your tree. Once wrapped, wire each branch of the bonsai in a bending fashion. When bent on a desired position, the branches of your tree will grow according to that angle. To achieve the best effects, you can also use some weights to the branches. However, this is only applicable if your intention is to allow the tree to sag and appear like aged. This, of course, will add a dramatic effect to your masterpiece.

Note that the process of wiring does not only last for days. Fact is, the wires should be left during the entire growing season. And since it is highly possible for the plant to grow in lengths and sizes, it is important to keep the plants alive without outgrowing the wire. This is simply due to the fact that a bonsai with branches and trunks left uncontrolled will tend to bound with the wire, making the removal of these wirings a bit traumatic for the bonsai. If the right time for the removal of wire comes, they should not be winded off, but only cut in small pieces. This will help prevent the foliage from damaging.

Another important thing to note about wiring is that when applying one to your bonsai, the wire should be of same size as with the branch. Branches of large size will require you to use a lower gauge wire. In relation to this, you can employ a couple of thinner wires paired as one if you don’t want to use a wire of heavy weight. And, when placing some of them into the branches of your bonsai, never allow the wires to cross over another. You can avoid this by starting the task from the bottom up to the tip of your plant.

Finally, when doing the wiring, one should be more careful about splitting and breaking of the branches. This is so important since the branches of a bonsai are more brittle than its trunk. And, when doing this, see to it that you know exactly what you are doing. Meaning, you know what specific style of bonsai you are developing.

There are a lot more techniques involved in taking care of your bonsai. These other alternatives may include proper fertilizing, misting, insect inspection, and a lot more. Each of these factors has its own requirements and recommendations that each of the aspiring bonsai master should note. If all of these techniques are done properly or in the right way, then it’s no wonder that you can create a bonsai that deserves to be called “a masterpiece”.

So, you’ve learned everything about the most basic techniques involved in tray planting. Formed some beliefs and impressions in mind? Well, whatever you have learned to believe, misconceptions do happen. The most common are mentioned below, so consider the following:

Bonsai is naturally dwarf and will always stay small – Obviously this is a misconception since bonsai once left untrained and uncared will tend to grow as a large tree, like those we found in nature. So to keep them in miniature sizes, the pruning and trimming come in.

Pruning on the roots will keep the bonsai small – Another misconception that has been affecting thousands of beginners in this horticultural trend. Well, the opposite actually happens once the roots of the bonsai are pruned, that is, the plant will grow larger than usual. Although the growth propelled by root pruning may alter the length of your miniature tree, it is still deemed necessary since it will help keep the trees vigorous and healthy.

Bonsai is not a species of tree – Sounds familiar? That’s what most people believe. But the truth of the matter is, bonsai can be formed or created from almost any species of tree. The real factor involved is simply keeping that species small.

Bonsais are only for indoors – As mentioned under placement, bonsai are offered both for indoor and outdoor applications. And, although some may be kept indoors for days or even weeks, such trees still need a quality amount of sunlight. Enough exposure to it will allow the plants to grow healthy just like everything else here on earth.

Note all of those facts in mind, so when someone asks you about it, you have something to utter.

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