Balancing Growth on Pine Bonsai

Before decandling. Cork bark Japanese black pine from Bonsai Tonight. Decandling, candle plucking, candle pinching… The photos and instructions in this post are all from Bonsai Tonight. The topic is decandling (also called candle plucking or candling pinching) Japanese black pines (specifically a cork bark black pine). The purpose of decandling is to balance growth, develop ramification and reduce needle size. Not all pines are the same, nor should they be treated exactly the same. Still, the basic principles can be applied to pines other than the Japanese black. After decandling. Four zones, twenty days The following is a small … Continue reading Balancing Growth on Pine Bonsai

Energy Balancing #2 – Cascade Bonsai

It’s good to think in terms of zones when discussing energy balancing. Especially with cascade bonsai, which present unique challenges. The illustrations in this post are all from our Masters’ Series Pine book (Growing and Styling Japanese Black and White Pines). Think zones All trees have strong, medium and weak zones. Because most trees are apically dominant (most of the energy flows up to the apex), the top is usually the strongest zone. Exceptions are low growing and spreading shrubs and some small trees. Energy balancing is critical with cascades It can be difficult to maintain the all important lower … Continue reading Energy Balancing #2 – Cascade Bonsai