While it’s true that you could realistically use any type of wire to shape your tree, in general, bonsai enthusiasts use two types of wire when styling their trees:
- annealed copper (used normally on conifers)
- anodized aluminum (used normally on deciduous)
What wires are used for bonsai?
The anodized aluminum and annealed copper wires are the best to use for wiring Bonsai. The anodized aluminum is highly flexible and ideal to use on deciduous trees. The annealed copper is almost twice as strong and is excellent to use on thicker trunks like conifers, but can be harder to manipulate.
Why do you need wire for bonsai?
The answer is quite simple. The use of Bonsai wire is necessary to shape, style and sculpt your Bonsai tree. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons for wiring your Bonsai. It is the main way to sculpt your tree into a work of art.
Why do people use PVC wire on bonsai?
Single-core PVC coated wire is visible on Bonsai due to bright colors. Most people only use it for training their Bonsai, ones not for a display.
Why do bonsai trees need wiring?
The main purpose of wiring is to change the overall shape of the Bonsai you are growing. As a result of wiring, the shape of the trunk, branches, and new shoots will change to create the shape of the tree of your vision. In the wiring process, the trunk and the tree branches are wired upwards and outwards.
How many wires do I need to repot a bonsai tree?
What is more, when you repot your Bonsai tree, don’t forget about wiring the netting to the bottom of the pot. Also, don’t forget about putting 2-3 wires through the bottom holes (from bottom to top), and use it to fix your tree in the soil.
How to anneal copper wire?
Before using, you should anneal it to make it flexible again for wiring. The copper is annealed by heating to a temperature that softens the wire. However, you can also do it by wrapping it in a newspaper and burning it. The heat from the burning newspaper is enough to make it more flexible. Plus, you can also buy cleaned and stripped copper wire like this.
How to bend bonsai tree branches?
A good practice is always to start wrapping the wire around the main branches of your Bonsai tree. For thick branches, use a thick wire. Normally, a single wire alone can’t bend a thick trunk. For this, cover the bark with raffia paper like this (fibrous covering of raffia palm used for arts) first and then use a thick wire. Sometimes you may need a branch jack and metal rebar when bending thick branches.
Why not use Steel Wire or Plastic Coated?
You would not want to use a Ferrous wire such as steel because it is far too rigid and when it weathers it ends up rusting and this oxide will leave ugly stains on the bark as well as being toxic to the plant.
So, should you use aluminium or copper Wire?
Aluminium wire is the best to start with because it is easy to work with and apply, it also does not lose flexibility with its exposure to the elements, which is why it is used in most Bonsai wiring techniques. You may come across silver or black Aluminium wire, but both are the same.
What thickness of wire should you use?
Both copper and aluminium wire, is available in a wide range of different thicknesses, ranging from 1 to 8 mm. It is not necessary to buy all the calibers available; With 1mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm and 4mm thick wire is perfect to start with.
Bonsai Legend tip
When wiring thick branches or creating sharp bends it is traditionally recommended to first wrap the branch with raffia, which will protect the branches and avoid damaging them whilst giving the desired shape.
What kind of wire should I use for bonsai trees?
Material? There are two kinds of wire that can be used for Bonsai trees: Anodized aluminum and annealed copper. Aluminum wire is better when used for deciduous species, while the harder copper wire is best for conifers and pines. However, If you're a beginner we advise you to use the anodized aluminum wire.
What gauge wire should I use for bonsai?
However, If you're a beginner we advise you to use the anodized aluminum wire. It is easier to work with and sold in most online Bonsai shops. Wire is available in sizes from 1-8mm thick (gauges 20 to 2). There is no need to purchase every available wire gauge.
When should I apply wire?
Most tree species can be wired at any time of the year. However deciduous trees are much easier to wire in late winter due to the absence of leaves. Be attentive when wiring during the growing season as branches grow thick quite fast can result in ugly scars from the wire cutting into the bark. Check on your tree regularly and make sure to remove the wiring on time.
How to wrap wire around a tree?
Start with wrapping the wire around the trunk and proceed with one branch at a time. Be sure to wrap the wire from the base of the branch all the way to the very tip of it before moving on to the other branch. The wir e should be wrapped around the branches at a 45-degree angle to allow the tree to grow thicker while keeping its new shape.
How to train bonsai trees?
Wiring is a very important technique used to train and style Bonsai trees. By wrapping wire around the branches of a tree you can bend and reposition the branches to your liking. It takes a few months before the branches are set in their new position (s). Remove the wire once the branches have set.
How to wire a tree trunk?
Keep in mind that the wire should wrap around the trunk at least once , preferably twice so it will not move when bending the branches later on.
How thick is a wire?
There is no need to purchase every available wire gauge. We suggest starting with; 1mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4mm thick wires. When wiring thick branches we recommended wrapping them with raffia soaked in water first, to protect the branches from being damaged by the wire when shaping. Raffia is a palm fiber that's available in most garden supply centers.
Why do you need to wire Bonsai?
We wrap the branches of our Bonsai with a special wire to direct their growth in a specific direction.
How long to leave Bonsai wire on?
The wire should be left on for one complete growing season to achieve the desired effects.
How to Remove the wire?
To quickly remove the bonsai wire, cut it into small sections, cutting in each wire turn. The wire cutters’ tips must be precisely aligned to release a piece of wire with each cut.
Wiring Bonsai – General Guidelines and Tips
Wire Types to Use on Bonsai
- Normally, two types of wires are used on Bonsai – annealed copper wire and anodized aluminum wire like this.Which wire to use will depend on various trees and whether you are a beginner or an advanced keeper (copper is harder to work with).
Bonsai Wiring Techniques – Single and Double Wiring
- Wiring is crucial to get the desired shape of the trunk and primary branches. The secondary branches are thinner as compared to the primary branches. They should also be wired to get a styled look of your Bonsai tree. Two types of wiring techniques are used in Bonsai – single wiring, and double wiring.