Pruning Bonsai

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Bonsai is the art of illusion. The aim is to recreate nature on a small scale, that is growing and training a small tree in relatively few years to give the impression of a full-sized tree hundreds of years old.

Pruning a bonsai

On ‘Burke’s Backyard’ we demonstrated how to prune a bonsai Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) at the home of celebrity gardener, Jane Scali.

Equipment

Specialised bonsai tools are available from bonsai nurseries. In most cases, you will be able to find equivalent tools around the house such as small scissors. Some useful pruning tools include:

bonsai snips or branch cutters that cut the branches off right against the trunk
a pair of scissor-like trimming shears for cutting branches, twigs and roots
wire cutters

Pruning steps

If necessary remove leaves around the base of the trunk so that the trunk is exposed.

  1. Cut off any spindly, unsightly or unnecessary branches.
  2. Shorten any branches that are too tall. In general, aim for a triangular shape (see diagram). Note: Figs will ooze white milky sap after pruning. It will seal the cut wound.
  3. Instead of pruning all branches, long branches can be wired into interesting shapes. Wiring can be left for six months to a year for evergreen trees but should be checked now and again to make sure it does not cut into the bark.
  4. The large leaves of the Moreton Bay fig are big and may be out of proportion with the size of a bonsai. Don’s suggestion: Remove all the leaves. The new, replacement leaves, which will grow back in a matter of weeks, will be smaller than the original leaves.
  5. Water the bonsai well by immersing it in a container of water.
  6. Put it in a shady, protected position for about two or three weeks to recover from the shock of pruning.

Note: Bonsai are not indoor plants. They are outdoor plants and need careful watering.

Recommended reading

Bonsai in Australia by Dot and Vita Koreshoff (recommended for beginners). This book includes information about bonsai in the tropics, and bonsai with Australian native plants.
Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy by Deborah R. Koreshoff (recommended for beginners to advanced bonsai growers).
The Complete Book of Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson.

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