Next Steps on Pre Bonsai

[SpencerI]

In 2023 I picked up 3 seedlings. I am very new to Bonsai and I have been working on keeping my pre bonsai alive. I’ve done minimal trimming and focused on growing size and back budding for more branches.

The two smaller acer’s I would like to have as shohin and larger acre I to do as a broom style. What are the next steps for these trees?

 

[Nera]

I would let the trunks thicken up more and grow them in bigger pots (to me, those current pots are still very small for trying to get better growth) but if you are happy with them now then I would think training pots are next.

Wait for the experienced bonsai owners to give you better advice though.

 

[Nera]

Also think about wiring them to get your desired movement and shape.

 

[Shibui]

Where to now depends what you want to achieve.
Smaller, thin trunk trees in pots - you can start trimming whenever you like. Be aware that regular pruning and smallish pots will slow trunk thickening. No problem if thin trunks are Ok with you. Just be aware of internode lengths. JM can only bud from nodes so long internodes means trees with branches spread too far apart. With JM we often need to cut branches back further than desired in order to regrow branches with shorter internodes in order to get a good result.

More impressive trunks = better bonsai - grow these out until trunks are closer to desired thickness and look more mature. That usually requires larger containers or grow in the ground for a few years. Then chop and grow for a few more years to develop taper and branching. Finally start trimming more regularly to develop good ramification. Still the need to manage internode length when growing JM.

I prefer chop and grow to develop shape in most deciduous. Bends from pruning tend to look more natural than wired bends. Wiring will not add taper. Pruning or chopping gives much better trunk and branch taper.