Nana Gracilis : Conifer Bonsai

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' is a decorative conifer that only grows to about 80cm in height, which makes it naturally suited to bonsai. The constrast between old (blue/green) and new growth (yellow/green) foliage make for a striking specimen.

I started this project late August this year and have been watching it since to ensure it has settled in. Eventually this will be repotted again into a shallower pot, but I tend to be more cautious with the first root pruning, so allow more room for the roots and "first year" growth. There's a little bit more styling still to do to this one, but I have purposely left it this way for the next owner to add their own "touches".

Initial plant in pot as purchased from the nursery. It's at the nursery that you look for the characteristics that will make the plant suitable for bonsai

A front for the tree was chosen at the nursery too after envisioning what the final bonsai will look like.

Now with this vision clearly in your mind, it is time to start...

The same tree, about 45 minutes later after removing unrequired branches and foliage. You can see the amount of foliage that was removed (piled infront). Also some wiring and styling have been done and the plant removed from its pot.

More wiring will be required later to formalise the style but with this tree I have decided to leave wiring to a bare minimum.

It's important to note the percentage of foliage removed to what's left on the tree.

The tree now root pruned and potted into a blue-oval bonsai pot. The blue chosen to contrast nicely against the foliage of the tree. For all the steps, reasonings and considerations, please go here.