Defoliation of a Bonsai

Defoliation serves a couple functions for your bonsai plant, and is a very good practice.

Defoliation of a Bonsai

(part 5 of our 7 part email course on Bonsai care)

Welcome to day 5 of our 7 part Bonsai mini course.  Today we're going to talk about defoliation as a method of proportioning your tree.  Bonsai trees, by definition are miniaturized full scale trees.  This means the scale of the branches and leaves of the tree must be kept in proportion to the trunk size to look pleasing to the eye. 

Defoliation of a bonsai has two purposes.  The most important is ramification or creating a stronger branch structure of the tree.  An added benefit to this is a leaf size reduction of around 20% when refoliation occurs.  Another benefit in some species is increased fall color.

Only a deciduous or broadleaf tree is a candidate for defoliation.  Make sure your tree is healthy with no signs of disease or pests as defoliation will weaken the tree until the new leaves grow in.  Summer months of May and June are generally when bonsais should be defoliated after the spring growth has hardened off.

Total defoliation involves removing all leaves from the tree by cutting each leaf off leaving the stem or petiole attached.  Leaving at least part of the petiole will insure there is no damage done to the buds forming at the base of the leaf.  These will dry up and fall off as the new leaves begin to appear.

Partial defoliation can be used to even out the balance of a tree.  To stimulate growth in a sparse area of a tree, defoliate other areas of denser growth.  This will cause the sparse portion to fill out and create a more balanced effect. 

After being defoliated your Bonsai will require much less water so be sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.  The defoliated tree should be placed in an area where it will get good light to stimulate new growth but not in strong sunshine.  The lack of leaves to shade the trunk and branches can cause your tree to become sunburned. 

Before new growth appears in a month or so, this is a good time to wire and shape your trees branch structure.  Tomorrow we will discuss wiring your tree. 

Want to learn more about growing your own beautiful Bonsai ? Check out our new book, The Art of Bonsai at:

http://www.bonsai-hut.com/The-Art-of-Bonsai.html

See you tomorrow,

Justin Case

http://www.bonsai-hut.com