how big is small?

these small trees were started from cuttings about nine months ago. the trees are growing strongly, so today was the day to do initial pruning and trunk enhancement work. the larger tree is slightly taller than the tape after the leader is cut. the second one is shorter

both are pruned preparatory to work. the smaller one goes first. the stubby trunk trunk is reduced, leaves are pruned[url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? the stubby trunk with its original shari is reduced and streamlined77&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? while the carving is preliminary, care is taken nonetheless i=78&u=15061647][/url]

the larger tree presents some challenges. there are several large and unsightly cut scars, created when this cutting was separated from the mother tree. the first view is of the original front. the second, the back[url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? the only practical way to deal with with big scars is to carve themi=82&u=15061647][/url]

the back will become the new front. now the little tree needs to rest and recover[quote]

the source

great job carving such a small tree.

how about posting some up-close pictures of the bigger bougies in your earlier photos?

Sam,

Good to see you back on the forum. Keep on posting. By the way, i sent you a p.m.

Kind regards,
Jose Luis

nice to hear from you jose: all is well with you? I will look for your message.

here are a couple of bougainvillea closeups taken between showers. I'll post again with a better background the tree is coming into full flower. with a little detailing, it could be shown. an orange gene snuck in and shows on one branch

the trunk is old, gnarly and massive. all the right qualities

Sam,

I can see there is no shortage of bougainvillea in your area. In my neck of the woods, very few people use them. It makes no sense, since they are readily available in all ages and sizes.

I have several that are not yet show ready. Most of them are in 30-50 gallon containers, in the development stage.

By the way, you should show more beach vitex (Vitex Rotundifolia). I believe that it is the species that will make Hawaii famous, along with Metrosideros (Ohia).

Kind regards,
Jose Luis

yes, bougainvillea are abundant here. like PR, the use of bougainvillea as bonsai is not wide spread even though nice material is readily available. here, there is no other tropical suitable for bonsai that flowers so brightly and profusely. so as to add variety and color to my collection, I started to collect old stumps several years ago. today I have many nice ones. old vitex are very difficult to find and actually quite rare , which explains why they are not commonly seen as bonsai. I am fortunate to have the ones I have.

Sam,

Like you said, bougainvillea is underrated as a bonsai subject. I enjoy the flowers, but i enjoy their orange bark (when brushed) and the fast rate growth they produce. This quality, alone, benefits the development of the branch structure.

By the way, what type of medium you use? Here, i use 100% mountain sand. It is particularly suitable in the wet season. B. glabra particularly dislikes water, as B.spectabilis tolerates tha wet season better. Have you encountered any problems in Hawaii's wet season?

Kind regards,
Jose Luis

no not at all. we really don't have a rainy season here. where I live on the coast, we average 30 inches of rainfall per year. I plant nearly everything in pure volcanic cinder. the trees love it.

Sam,

I also use volcanic cynder or mountain sand for my bougainvilleas. This year, we had significant rain and overcast. Since sun light was not as strong as it usually is, some of my bougainvilleas didn't grow as expected. Luckily, we have great weather now nad they are making up for lost time!!

Kind regards,
Jose Luis