Cut bonsai - how it works
The bonsai is a real eye-catcher in every garden, but you have to cut it properly. You can find out how to do this and what you need to watch out for in our home article.
Cutting bonsai - the right time is crucial
If you want to cut your bonsai without harming it, you have to pay attention to the right time. Below you can read when you should cut your bonsai and when it is not suitable:
- First you should find out the exact type of bonsai, because there are different varieties that need to be cut differently. Above all, you should differentiate whether your bonsai is one with leaves or needles.
- It's best to cut your bonsai into shape in April or May. Make sure that you don't cut the shoots too short. You also only need to repeat the cut every two years.
- Then perform the main cut in June or July. You cut out all old and dried shoots. You can also shorten young shoots, then you still have enough time to relax for the winter.
Cutting bonsai - you need these tools
- To cut your bonsai, you should use special bonsai scissors. You can also use leaf shears to shorten the leaves or thin shoots.
- Note: Always use scissors that are as sharp as possible. Otherwise, crush and damage the shoots. If you don't know whether your scissors are sharp enough, test them first on a dried-up shoot.
Cut bonsai correctly - so it'll work
Below you can read the order in which you best cut your bonsai:
- First remove all dried branches, then all branches that get the tree out of shape. Depending on the size of your tree, you should make sure that the leaf bales are divided into several floors.
- Always cut the branches off over a bud or a shoot, then they can shoot out again at the spots. You cannot cut very thick branches with the bonsai scissors. You should use pruning shears or concave pliers for this.
- Use the bonsai scissors for the leaves. If you want to cut the individual leaves, make sure that you cut them off at the transition to the petiole. This should not be damaged. You can also cut the leaves exactly in half. So that you get a good shape and do not destroy the petioles, you should allow yourself enough time at work.
Cutting bonsai - general care tips
Once you've cut your bonsai, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for it:
- Wound healing: You can improve wound healing of the cut branches with appropriate means. Wound closure agents for trees are well suited for this. You should apply the remedy especially to large wounds, only then they heal without damaging the tree.
- Maintenance cut: You can cut your bonsai all summer long, but this should mainly be a maintenance cut. Only remove old or dried branches. Especially shortly before the autumn season, you should no longer cut off young or fresh shoots.
If one bonsai in the garden is not enough for you, you can grow more. How to grow a bonsai from seeds can be found on the next page.