How To Reduce Bonsai Leaf Size

One of the most important aspects of creating a beautiful bonsai is balance, balance between the size of the trunk, branches and the size of the leaves. There are many species of trees and plants which are used in bonsai even though at first glance they
may not look like they would be appropriate choices, but with leaf reduction they can be formed into great bonsai. See below to learn how to get smaller leaves.

Defoliating creates smaller leaves and tighter foliage patterns which in turn creates the illusion of greater size and scale. Defoliating should only be done every other year on deciduous varieties with the exeption of some species of vigorous growing maples which can be defoliated more often.

Some trees or plants may not respond well to being completely defoliated but can be done in stages. First check the species of your tree to make sure you can safely defoliate it. Defoliating too often can stress your plant and weaken it causing it to become suseptible to disease and general ill health.

At the right time of year, it is OK to completely defoliate Ficus, Brazilian Raintrees, Fukien Teas, and Chinese Elms just to name a few. It is not safe to completely defoliate any conifer such as Junipers so do your homework!

The proper time to defoliate is early in the growing season around mid-spring (only after new foliage has matured and only if tree is in good health). With evergreens such as the ficus, defoliate when the new growth period has begun and the plant has come out of its resting state.

Cut at the base of the leaf and leave the petiole (stem).

You should always cut the leaf just above the stem or petiole and allow the petiole to fall off naturally. Leaving the petiole will allow the plant to reabsorb any nutrients and energy back into the leaf stem where the new smaller leaves will sprout from.

As the new leaves sprout so will a few new branches, you can pick and choose which branches to keep and which to eliminate. You want to work on ramification which means that the trunk is the largest woody area, lower main branches are second largest getting smaller as you rise up the tree.

As new foliage sprouts keep this trimmed back to the first set of leaves. Keeping your bonsai trimmed correctly will result in a more even growth pattern and thicker foliage pads.

Doing this year after year (or every other year for deciduous varieties) will reduce the leaf size and create a realistic, natural look. Correct defoliation should result in the new foliage being reduced to two-thirds of its original size.