Importance of Bonsai Wire

One of the most important parts of growing bonsai is shaping its branches. The proper shaping of the bonsai is done with the help of wires. Bonsai wire is used for a number of reasons; for bending branches and twisting into a desiring shape, wire the branch into a new direction that you want it to grow out. Wiring allows the branch to harden in its new shape and this becomes a permanent part of the whole design.

Types of bonsai wires

The bonsai wire is usually brown copper or anodized aluminum wire blending into the appearance of the plant, the rolls of wires range from 1mm to 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm and 4.5mm. Though the gauge of the wires depends up on the strength of the branch, generally, wire 1/3rd of the thickness of the branch is used. The wires do not corrode or damage the plant through contact. The aluminum bonsai wire is sold in mm thickness and more is its thickness, the stronger will be its holding power. On the other hand copper wire is more difficult to apply and has more holding power, it is sold depending up on its gauge, mm. Thinner copper wire can be used, and the proper size for bending a branch depends up on the strength and elasticity of the bonsai species that is being wired. With experience, you will be able to determine the size that is to be used for the size and species of bonsai wire. However, anodized aluminum wire is chosen over copper wire for its affordability and flexibility. Bonsai wire can be bought from Bonsai Nurseries and Online Shops.

The need for wiring

The need for wiring a bonsai comes after the bonsai plant has crossed its initial pruning stage. Since the bonsai plant has the tendency to grow back into its original shape, it is important to leave the wire on the branch at least for one growing season.

In fact, all well-designed bonsai has been wired for their development at some point of time. The bonsai enthusiasts all over the world through wiring have a better control over the branches and trunk of the bonsai plant. The more thick is the bonsai wire the more it will be effective to bend the branch. Wiring and bending results in splits and fractures in the layers beneath the bark of the branch. The faster the branch grows the faster will the plant heal. To avoid branch cracking and splitting, bending of the wires must be done slowly and steadily.

It is a matter of weeks or months, and soon you will be able to see great shapes and great results. The wires give the straight trunks or branches a more realistic movement. Young branches are wired into a horizontal or downward position for creating an illusion of maturity.

In case, if any bonsai plant grower does not follow wiring, then they would have to wait for shoots to grow in the desired direction.

How to wire a bonsai

Bonsai wire should be applied at a 45 degree to the direction of the branch that is to be wired. The wire that has already been applied must not move when wiring the rest of the plant. The wiring should be done in circular motion, it is necessary to wire from the base of the branch of the bonsai plant to its tip. The last turn of the wire should be at 90 degree to the direction of the branch. In case of fast growing plants, wiring can be done more loosely for reducing the risk of the wire cutting in.

The soil of the plant that is wired should dry out slightly; less water will make the plant less turgid and more pliable. After the branch is bent to a position, it is wise not to move it as it can lead to fractures and weakening in the branch.

Sharp bends is required at leaf joints and where secondary branches grow and in case of deciduous plants, it is necessary to add movements to all straight sections of the branch. Make movement from left to right and up & down the bonsai plant as well. Most of the strong bonsai plants respond well to wiring but with weak or unhealthy trees recovery will be slow.

When wiring the trunk of a tree, the start of the wire must be put into the soil and the roots of the tree. However, the coil of bonsai wire can also be kept above the soil level.

When to wire a bonsai plant?

During summer and spring wiring leads to deciduous branches, as it has reached its optimum growth. If wired during autumn or winter, it can take months to fix into a position. However, Elm and Maple which are used as bonsai plants take less time to grow into a desired shape in comparison to Junipers or Pines.

The bonsai wire is removed by cutting each turn with wire cutters. Generally wire-cutters are used for removing bonsai wire from branches and cutting bonsai wire that are found in the market.

Bonsai wire is the most way important to bring a desired shape to any bonsai. Wiring of bonsai gives the plant an altogether different look, which is extremely attractive.