Bonsai making of Caragana

Caragana bonsai materials

The material for making bonsai of Caragana can be seedlings grown from cuttings, divisions, and layering, or it can be old stumps dug up in the mountains. It is important to choose those with graceful postures so that they can achieve a quick shaping effect.

Dig up Caragana plants during the dormant period and the rainy season. First cut off most of the above-ground stems, then remove the soil, and carefully dig out the roots of the Caragana according to the growth direction of the roots. Pay attention to protecting the root system and not injuring the roots.

There is no need to cut the Caragana short immediately after digging it out. Place it in a semi-shaded place first, and when the roots are slightly dry, coil them into a shape to use the roots instead of the trunk. Then plant it in a pot. Do not coil the roots while they are wet, otherwise they will break easily. After this treatment, the roots will become intertwined and very pleasing to the eye after being formed.

Caragana in pots

Choose the right flower pot. When making Caragana bonsai, it is best to use a round or square purple clay pot. If it is a cliff-style bonsai, a thousand-tube pot should be used. In order to fully display the roots of the Caragana, a shallower pot can be used.

After choosing a flower pot, you need to fill it with soil. Choose neutral or slightly acidic loam or light clay. Alkaline soil should not be used. Ordinary culture soil or garden soil will also work. Then pot it in early spring.

Caragana bonsai modeling

In order to make the bonsai of Caragana beautiful, the main branches can be appropriately shaped. Make fine adjustments based on the overall modeling effect. For small branches, pruning is the main method, and the branches should be pruned in an uneven manner. The roots can be arranged and entangled with each other, or tied with palm fibers to create a beautiful, tangled root system.

The best shape for Caragana bonsai is with unique twisted branches and quaint posture. It can also be made with branches and leaves draped over or with roots exposed to show its old age; or with branches and leaves pruned and tied to form a cloud shape, so as to achieve the effect of beautiful shape and gorgeous flowers.