Posted by Cannabis enthusiasts have recently demonstrated a notable surge in newfound interest in cannabis bonsai trees. Consequently, I have chosen to delve into this subject with a rigorous examination.
Before embarking on the tutorial, it is advisable to provide an introduction to bonsai culture. This serves to enhance our understanding of why an individual might undertake the cultivation of their marijuana bonsai tree.
Spanning over a millennium, the delicate art of cultivating miniature-sized plants originated in ancient Japan, intricately tied to their Zen Buddhism practices. However, the roots of this tradition can be traced back to ancient China.
The ultimate objective of growing a bonsai tree is to craft an authentic plant that mirrors those found in nature, distinguished only by its reduced size.
It is imperative to clarify that bonsais are not genetically altered to be smaller; any type of tree can be employed to create a bonsai. However, certain species prove more suitable for this endeavor than others.
Translated directly from Japanese, the term “bonsai” means “planted in a container,” a concept accurate to its essence. Cultivating a bonsai in a small container limits its nutrient storage capacity and root system—essential constraints in the art of bonsai cultivation.
To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to use plants with a woody trunk, preferably those with naturally smaller or reducible-size leaves.
Cultivating a healthy bonsai tree demands meticulous practices such as pruning, branch-wiring, and careful fertilizer management, rendering bonsai cultivation a time-consuming and demanding task. Yet, the inherent reward lies in the creation of a visually stunning plant.
Several critical considerations come into play when selecting seeds for a cannabis bonsai tree. Utilizing feminized seeds ensures bud production instead of pollen sacs, preserving the plant’s appearance and potency. Autoflowering seeds are also advantageous for cultivating smaller, more compact trees with a shorter growth cycle—ideal for efficient bonsai production.
The choice between sativa and indica strains depends on individual preferences and growing conditions. Indica strains, being shorter and bushier, are well-suited for bonsai cultivation, offering a relaxing, sedative effect. Sativa strains, with their taller, slimmer stature, provide an energizing, uplifting effect. Ultimately, the preference between indica and sativa hinges on individual taste and desired effects.
When nurturing a cannabis bonsai tree, adopting a Zen-like philosophy parallels the patience and effort invested. This results in a more personal and engaging relationship with the plant, creating an environment filled with peace and serenity.
Now that we have acquainted ourselves with the history and fundamental characteristics of the bonsai tradition, we can transition to the practical aspects of this discussion.
Cultivating a Cannabis Bonsai Tree: Step-by-Step Guide
To successfully nurture your cannabis bonsai, you will require several essential items:
- A young cannabis plant is potted indoors (learn how to grow it indoors here).
- An electric drill.
- Plastic-covered wire or gardening twine.
- A wooden stake (no concerns about vampires involved).
Phase One: Pot Drilling
Initiate the process by drilling multiple holes from all sides of the pot. Subsequently, thread the wire or twine through these holes to suspend the branches of your cannabis bonsai in your preferred direction.
Ensure the drilled holes are adequately wide to accommodate the wire or twine, preventing the need for subsequent widening efforts.
Phase Two: Trunk Training
In the pursuit of cultivating a cannabis plant with the appearance of a bonsai tree, a pivotal step involves securing a wooden stake adjacent to the trunk.
Utilize the stake to orient the trunk in your desired direction, imparting an uncommon and exotic aesthetic to your plant.
To mitigate the risk of potential root damage, delicately press the wooden stake into the soil alongside the plant’s trunk. Subsequently, upon achieving the desired trunk configuration, secure it in place using wire or twine, fastening it to one of the pre-drilled holes in the pot.
Exercise caution not to apply excessive force while tying the trunk, and always allocate extra space to accommodate potential trunk expansion.
Phase Three: Branch Training
The subsequent task entails securing the branches of your plant.
This process mirrors trunk training: envision the desired direction for your branches, fasten them with wire, and affix them to the pre-drilled holes in the pot.
Once again, exercise prudence by leaving sufficient leeway during wiring, promoting uninterrupted branch growth, and averting undue constriction.
For horizontally oriented branches, employ a firmer tie, while opting for a more delicate bondage if pursuing a traditional vertical style.
Phase Four: Trimming of Branches
As your canna-bonsai matures and increases in size, the necessity arises to curtail the number of branches through pruning.
This practice not only preserves the distinctive bonsai appearance but also ensures optimal airflow to the plant, averting excess humidity and mold development.
Exercise caution to exclusively prune new offshoot branches, refraining from cutting any vital ones, as such actions may significantly impede the overall growth of the plant.
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Phase Five: The Final Phase Of Harvest
Upon reaching the flowering stage of your canna-bonsai, discernible through the observation of creamy white trichomes on the buds, it becomes opportune to trim them.
Allow the freshly cut buds to dry in a well-ventilated room. Once the separation of the stem from the branch becomes facile, the curing process can commence.
To effectively cure the buds, employ an airtight glass jar. Position the buds in the jar and place it (or them) in a dark, dry space.
Ensure that the humidity within the jars does not become excessive. If it does, ventilate the jars briefly and reseal them.
Curing concludes when the buds achieve a semi-dry state, with trichomes retaining a considerable stickiness. At this juncture, you may initiate the consumption of your product.
Even in its budless state, the canna-bonsai remains a living, breathing work of art.
Maintaining the vitality of your canna-bonsai for subsequent seasons is feasible. Allow us to elucidate how you can prolong the life of your plant, ensuring it blooms for many years.
Upon determining that the bonsai is ready for harvesting, remove the top ⅓ of the plant, where the most substantial buds are located.
Trim the middle (or central) ⅓ of the plant significantly, removing any yellowing old leaves.
For the lower ⅓ of the plant, refrain from removing small buds in this section, as they play a crucial role in stimulating the regeneration process.
Following these steps, transition your canna-bonsai into a vegetative state, characterized by 18+ hours of light and a substantial nitrogen supply, to initiate the vegetative phase.
Note that the plant’s water requirements diminish during the vegetative phase compared to the flowering phase. Water it once, and repeat the process once the soil is dry.
Regeneration enhances the visual appeal of your canna-bonsai, sparing you the need to cultivate a new one after each harvest. Despite a potential decrease in bud potency with each flowering, the true essence of a canna-bonsai lies not solely in the potency of its buds but in the dedication and skill invested in its cultivation, culminating in a beautifully intricate design.
