Bonsai Stages

A teaching and learning system

By: Joe B. Day, Mobile, Ala acbsbonsai@aol.com

(Pictures supplied by Josh Brown)

Bonsai Stages- is for the individual use of the bonsai artist. The user does not have permission to copy this information to any publication without the permission of Joe B. Day.

Joe can be reached at acbsbonsai@aol.com

Defining Bonsai • Bonsai only come in two forms

bonsai material

bonsai

• A 5 year old bonsai is called… a bonsai

• A 30 year old bonsai is called… a bonsai

• A national show bonsai is called…a bonsai

• No bonsai are ever finished

Enjoy Your Trees • Focus on what is important

• Do what you do for simple reasons

• You take pride in

Where you are at the moment • The only purpose of these stages is to

understand and explain in clear terms where you see your bonsai

This is

Bonsai Stages

Stage 0

Select Material • Any material in the ground

• Any material in a nursery

container

November 2009

January 2011

Stage 0

Material Selection • Intelligent selection is the best method.

• You select the material that has the trunk shape that is needed for the style of bonsai you want to create.

– Typically this is something that needs the least amount of cuts.

January 2015

Stage1

First cuts to begin converting the material into a bonsai

December 2009

Stage 1

First Cuts • Normal growth habits must be known and all

cuts should be made to allow for quick recovery.

• First Cuts set the structure that will be needed to develop a design. Be conservative.

Focus point: Survival

Stage2 Stabilized growth in a container

June 2010

December 2009

Stage-2

Stabilized growth in a container

• Use soil with an even growing profile

• Fertilize as often as need to push healthy growth

• Pay attention to the whole tree. From the bottom branch to the apex

Stage3

Scar healing

Stage 3 Scar Healing

• Structural integrity in the trunk is critical

• Requires good health and strong growth

• The scar pattern and wood surface is key to success

Focus Point:

Attention to detail November 2011

Stage 4

Pruning for styling concept

January 2011 April 2011

Stage 4 Pruning for styling concept

• Cuts that define the roots, trunk, branching and apex of the bonsai for the selected style.

• First major wiring for all element positions.

Focus Point: Structure

February 2014

Stage 5

Structured Growth

July 2011 May 2012 September 2013

Stage 5

Structured Growth • Last stage for pushed growth

• Last stage for placing wire on all branches and trunk

• Last stage for grafts to improve structure

Focus Point: Form

Stage 6

Styling elements created or better defined

January 2012 January 2015

Stage 6

Styling Elements Created/Defined

• Small Jin, shari, refinement of branching, root corrections.

• Last stage for oversize container used promote growth and scar healing

Focus Point: Balance

Stage 7 Bonsai moved into a show size bonsai container

May 2012 March 2013

January 2014

Stage 7

Bonsai into show size container

• Soil should be appropriate to provide steady healthy growth

• Bonsai should be potted to expose the roots at the correct depth

• Fertilization routine adjusted to provide steady healthy growth

Focal Point: Health

Stage 8

Refined

growth

Not my tree… unfortunately

Stage 8

Refined Growth • All care elements become critical

• Water, soil, fertilization, sunlight, insect and disease control, winter/summer care

• Pruning must be done at the correct time using the correct method

• Jin and shari must be maintained

Focal Point: Detail

Stage 9 Bonsai with overgrown

design elements December 2011

March 2012

Stage 9

Overgrown Bonsai • Critical analysis by you and another artist you

respect is highly advised

• Think before you cut. A redesign on paper or a virtual is important

• Back to a oversize container, growing medium and, an aggressive fertilization program

Focal Point: Total redesign

Stage10

Dead bonsai

Shown May 2011 Died July 2011

Stage 10

Dead Bonsai

Very important stage • Why did it die

• What did you learn

• How do you prevent this for happening again

• Sterilize the container before use

Focal Point: Be very honest

Bonsai Stages

Focus Points

Very Important Bonsai is too complicated with many species, many soils, pocket climates, insects and disease and other items and factors to cover in any set method of teaching so…..

• Your local bonsai teachers are always critical to your success.

• Respect your teachers time, knowledge, and love of the art.