Bonsai Japanese Maple - Prune and Shape

[bonsa1guy]

The slingshot V really needs to go in my opinion - as for the height it needs to be reduced further to get the classic 6:1 trunk diameter to height ratio. Acers can and often do die back when you chop (esp mid season) so it's best t cut well above your intended chop then carve in when the tree has adjusted. Any question - unless it is just leafing out from dormancy it doesn't look healthy (no shoots or vibrant foliage) - is it wise to chop it when it seems to be struggling?

[ajt2014]

Hello, i have just planted 2 different kinds of maples seeds (one that is a big tree and one that is more of a wide but short tree) and i was wondering if these could be cared for and grown inside with a uv light and proper watering. I am planning to get a regular tree because I am a started and i want to keep it inside since i live in Oregon... Thank you and i hope you can get back to me

[TheGardeningGuru]

@ajt2014 - geez, i've never grown a bonsai from seed. i wouldn't bother. i found that using existing nursey stock as a starter and then pruning into shape the fgastest way to get the best results.

as far as the uv light and inside - not sure how you'd go with a maple, not well i suspect.

my recommendation would be a ficus, of the fig family. not sure what species you can get over there but something like the ficus benjamina, ficus rubiginosa would handle that.

hope that helps, Peter

[LoftyProduction]

@ajt2014 how did it go? Anything happen with the seeds? I also came on this video seeking advice but I believe the poster of the video has no idea either.

[cwflad]

How old is this tree?

[TheGardeningGuru]

Hi,

I've been training it since 1987 from nursery stock that was about 7 tears old.

Hope that helps.

[TheGardeningGuru]

That's a hard call, ummm. Probably the best thing is check out the local nursery cause invariably they'll only carry stuff good for the area.

As far as the bonsai side goes mostly your small leaf variety are easiest to look after.

What you can't go wrong with are the ficus species, you couldn't kill them if you tried. The weeping fig and the ficus rubiginosa (Port Jackson) are excellent. I'll be doing a video on the ficus soon so maybe subscibe so you get the updates.

[Transatlanticism04]

Hi there mate. I'm starting to get into bosai. Im from North Queesnland(Cairns) just wondering what trees would be the best for this type of climate up here.. its very hot and humid.Thanks.

[robiscool09]

@Transatlanticism04 hey man, fig trees love the tropics, i live in the sunshine coast and they love it :)