Bonsai winter defoliation, by Living Sculptures ZA on YouTube. 16 min 11 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 11 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check that your tree is a broadleaf evergreen such as Kei apple, olive, bladdernut, Nuxia or Buddleja, not a deciduous or conifer species.
Time the work to your local bud break. In South Africa this falls in the mild winter weeks before new growth starts.
Confirm the tree is healthy and well watered. Skip weak, recently repotted or stressed trees.
Hold a branch steady and cut each leaf at the base of the petiole with sharp scissors.
Work around the whole tree, removing every mature leaf so light reaches the inner branches.
Leave the growing tips and any very young leaves intact so the tree keeps growing.
Clear fallen leaves from the soil surface and pot rim to keep the area clean.
Place the tree in good light and water as normal. New buds should push within a few weeks.
Tips and common mistakes
Only defoliate healthy, established trees. A weak tree can die back after losing all its leaves.
Use sharp, clean scissors and cut close to the stem to avoid tearing bark.
Do not defoliate in the heat of summer or right after repotting.
Watch the new growth and thin crowded shoots once the leaves return.
Questions
Why defoliate a bonsai in winter?
Removing old leaves pushes the tree to grow a second, smaller set of leaves. This gives denser branching and finer foliage.
Can I defoliate any bonsai?
No. This technique suits broadleaf evergreens in mild climates. Deciduous trees and conifers need different timing and methods.
How long until new leaves appear?
New buds usually break within a few weeks if the tree is healthy and the weather is warm enough.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
