Azalea styling

[JeanniBops]

Hi Im new to bonsia and have started with this potential plant and am wondering where i should go now with this plant, it is sixteen years old and has been growing in the garden any help would be appreciated.
thx jean

[Handy Mick]

How long has this plant been potted up for?

Mick

[JeanniBops]

This plant has been potted only 3 mnths

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Jeanni,

Azaleas shoot very well from old wood. I would recommend cutting this one back very hard. It will shoot back readily at this time of year. It is advised, however, to keep a small amount of foliage at the end of each branch. Feed well and give plenty of sun after pruning.

[Leigh Taafe]

Here is an example of what I mean.

Satsuki Before.jpg

Satsuki After.jpg

This will create many new shoots along the trunk line. From these, select new branches to grow. Then you will be able to create a more densely foliaged bonsai with good proportions. At the moment, I think your tree is too tall. Hope this helps.

I will be posting a progression thread on the azalea you see in the pics soon. It has shoots all over it.

[Scott Roxburgh]

If it is growing strongly in the pot with lots of roots, i'd take off the left hand trunk and feed and water it like crazy.