Bonsaify | Are You Developing a Good Dwarf Jade Trunk?

In this follow up video Eric revisits a Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra) that he cut back heavily a couple years ago.

First video on the older tree:    • Bonsaify | Large Cut on a Large Dwarf...  
Second Video:    • Bonsaify | Dwarf Jade Big Dramatic Cu...  

Developing dwarf jade should be similar to developing other bonsai species. The trunk is the focus of the composition and the branching is the icing on top. Eric discusses three examples of adding more character to a trunk, trying to make it more gnarly!

00:00:30 Eric discusses why he did a trunk chop to the first tree. He's still not happy with the trunk because the trunk is not interesting enough.
00:01:30 Thinning some leaves so the structure is visible while discussing the ramification process.
00:02:00 - In cold climates be careful to avoid freezing with these plants.
00:02:35 - An example of a young dwarf jade with little work done.
00:04:00 - Do people need to understand what wild dwarf jade look like to make better bonsai with them?
00:04:30 - Eric shares an example of a slightly larger tree in a gallon can and does root work for nebari improvement, and thinning and cutback for trunk character.
00:07:30 With the rough root work done and the branching thinned we look at the structure. Eric decided to make some larger cuts to improve the trunk character.
00:08:30 - Moving on to a jade in a 3-gallon grow bag - the tree had similar work done last year and has been left to grow for the year. Eric discusses the differences among bark character on the trees and the growth regimen.
00:10:05 - Showing the character of the older trunk.
00:10:30 - panning to show the post-trimming and large remaining branch.
00:11:20 - Eric reiterates that taking the time to develop more character in the trunk will give you a more interesting tree later.

You can purchase dwarf jade starters on Bonsaify.com. Thanks for watching!