By: Norberto Betita
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| figure 1 - Regeneration Pruning |
Pruning a bonsai tree is usually undertaken to enhance the
beauty of the miniature tree. It is done on a regular basis so that the form of
the leaves and branches of the tree will be in accord with the normal shape
when grown on natural ground. Raising a bonsai tree is actually just
reinventing or recreating nature in a miniature setting, then recapturing the image
of an old natural tree in an atmosphere of restraint and limitation in a close
confinement---a shallow vase.
Regeneration pruning on the other hand is a process by which
the bonsai tree is to be stripped of all leaves for the purpose of producing
more branches and twigs, reduce the size of the leaves and replacing all the pest-ridden
old leaves with new and freshly grown foliage. This process may be done at
least every two years. However, in tropical countries like the Philippines, it
can be done even on a yearly basis as may be needed. In my twenty years of
personal experience as a bonsai hobbyist, I learned to appreciate the beauty
that emerges on my bonsai trees as a result of regeneration pruning.
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| Figure 2 - Full-grown Ficus Microcarpa specimen |
I usually do the regeneration pruning by cutting each leaf
and the tip of each branch with a small scissor leaving at least half of the
steam on the branch (see figure 1). This may be a very tedious process
considering that you have to cut hundreds or even a thousand leaves in one
bonsai specimen, especially for a Ficus Microcarpa (see figure 2). The
remaining part of the steam of each leaf instigates a new shoot to sprout, and
new smaller leaves then grow slowly (see figure 3). The more leaves in a
branch, the more new twigs and branches will bud.
In a month or two, depending on the feeding, the bonsai
specimen is restored to its original form with enhanced beauty of new and shiny
leaves. The crown of the tree then becomes thicker with more leaves, twigs, and
branches (see figure 4). The small green and shiny leaves will remain smaller
for months. However as it begun to feed again the succeeding leaves may grow a
little larger, but usually not as large as the size of those raised on natural
grounds.
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| figure 3 - New shoots and twigs growing after pruning |
Ficus Microcarpa is such a wonderful variety among the Ficus
family because of its thick and shiny leaves. It is also called as Chinese Bayan or Malayan
Banyan, or Indian Laurel and others. It can grow up to more than twenty meters
in height. In my experience in the Philippines it bears fruit the whole year
round (see figure 2). Birds feed from it, especially from my specimens which are situated on
the terrace. It survives well in high-intensity of light. As bonsai specimens
it prefers to be placed or located in as much light as possible and can endure full-days
sunshine.
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| Figure 4 - The crown becomes thicker as more leaves grow |
The danger of this tree as bonsai is the drowning of its
roots, especially during rainy season. This is recognized by the regular falling
of new or top leaves. But during summer they can grow with just a balance level
of watering making sure that they are not totally dried up. It can grow in any
type of soil provided the soil will be replaced as necessary. Fertilize as
needed, at least twice a month during summer or once a month during rainy
season.
When these bonsai specimens are displayed at home or office make sure that they have to be inside only for at least three days or a maximum of one week. But these variety may be trained to be an indoor plant making sure that there is enough light in the area where it should be located.
