Not all plants can be worked as bonsai. Although today this is a world that is slowly opening up, giving way to modern ideas and suggestions, the reality is that if we want to make it easier for us to make one, the ideal thing will be to let ourselves be guided by the classical masters.
For this reason, it is important that we know how bonsai trees have to be, since it will not be so difficult for us to choose the one with which we will feel more comfortable working. Let's see what characteristics they must have.
What do bonsai trees have to be like?
Sheet size
Although there will be those who will tell you that any tree can be worked as bonsai, something that I will not be the one to deny 🙂, if you are a beginner I will recommend that you look for very specific trees, with special characteristics. Starting with the leaves, these They must be more or less small, no more than 4cm in diameter. The smaller its size, the better, as this way you will not have to complicate either with the defoliated or with the fertilizers.
Deciduous or perennial
This is indifferent. You can choose a deciduous or perennial species, but you should bear in mind that if you opt for a deciduous tree it will be easier for you to see how the branches are distributed when they are devoid of leaves in autumn-winter, and therefore, you can pruning much more precise, much more correct if I may say so.
Trunk thickness
Before starting to work a tree, it must be allowed to grow free for several years, either in a large pot of about 35-40cm or in the ground. The trunk has to thicken enough, otherwise it will not withstand the wiring, and pruning could seriously damage it, hence many advise waiting for the trunk to thicken by at least 2cm.
Selection of trees for bonsai
Taking everything that we have said so far, the most advisable trees to work as bonsai are the following:
Arces
Bonsai Acer palmatum (japanese maple)
Azalea
Olmo
Pinos
serissa (tropical)
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