GARDEN ZONE
Defoliation , a technique performed in mid-summer for deciduous trees , is a key aspect of leaf reduction . By simulating the browsingof animals , bonsai enthusiasts encourage the tree to produce a new crop of leaves that are smaller and more numerous . This practice is particularly effective for deciduous trees , while evergreen trees like pines and junipers should never be defoliated , as it may lead to their demise .
During defoliation , only about half of the leaves are removed using sharp , clean pruning scissors . This process encourages the tree to respond by producing new leaves that are smaller in size . The workload of sap production is distributed across more leaves , reducing stress on the plant and promoting overall health .
Sunlight is key : influencing leaf size through environmental factors
When it comes to reducing leaf size , sunlight plays an important role . The amount of sunlight a plant receives directly affects the size of its leaves . More sunlight allows for smaller leaves to produce the same amount of nutrients , as leaves exposed to ample sunlight have to work less . In contrast , trees that grow in the shade develop long , thin branches with large leaves to maximize limited sunlight .
In the context of bonsai ,
cultivating trees in full sunlight results in shorter branches with compressed growth and shorter internodes . Internodes are the spaces between nodes , which are the points where new leaves and shoots emerge . Shorter internodes in bonsai cultivation are desirable , as they allow for the development of more , smaller branches and leaves .
What happens above ground is mirrored under the soil : the integral role of roots
A bonsai is a self-contained world , and what occurs above the soil is
79 MARKtoe ! Desember 2023 / Januarie 2024