Proper bonsai care cannot be understood without certain essential routines. One of these is pinching. You already know that the plant you care for is delicate—and indeed it is. That is precisely why you are committed to giving it the attention and care it needs to remain in perfect condition and in excellent health.
You look at it every day and feel proud of what you are achieving. It has become that daily companion you enjoy so much. However, beyond being healthy, you certainly want a beautiful bonsai by your side. Aesthetics also play a very important role in caring for this legendary oriental tree.
Discover all the details about bonsai pinching!
Bonsai pinching is a key process for keeping it attractive. Why? Because it is a fundamental technique for controlling the size and shape of the plant. You will have a bonsai tailored to your liking!
What is bonsai pinching for?
- Maintaining the proper shape: As we have already mentioned, it is not only an aesthetic matter, but also about understanding the type of bonsai you have. Each one has specific characteristics that must be respected.
- Proper branching: Branching should be encouraged, and pinching helps the plant develop finer and denser branches.
- Growth control: As noted, the aim is to maintain the appropriate size of the tree. Excessive growth not only detracts from the appearance of the bonsai, but can also be harmful to it.
- Reducing leaf size: From an aesthetic point of view, overly large leaves do not look right. At a glance, you will notice that the bonsai has lost its essence.
How is bonsai pinching carried out?
The first thing you need to know is that it should always be done on the youngest and most tender shoots. From there, aside from using your fingers, it is also a good idea to use fine scissors. It is advisable to significantly reduce the number of leaves on a shoot. Do not leave the shoot completely bare, but keeping two or three leaves is the best option.
When should it be done?
Although it depends on the species of bonsai you have, spring and summer are generally the most suitable seasons to carry it out. It works particularly well for species such as maples and pines. It should be done when new shoots begin to emerge, that is, during the growing season.
That said, remember not to overdo pinching. At most, it should be carried out a couple of times, but no more. Do not confuse pinching with pruning either. The former involves small adjustments, while the latter is more intensive and focused on the structure.
Now all that remains is to complement this process with Zoka and a carefully formulated bonsai fertiliser that perfectly suits your plant. We offer the most effective nutrients for bonsai trees.