How to shape the Jade Leaf Bonsai beautifully (How to prune the Jade Leaf seedlings to be the most beautiful)

First, the branch shaping method of Jade Leaves:

In order to express the softness and smoothness of the tree trunk, auxiliary materials such as aluminum wire, metal wire, and wooden sticks are often used. With the help of various external force twisting methods, the straight branches are bent and twisted into various shapes according to the creative intention.

According to the existing materials, it can be done by: wire coiling method, wire pulling and bending method, bent wood bending method, wooden weight support pulling method, shaper bending method, etc. Local areas can choose according to local habits, modeling forms, existing materials, and local conditions.

Several issues should be noted:

(1) When shaping the Jade Plant, you should choose branches that are relatively stable and have vigorous growth to avoid bending, which will lead to growth weakness and death.

(2) The bending and twisting operation should be done on a sunny day. Water should be removed 3 to 5 days in advance. When the soil in the pot is dry, the branches are more flexible. Avoid bending and twisting the branches to avoid excessive moisture that may cause them to break, and to prevent the roots from loosening and being damaged.

(3) When bending branches, you should twist them appropriately in advance and repeat the twisting several times to exercise and loosen the branches to achieve the effect of "loosening the bones". If you bend them forcefully at the beginning, they will easily break. You should twist and turn while bending.

(4) The cortex of the Jade Plant can be easily damaged by being entangled by aluminum wire.

After a period of time after bending and shaping, the bent branches should be removed from the winding and tying or auxiliary accessories in time to avoid affecting the growth and appearance. Be very careful when removing them, because the branches will have scars after being wound and tied, making them easy to break.

Second, the pruning of the branches of the Jade Plant:

Regular pruning allows the vegetative growth to be concentrated on the branches that need to be retained, and at the same time coordinates the vegetative growth and the root-crown ratio of the plant to make the plant grow strong. Regular pruning not only maintains the excellent tree shape of the bonsai, but also balances the tree strength of each part of the bonsai:

(1) Before the Jade Plant reaches its peak growth period, prune it using the correct method. The cut should be smooth and not torn to avoid affecting healing and reducing the wound area.

(2) When thinning, it is not advisable to cut close to the trunk. Depending on the thickness of the branches, 0.5 to 2.0 of the base should be retained. In this way, after healing, the trunk will be uneven, like bumps and scars, and appear ancient and vigorous. Use the reserved cut bud direction to form the trend of the branches, which is more natural.

(3) When pruning the branches, the lengths and distances between them cannot be equal. There should be some long and some short branches, with ups and downs. At the same time, the branches should be retracted and renewed in time to avoid disconnection between the branches and the formation of overly long branches.

(4) When cutting the trunk and storing branches, wait until the branch thickness reaches 70% of the predetermined thickness before pruning to form a good transition. When pruning, focus on the overall tree, and make sure the overall tree vigor is the same. Do not excessively pursue a single branch or leaf.

(5) Pruning should not be too frequent. Bonsai plants should be given enough time to grow and accumulate nutrients.

Third, the root treatment of Jade Leaf:

As the saying goes: "If the roots are not exposed, it's like planting wood." In bonsai modeling, the roots are generally exposed to varying degrees.

It can show a beautiful posture, and the root maintenance is very difficult, but it is loved by many bonsai enthusiasts. The following methods can be used as reference:

(1) Exposed roots at the tree base

In the normal care of Jade Plant, use tools to gently pry the soil at the base, and then water it to wash away the pried soil so that the roots are naturally exposed.

(2) Repotting and root lifting

Each time you repot the tree, raise the original tree slightly above the surface of the pot, gradually lift the roots upward so that the new roots can grow deep downwards, and trim and shape the raised roots to give it a certain charm.

(3) Potting and root lifting

Based on the original plant, chisel a hole in the bottom of the original pot and put it on another pot filled with loose and fertile culture soil. The pot should be larger than the original pot to guide the roots to grow into the new pot.

Later, according to the growth of the tree, gradually remove the original soil in the pot, wash away the soil with clean water, and shape the exposed roots.