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This is an update on the progress of my Bougainvillea. In order to obtain more taper I still need to remove the two branches on the right. The new growth is progressing nicely.

What a big tree, nice bark!

Sho, time to wait for some back budding, looks like this can work out

I think it just might. It is budding back like crazy.

A cutting I took from the main trunk is also showing signs of growth. I can only hope that it is not just due to residual energy, and that it will actually grow.

those 2 lower branches should be left on for now, not only will the extra growth speed up root developement you can get 2 more trees with nice bases if you air layer them.

if you get growth off of the main trunk id personaly loose all 3 branches the trunk has some great movement and age,the branches don't, so maybe 3 airlayers

Thank you Manofthetrees. That sounds like good advice. If I remember correctly, there is some good root flare just below the soil line.

I have not seen any growth on the main trunk though, maybe in time.
Luckily I am in no hurry.

I am also struggling with my first bougie bonsai..Post pictures so I can follow your progression please.

I have had some success, and some failure, but I have learned a lot.
If you take a large cutting, I mean large, the size of my thigh, it will grow.

They have a lot of residual energy stored. The trick is to turn that growth into root development. The energy will run out, if you have a too much leave growth, it will die if the roots can not support it.

My smaller cuttings have all died in this way. South African summers (and hail storms)can be brutal. The humidity needs to be high with heat and lots of light.

But, keep it out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, if you can not keep the humidity up(not wet roots = Root rot = death).

My large main plant is currently still alive, but barely. The hail did a real number on it.


My cutting however is out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, and the hail.





If they both develop nice root-balls, I will consider this part of the journey a success.

This is my first. I dug it out. Not styled yet. But all the leaves dried and it started growing again.
Maybe I can make it upright formal or boabab style???
What do You think?
Is it worth the effort or too boring?
It had a huge horizontal branch infront and since i did not know what to do with it I chopped it and put it to root for another bonsai.


The trunk is +- 15 cm diameter, or more???

Wow, that can really look awesome one day.
For now I will not do too much. First keep it out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and let it grow out a bit.
Formal uptight can work, but it is now a natural growth pattern for a bougainvillea.
How about this?
(名媛直播 and photographs by Enrique Castano. From )