Clip and grow

[AussieBonsai]

A question regarding to the clip and grow method, specifically for a Fukien.

The concept of growing a shoot out and then clipping it back to the third leaf or one pointing in the direction that you want the new shoot to grow is fine, but should I also remove that particular leaf, to make way for the new shoot?

 

[amcoffeegirl]

No- that is not needed. Removing the leaf could damage the dormant bud.
just clip and grow.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

 

[AussieBonsai]

Thanks!

 

[Michael P]

I use clip and grow almost exclusively. But it really should be called "Grow, then clip." You need the growth first so that you have a choice of buds or branches that yoiu clip back to.

 

[sorce]

remove that particular leaf,

Leaves can help determine the angle of the new shoot.

Generally....

Left on provides the tightest angle, and removed crates the widest.

Middle ground can be found by leaving the petiole to eventually fall off.

If you leave a stub, you can sometimes pull the leaf up and hook it around the stub, directing the new bud to an even tighter angle.

Sorce

 

[penumbra]

Clip and grow (or grow and clip) is the preferred method for growing lots of pre-bonsai to guide them into the general direction you are heading before serious training. Can you imagine wiring hundreds of plants? It is also excellent for plants with brittle branching. Boy have I ever had that lesson. I use clip and grow frequently.
Makes me wonder when wire was first used. I would imagine that 2,000 years ago in China wire was not in use. And yes, 2,000 years is accurate. Most bonsai people place the date later but the dwarfing of treees in pots goes back at least to the Han Dynasty and was quite common among the Literati by the time of the Song Dynasty.

 

[butlern]

leave the leaf.

Lets see some pictures!

 

[AussieBonsai]

I defoliated a month back. Also have me a chance to trim out the canopy and restyle.