How do you prune rhododendrons into bonsai? Detailed pruning methods

1. How to prune into bonsai

There are many ways to prune a plant into a bonsai, such as the commonly seen umbrella shape, cantilever shape, coiled dragon shape, and so on. The specific pruning steps are as follows:

1. Umbrella shape: Prune the main trunk of the plant to about 10 cm, then keep 4 to 5 main branches beside the main trunk and let them spread out naturally and evenly in all directions. In addition, it is also best to prune away some branches at the top that have grown too long, as long as it looks attractive.

2. Coiled dragon shape: It is better to do this when the rhododendron is still a seedling. Usually, on a relatively sunny day, several branches of the plant are coiled together and then twisted upward as they grow, thus forming a coiled dragon shape.

3. Cantilever shape: After cutting through the phloem and xylem of its main trunk, bind it with wire into a 90-degree angle, so that the plant can extend at this angle.

2. Bonsai pruning methods

1. When pruning, you need to prepare a relatively sharp pair of scissors, and then make the cuts quickly to avoid increasing damage to the plant.

2. You need to cut off the branches that have grown relatively long, as this helps maintain a sense of balance in the plant's posture.

3. In addition, the plant's overly dense branches and branches growing crossed together should all be pruned away. This will clear the plant's growing space and make the plant grow more vigorously.