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Step 4Pruning and Root Pruning
When pruning the branches keep in mind the shape your trying to achieve. Some bonsai resources say that you should prune the branches back to two buds. When pruning leave at least a centimeter past the bud as the cut end tends to "die back" a little. If cutting branches from the trunk try to cut it back as close to the trunk as possible (some books even say to the point of making a concave surface that can heal over)
When I cut the pot away from the plant I teased as much dirt out of the roots as I could and tried to comb them out with my fingers. Traditionally a chopstick is used to weedle out as much dirt as possible. Shaking the plant also does wonders. Of course, try to put as little trauma on the roots as possible.
The picture shows something which I was very surprised by. The tree appears to have been potted deep in the pot with it's original root system almost becoming secondary. There was a large group of small fibrous roots (the kind you want for bonsai), then a small section of trunk, then what appear to be the roots from when the plant was in the ground. It looks like much of my work was done for me in terms of training the roots! I took a hacksaw and cut off the trunk at the base of the higher root system. I also pruned back a few of the longer/thicker roots which on the top half. I don't know if this root configuration a common thing with nursery plants, but it was ideal in this case.
When I cut the pot away from the plant I teased as much dirt out of the roots as I could and tried to comb them out with my fingers. Traditionally a chopstick is used to weedle out as much dirt as possible. Shaking the plant also does wonders. Of course, try to put as little trauma on the roots as possible.
The picture shows something which I was very surprised by. The tree appears to have been potted deep in the pot with it's original root system almost becoming secondary. There was a large group of small fibrous roots (the kind you want for bonsai), then a small section of trunk, then what appear to be the roots from when the plant was in the ground. It looks like much of my work was done for me in terms of training the roots! I took a hacksaw and cut off the trunk at the base of the higher root system. I also pruned back a few of the longer/thicker roots which on the top half. I don't know if this root configuration a common thing with nursery plants, but it was ideal in this case.
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