AusBonsai

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

How long has this plant been potted up for?

Mick

This plant has been potted only 3 mnths

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.

Here is an example of what I mean. 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.

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.