When a plant is in a pot,

no matter how lush and flourishing it grows,

if it lacks beauty of form,

it is ultimately just a successful "potted plant,"

not a "bonsai," let alone a "penjing."

The first step in the beauty of a tree's form ispruning。

Use scissors to remove vigorous leggy shoots, poorly growing reverse branches and superfluous useless redundant branches all at once, and the rudimentary shape of the bonsai gradually takes form.

The editor once said that when shaping and pruning plants, one should not rashly cut them off. You must also base it on the physical conditions of the tree material itself, first sketching the tree shape in your mind before making rough cuts, and then making detailed pruning adjustments.

A piece of material without beauty of form, through pruning and repotting into an ornamental ceramic pot, can display the beauty of the fusion of nature and art!

Preparing materials using the case of the spiny naked-fruit tree

—Spiny naked-fruit tree

—Akadama soil

—Scissors

—Wound sealant

—Ceramic pot (choose a size that fits and a style that appeals to you)

Steps for pruning a bonsai using the case of the spiny naked-fruit tree

One

Prepare the plant, tools and medium.

The demonstration plant is a spiny naked-fruit tree, a seedling material grown from seed and allowed to grow freely in a cultivation pot.

Two

After removing some leaves, observe the growth of the branches to serve as a reference for pruning.

Three

This tree has a large curve at its base, and based on this curve you can sketch the general tree shape, pruning step by step, leaving space, without rushing to get it done in one go.

Four

Cut off branches that conflict with the trunk, making the base clean and strong.

Five

Cut off redundant branches, reverse-growing branches and improper branches lacking a sense of curved rhythm one by one.

Six

Apply wound sealant to major cuts to protect the wounds and avoid infection causing the cuts to rot and affecting growth.

Seven

Pruning complete; through simple pruning, an open space and harmonious layers are created.

Eight

After tidying the root system, plant it into an ornamental pot according to the plant's shape.

After handling it properly, take a look - does it already have the form of a miniature bonsai?

Some fellow gardeners say that the guide steps look reasonable and orderly, but when it comes time to do it themselves, they become flustered and confused...

The editor wants to say that this is simply because you are inexperienced.

Look more before pruning, stay calm and unflustered while pruning, and think more after pruning, and you will surely produce a work you are satisfied with.

I don't know whether the editor has explained it clearly and in detail. For fellow gardeners who didn't understand, the editor has written an acrostic poem specially for you. It may not be well written, but it can help you find the editor.

More wonderful articles are all in an acrostic poem:

A gentle breeze lightly caresses, flowers ever bloom

Strolling in spirit through the southern slope of Nanshan

Seeking wonders and finding delights at Tongque Terrace

Planting reds and greens above the blue clouds

—Come take the challenge: four lines of an acrostic-and-tail poem; connect the first characters plus connect the last characters, and you can get an eight-character motto to summon the editor's true self! When you come, remember to say: "Editor, your secret has been cracked by me!"