Wu Chengfa's work "Wu Zen" spring flowers.
As a unique genre of bonsai art, the creative techniques of Lingnan bonsai are made according to the basic concepts of Chinese painting. It originates from nature, but transcends nature, which is one of the significant differences between Lingnan bonsai and other genres of bonsai.
Wen Xueming's work "Summer Quiet" podocarpus.
In the selection and determination of the support of the branch, the branch drop technique is usually applied to those piles with a hollow bottom and high height, which can play a role in "turning the ordinary into magic". However, the application of the branch drop technique in bonsai modeling is not common, because it needs to follow the growth laws of the plant, and the production process is time-consuming, often taking decades to complete.
Since a fallen branch is artificially bent to face downward, it grows much slower than the top and other locations. In addition, fallen branches must be thicker than other branches, with the characteristics of ups and downs and pits, which takes longer to cultivate. It is necessary to focus on cultivating fallen branches, otherwise, the growth time will be prolonged, and there may even be a situation where the top and other brackets are ripe, and the fallen branches are far from mature.
Peng Shengcai's work "Wanting to Explore the Dragon Palace" Bolan.
Cultivation Tips: First of all, for the branches that grow from the main trunk, do not cut off any of them for a few years, let them thrive, and with the help of these branches, make the main trunk thicker. Secondly, the growth of the top and other parts should be strictly controlled.
In the natural environment, bending and breaking of tree branches is often caused by strong winds, the pressure of snow, or damage by humans and animals. The so-called "falling branches" refer to the sudden downward bending of tree branches, and the shape changes obviously, often bringing unexpected visual impact.
Depending on how bent the trunk and branches are, there are usually two types of fallen branches that can be found.
1. At the base of the branch support, a long-span soft curve with downward bending is formed.
This type of drooping branch has a relatively simple shape, mainly through the way of pricking and pulling, so that the branches gradually droop downward. The base of the branch presents a soft curved shape, and the transition is natural and smooth. However, it lacks the beauty of ups and downs and has no obvious contrasting effect, so this type of branch is also classified as a weeping branch.
Han Xuenian's work "Pine Wind and Willow Rhyme".
2. Hard short-distance falling branches.
In bonsai art, the base of the branch presents a sharp angle, and it slopes rapidly downward over a short distance, as if it is about to fall but not completely. In particular, one of the branches is hard and straight downwards, and then curved upwards, forming a sharp line change, giving people a strong visual impact. Although this kind of falling branch shape is difficult and takes a long time to shape, the final effect is very obvious and can often bring a strong shock to the viewer.
To cultivate a fallen branch, you need to first determine the location and height of the fallen branch, and then prune it to promote the growth of new shoots.
The cultivation of fallen branches should first determine the position and height of the fallen branches, and cultivate the next sprouts by pruning.
1. The originally reserved parts germinate downward, and the new branch horns show a sharp angle. In the process of growing towards the ground, it presents a peculiar dynamic, as if stretching towards the sky. The change in this growth pattern is very significant, making the whole support situation appear abrupt and steep.
2. The part located in the third section is the transitional stage between 1 and 3. By stubbing the buds in the second section, the extension of the shoots gradually shrinks backward and the strength is accumulated, which is contracted first and then expanded.
3. This part is the fourth branch of the fallen branch, which is achieved by short pruning on the third branch and giving birth to a left bud. In this process, the branches appear to be long spans of straight lines, which are in stark contrast to the first and second branches.
4. Through short pruning, a short span of curved branch lines is shaped to achieve diversified changes in branches.
5. The left branch is bent and extended, the shape is upward, and the strength is **.
In the process of falling branch cultivation, it is necessary to weaken the apical dominance of the stump. This can be achieved through methods such as wrapping, trimming the top of the tree, and inverting the stump. Inverted stumps should be performed when the buds under the branches germinated by short clipping begin to grow, which can change the apical dominance of the plant. In addition, water and fertilizer management needs to be strengthened to enhance tree strength. This method is similar to making a cliff and can transform the downward growth of the branch into an upward growth, thus cultivating the falling branch.
Han Xuenian's work "Spirit" (tree height 110cm).
Because the fallen branch is artificially bent downward, it grows slower than the top and other branches in each position, and the fallen branch is thicker than the other branches, and there are ups and downs and pits, so it needs to be cultivated for a long time. At the same time, it is necessary to focus on the cultivation of fallen branches, otherwise it will prolong the time of maturity, or cause the consequences that the top and other brackets are ripe, and the fallen branches are far from mature.
Han Xuenian's work "Enjoying the Clouds" (tree height 145cm).
How to make fallen branches the focus of bonsai?
Since the apical branches grow upwards and the supporting branches develop sideways, they both grow faster than the falling branches. If left unmanaged, they can grow rapidly, causing fallen branches to appear weak and difficult to develop. Therefore, we need to prune the top branches regularly and prune the bracket branches frequently to limit their growth, so that more nutrients can be supplied to the fallen branches and make them thrive. Of the many branches that grow on fallen branches, the upper half of the branch is usually more dense than the lower half, so the fallen branch naturally takes on the cylindrical shape of the upper half being thick and the lower half being elongated.
Han Xuenian's work "Competition" (tree height 110cm).
In order to shape the pit effect of the fallen branches, you can gradually prune the branches of the upper half of the fallen branches, but keep the branches as supports, so that the remaining branches can grow fully, so that the waterline on the fallen branches can be changed by the pulling force of the branches, so that the pits can gradually rise. Another way to cultivate the pit is to cultivate the fallen branches one by one, when the upper half of the fallen branches reaches a certain thickness, select the appropriate young branches according to the direction of the lower half of the fallen branches, cut off the lower sections of the fallen branches and re-cultivate the young branches. In this process, the growth of young branches also changes the waterline in the upper half of the fallen branches, causing them to form pits.
Han Xuenian's work "Endless" (hanging 110cm).