How do you prune rhododendrons into bonsai? A detailed guide to bonsai pruning methods

I. How to prune into bonsai

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

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

2. Coiled dragon shape: It is better to do this when the rhododendron is still a seedling. Usually this is done when the weather is fairly clear; after winding several branches of the plant together, they are 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 to 90 degrees, so that the plant extends at this angle.

II. Bonsai pruning methods

1. When pruning, you need to prepare a fairly sharp pair of scissors, and then make the cut quickly, so as to avoid increasing the 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 form.

3. In addition, those branches of the plant that have grown too densely and the branches growing crossed together should all be pruned off. This will open up the plant's growing space and make the plant grow more vigorously.