Growing Bonsai

[phoenix78]

Looking for some advice on growing bonsai trees from seedlings. I gave DH a dwarf jade bonsai tree (about 7 years old now) 2.5 years ago as a birthday gift. When we pruned it for the first time, I put the leaves in water, they sprouted roots, we planted, and now have about 7 small bonsai seedlings that are going on 2 years old. I have them in small plastic pots that were left over from purchasing my perenials that year. Right now, they all have lots of leafs right to the base of the trunk but some are just skinny little sticks standing straight up. Only one has started to branch out. Does anyone know how to get them looking like an actual bonsai tree with branches? Does it just take time or do I need to do something to start shaping them? I was thinking that potting up might help but I just don't know. I have a beginner's book on bonsai but past the rooting phase, it doesn't give much advice about tending to young bonsai. Thanks!

[phoenix78]

bumpin

[ms.shell]

well, i am no expert, but have played w bonsai a little. And I have potted up to make larger "dwarves" that aren't really bonsai. Bonsai means "little pot," so technically you wouldn't put them in larger pots, but rather trim the roots to keep it in the smallest possible pot. I haven't grown a jade from a baby, but you may need to pinch the tip to encourage branching...
good luck!

[phoenix78]

Thanks for answering - I have ZERO experience prior to this so let me ask what is probably a dumb question. By "pinching the tip" to get branches, you mean just pinch off leaves that are along the bottom where I don't want them growing? Or do you mean the tops of the stalks? Some of my jade "stalks" if you will are about 12 inches high. But they just look like a long stalk with lots of leaves coming off the main stem but no other "branches" per se.

[ms.shell]

just saw this...
to "pinch the tip" means to remove the top portion. as i said before, i am not certain about jade plants, but many many plants grow this way...if you pinch the one stalk it will branch out, and you can keep doing this as it grows to promote a bushier plant. otherwise you just have one long tall stalk as opposed to a branching bush or tree. good luck!