When growing bonsai at home in the "forest form" style (Yose-ue), an odd number of dwarf trees of the same species are usually used. They are planted asymmetrically in small groups.
Below you can see a plan for planting a group of bonsai to create a miniature forest. This is a traditional asymmetrical group planting design for bonsai.
It is best to plant trees in the spring.
How to Grow a Group of Bonsai Trees
First, you need to choose suitable trees, they should be of different sizes, more tall ones are planted closer to the center, and small ones - on the sides. It is advisable to select vertically growing trees, otherwise the planting will look unnatural. The number of plants is chosen at will.
It is very important to choosesuitable pot, which should be wide enough and not very tall. Also pay attention to the color of the container for the bonsai group.
Use a soil mixture of akadama, fine gravel and compost in a ratio of 1:0.5:0.5. (for more information on bonsai soil, seeHere)
After choosing the trees and containers, you can begin planting the bonsai group:
1. Cut a few pieces of copper wire (about 10 cm long) and attach them to the container using drainage holes or waterproof glue. The wire will be used to secure the bonsai in the pot.
2. To ensure good drainage, fill the bottom of the container with a 1:1 mixture of fine gravel and akadama.
3. Next, prepare the trees by removing dead and lower (approximately 1/3 of the trunk) branches. Remove the trees from the pots, remove the soil and straighten the roots.
4. Plant larger trees in the center and smaller bonsai closer to the edge.
Don't forget to secure them with wire.
5. Use the prepared soil mixture to fill the container.
6. Water the soil well and cover it with moss to prevent erosion.
After finishing the work, place your bonsai group in the shade for a few months. After a year, you can begin to shape the bonsai.
