What to Do – Bonsai Maintenance
Episode: #14 14/07/07
Presenter: Melissa King
A few weeks back Melissa visited a Bonsai Farm to inspire you to get into this ancient art. Now for those of you who took up the challenge, it’s time for a few tips on on-going maintenance.
Last time Melissa looked at wiring a tree and now the wire looks like it is digging into the bark so it has to come off. Once the tree grows it will hold its shape so you can reuse the wire again. Wire that looks like it is starting to dig into the bark will need to be segmented.
Pruning of the canopy will also need to take place to give the plant more balance and give the it more structure like a tree. The professionals prune bonsais all year round but for the novice the best time is in winter when the tree is dormant. This allows more room to be radical and risky.
For a bonsai with an over enthusiastic root system you will be able to see it being pushed out of the pot. Underneath you will see an indent where the roots have actually pushed what was originally the base of the tree up a few centimeters. Place a root hook into the side and you will be able to pull off layers and layers of roots. This needs to be done every three to four years.
Fungal growth around the outside of your bonsai is a great sign as the pines need it to be vigorous, healthy and to have a long life. Add dolomite to the potting mix to give it a good helping hand. The general rule is if you can not see the dolomite it is not there.
Presenter: Melissa King
A few weeks back Melissa visited a Bonsai Farm to inspire you to get into this ancient art. Now for those of you who took up the challenge, it’s time for a few tips on on-going maintenance.
Last time Melissa looked at wiring a tree and now the wire looks like it is digging into the bark so it has to come off. Once the tree grows it will hold its shape so you can reuse the wire again. Wire that looks like it is starting to dig into the bark will need to be segmented.
Pruning of the canopy will also need to take place to give the plant more balance and give the it more structure like a tree. The professionals prune bonsais all year round but for the novice the best time is in winter when the tree is dormant. This allows more room to be radical and risky.
For a bonsai with an over enthusiastic root system you will be able to see it being pushed out of the pot. Underneath you will see an indent where the roots have actually pushed what was originally the base of the tree up a few centimeters. Place a root hook into the side and you will be able to pull off layers and layers of roots. This needs to be done every three to four years.
Fungal growth around the outside of your bonsai is a great sign as the pines need it to be vigorous, healthy and to have a long life. Add dolomite to the potting mix to give it a good helping hand. The general rule is if you can not see the dolomite it is not there.
AS SEEN ON 
