AusBonsai

hey guys,

I recenlty got a JBP so i've been reading up on decandling, and tried it on one of the branches fresh growth, im really surprised how quickly you see two new needles start extending. My question is, can you do the same to last years growth? there are a few branches that are far to long for my liking, does it work the same way? Same time of year etc? or does this cross into Pruning and is now, no longer decandling?

Cheers.

Decandling is just that - removing new candles. If you cut any further back you should probably call it pruning. Yes, you can cut back further but only as far as to leave some healthy needles. The new buds will grow from the centre of the pairs of old needles.

However, this:

i've been reading up on decandling, and tried it on one of the branches fresh growth, im really surprised how quickly you see two new needles start extending

has me intrigued. After you decandle you should see new shoots (candles) start to grow from the end of the branch where you cut the candle rather than new needles. Can you show us a photo please.

it is far too early to be achieving any meaningful results from decandling. I find that decandling this early just produces more large candles with long needles. I usually wait until around mid December.

Ahhh ok I see, I think I'm looking at the top few needles that seem longer than the rest, I thought in this event the top few needles would continue to extend into New branches. All about learning! Cheers shibui