Comments for Bonsai Channel

Comment on Winter Wiring of a Japanese Maple Bonsai by Mike

Mike — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:40:49 +0000

Hi Rose,

Now is a great time. As Fred says, pruning, shaping, and cutting back your bonsai is like getting a haircut. You do it when it needs it. So, anytime you want to shape it, go for it. You can cut any size branch at any time. You can cut almost any amount off any bonsai, except conifers – stick to 20% or less with them, but otherwise, you can cut all you want, any time you want. Thanks for the question!

Comment on Wiring a Juniper Bonsai by Mike

Mike — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:20:11 +0000

Hi Joseph,

Sorry for the delayed reply. Now is always a great time to wire your bonsai. Some people say there are certain times that are better. I haven’t found that to be the case. I keep the wire on for about 6 months or so each year and most of the time like to have the wire on in spring – as long as the wire isn’t too tight. Winter is good for deciduous trees as you can see the branches easily. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Comment on Wiring a Juniper Bonsai by Mike

Mike — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:16:06 +0000

Sure. Really, just go nuts! It’s all about trying things. Wire it and see if you can lift the limbs up. If not, cut them off and let it grow. Just repeat the process of taking away what you don’t want and letting the plant recover. Some plants look horrible for a couple years and then suddenly become incredibly beautiful.

Comment on Winter Wiring of a Japanese Maple Bonsai by Rose

Rose — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:15:55 +0000

Wow, Mike…. that was really helpful. I have a Japanese Maple sitting on my porch in dire need of shaping but I
didn’t know when to shape it. How much can I cut off ? Is it okay to cut off thick branches now ? I live in Louisiana.

Comment on Wiring a Juniper Bonsai by paul

paul — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:50:46 +0000

I have a juniper that is in the exact shape yours is. But I absolutely hate cascade. Is there a way to achive a different style?

Comment on Wiring a Juniper Bonsai by Joseph Agredano

Joseph Agredano — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:06:39 +0000

Thank you Mike for answering my last question. I am new to bonsai, as you can tell by my questions. Could you please tell me when to wire my bonsai? Thank you for answering and taking the time to answer my simple question.

Comment on Bonsai Watering Techniques by Matt Nichols

Matt Nichols — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:50:37 +0000

Thanks Mike! So that’s why my azaelas died… very good information. Thanks again!!

Comment on Bonsai Watering Techniques by Robert Pekaar

Robert Pekaar — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:47:27 +0000

Fantastic addition to your web site. I learned more from him that I did at my local Bonsai club.

Comment on Bonsai Watering Techniques by Margaret DeArmon

Margaret DeArmon — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:15:08 +0000

Great Video!

Comment on Wiring a Juniper Bonsai by Mike

Mike — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:55:56 +0000

Fertilizer will keep your Juniper green. Dallas Bonsai has several high quality fertilizers which are perfectly blended for bonsai and have the nitrogen you need to green up any plant.

Also, in addition to fertilizer, check your plant and make sure that it is not soaking wet all the time. Plants need air in the soil. Otherwise, they will yellow, brown and die.

Lastly, some soils get depleted of iron. Iron is needed to help Nitrogen green up a plant. If your plant is watered correctly and you are fertilizing it and it’s not greening up, either consider re-potting it with fresh soil, or use a fertilizer like ironite at a low dose a couple times in order to get the iron in the soil.