Defoliating Flowering Apricot Bonsai | Bonsai-U

In this episode, Bjorn explains the process of defoliating Japanese Flowering Apricot, or Prunus mume, bonsai. Learn the mechanics of Partial Outer Canopy Defoliation as well as how to wire and style a raw Ume Bonsai!
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[@leoclay1]

I love how 6-8 years is a "quick process." Man, bonsai is a different kind of hobby.

[@DrSticktrick]

Would be great if you could post an update to this tree in 4-6 Weeks.

[@alessandromassimo5717]

you have now it featured in the last video of bench tour. its thriving

[@DrSticktrick]

@@alessandromassimo5717 Yes, I've seen it. Thanks.

[@mattseaters5145]

You’re a legend! Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Too often the bonsai community holds their knowledge close to their heart instead of sharing and moving the art forward. I love these videos.

[@EiseienBonsai]

I appreciate that!

[@drgonzo3871]

Simply put; I believe these are the best Bonsai videos being produced these days.

[@jasonbombardier1159]

The fact that he's just as nice to look at as the tree makes this suuuuper easy to pay attention to 🤭

[@KushSudra]

yes ma'am

[@gijose5611]

I love how passionate Mr. Fujikawa talks about his bonsai tree. He seems to be such a humble, kind, passionate guy who I'd love to spend some time with.

[@alvinsus430]

Hello Bjorn Please update this work on this tree Thank you Really appreciate all your time on videos you upload so far!!

[@mimoochodom2684]

Next to black pine, my favourite species. Hardy, quick growing and versatile.

[@keithjarvis7196]

You're a great teacher Bjorn. Some of the other top artists 'teach' by quizzing 'students' about things they don't know yet, and berate them along the way. It is exceptionally reassuring about humanity to have someone who is so skilled also be so humble, patient, and able to calmly and logically articulate the how and why of their actions. THANK YOU.

[@HansKaramottoBonsai]

So true!! 👍 Hans van Meer.

[@wildboystv3013]

@@rootpuma who is it

[@cyndifoore7743]

I love the windswept attitude of this flowering apricot. Maes me happy to look at.

[@vette63]

I'm from the tropics in Australia & I love the flowering bonsai but sadly it's hard to grow apricot & cherry in the heat. I had some success with crab apple but it is not the same. Look forward to seeing your apricot in flower.

[@thuydao8945]

You was born for the art of the Bonsai. Thank you so much for bring on the details from your heart to teach us so much more of this hobby. 😳❇️

[@dianartimus]

I would love to see this one year later to see the growth and development.

[@samsohn]

Great video, not just for bonsai, but for understanding general plant behavior and growth.

[@khoadang108]

Thank you very much. I live in Vietnam. I'm also learning about apricot trees. There really aren't as many detailed videos as you do about apricot trees. Hope you will make similar videos about apricot trees.

[@degagnemarc]

Bjorn, your videos and your instructions are such a quality, it's impeccable! Can't wait to take your online courses! Thank you so much for your sharing your knowledge!

[@sakanason]

This is a great video! Old footage and the new! POCD!

[@drmasroberts]

Thank you for the detail in your explanations.

[@thomasrollinson8630]

I appreciate the correct pronunciation of aluminium 👌🏼. Brilliant video to… I now want an apricot for my growing collection. 😵‍💫 haha

[@JurijsJutjajevs]

Cool video, thanks for sharing. Although I don’t have a bonsai yet, watching your content really makes me want to get into it 👍

[@fish_built]

now that is has been nearly a year, can we see this tree again to see how it has developed?

[@jerrefisher2184]

Thanks again Bjorn...but would have loved having Nanci in the video as well. Nice tree!

[@andyjohnson7070]

This is a brilliant video Bjorn! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this - I’ve learned loads today! 😀👍

[@meridethtexastwister]

It looks amazing

[@spudgun3014]

Thanks for this, I literally just bought one of these awesome trees and it was reassuring to see I had done the defoliating correctly. Also I would have never known about removing the wire so soon! Thanks again.

[@carloscruz6536]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and the well described information 👍👍🇵🇷

[@britaglious]

Music is dope. Good selections. Best vid yet

[@leftyaxegrinder]

Fantastic tree. Good tutorial, thanks,

[@BackSeatHump]

A really, really excellent video. I can see that your time in Japan was very went spent. I bet they miss you over there.

[@victoriaarmendariz5893]

Thank you so much...a most informative video...and I can see your love and care in the trees.

[@josiahg2]

Thank you!!! Very good to see the process of developing a tree.

[@lukasmihara]

Great video. The Ume is one of my favorite trees I think. Reminds me of good times in Japan. The flowers look great and the fruits make a great "wine", too!

[@reshikote2821]

I'd love to see an update a few years later on this one!

[@daniaranda3022]

I’ve done the same on a malus everest, I hope the same results! Thanks for all your videos Master! It was a pleasure to met you at the Kokufu this year.

[@AntonioTrujillobonsai]

Same like every time. Nice work. Please let us know a little bit more about deciduous trees design. Everybody shows off a lot of juniper and shimpaku but little bit about this topic. Best regards.

[@robertobreglia2544]

Great job Bjorn! Your videos are always very interesting! You are a great bonsai master! Thanks for sharing 👏👏👏👏🙏

[@MyTreesinthePott]

Thank you Bjorn! Since the first hour I'm watching your videos and this is my first comment. The beginning in the field of bonsai was made by a bonsai basic course. Many books deepened my knowledge but were basically too traditional for me and did not allow any alternatives in the design. Your way of designing and communicating this to the people is a great mixture between young and modern, while at the same time taking into account the tradition and its justification! Actually I only want to say that since EISEI-EN you have become my personal mentor and with these first comments I want to express my deepest respect and thanks to you! With kind regards from the "Ruhrott" (Germany)! PS(HP🙈): 👆 You make Bonsai great again! 🤗

[@zackofalltrades8118]

Great episode.

[@luukderksen8810]

Your are a solid and good dude! A ton off information, always with good explanations. Learning a lot from your vids. Thank you!

[@chloeeeezy]

Please post an update!!! I'm in love 😻

[@catherinebrown8577]

Wonderful video, as usual. Perfect timing, my prunus mume will be ready in a few days for this technique, and I've been debating the best next step. How I would love to have dinner at Minoh Saryuu and see the ume exhibition. Thanks for the opportunity to revisit that video - those trees are exquisite and that glass display area is so lovely. Thank you!

[@BardicoVagabundo]

Great explanation and work. Thanks a ton!

[@MaytoSam]

Que maravilla de trabajo, quedo espectacular, futuro prometedor.

[@DeanKellyBonsai]

Brilliant video Bjorn. I think this is the first video specific to Mume. Now all I need is for mine to put out great long new shoots like that. 😂 Thanks for sharing.

[@matyasfabok5532]

up and down, side to side, lika a roller coaster

[@bonsaisan5798]

Great video Bjorn! Thank you very much for the information!

[@EiseienBonsai]

My pleasure!

[@LordRubino]

Amazing work. Would be fantastic to see the tree later next year with blossom and possibly with fruits :)

[@volkanertem]

Very inspiring and fantastic video thanks a lot. I like to see the three when new flush of leaves comes out. Can you do a follow up to this tree in 4-6 weeks please.

[@Johnny12ga]

Outstanding man! I knew you would do something impressive with this and Im glad you got it. Love the pot too.

[@rolando10]

amazing work Bjorn!

[@cherylandrews3195]

awesome tree!

[@JaeLim1121]

Why did I read this as Deflowering Foliating... But an excellent video once I did my doubletake and slowly read the title correctly.

[@paweolszowy772]

Could you do an episode about spruce white or any other spruce species? It would be nice to know how to maintain this tree in the best shape through out whole year.

[@riccardocorona9063]

Done this week!;) good works as usual Bjorn!

[@retirementmillions6533]

Wow lessons thank you

[@questionablecooking7019]

Very Inspirational.

[@ritxiebeat7028]

Thank you very, very much for sharing all this information gained with a lot of discipline and dedication in these excellent videos !! Without a doubt, a boost in the world culture of Bonsai. Thank you!!

[@heirtothedrip]

wondering if you have any videos on azalea or maybe could do some

[@lougriffiths]

Fabulous

[@dringherden_pedrajas1750]

Thank you so much sensei, I have learned a lot from this video. The technique is also applicable in majority of our deciduous trees here in the Philippines. - Herden Pedrajas

[@lakeelsinorebonsai1203]

Thank you Bjorn! Another educational excellent video!

[@EiseienBonsai]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Marcusstratus]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@dashaananlankeshwar5179]

Beautiful 💚💚💚

[@scmah174]

Thank you Bjorn. Brilliant. I'll donate instead of purchasing quarantine booze.

[@NabilHandaruFile]

Parabens..

[@JoseORivera]

Thank you for share, good work on design

[@janvanschooten4777]

thank you for this information there is not a lot of prunus mume information

[@thomashaney2977]

I hope you post an update of how this tree looks now.

[@luuk341]

Thanks for the video Bjorn! I have a Ficus that doesnt have many branches, so I would like to try this, but I dont know when to do it

[@dethem]

i wish i could have been there during styling so could test out my design of this tree looking like a literati

[@karinpetersen8330]

Beautiful!! U r a Great Master

[@perseusserrano]

Another motivation. Thanks bro!

[@FUXILUCHSI]

Very nice video! Is it possible to see an update of 2024?

[@jeffhurst4744]

Love the tree species. Very well presented and explained. In particular the feeding and watering. Good to know how long you suggest to leave were on. I’ve learned the hard way when I first got back into bonsai about leaving it on too long. Thank you.

[@armanmirk]

Quality.

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Ume... my fave flowering tree ✨✨ Chaenomeles & Satsuki... my fave flowering shrub Pine... my fave conifer (juniper close 2nd) Momiji... my fave broadleaf deciduous (that has a hard time surviving in my climate in SoCal lol) ...too many faves 😂

[@lukasmihara]

Is it too dry for the maples, or what's the problem there?

[@treesbonsaiperfect8420]

wow beautofoll bonsai 😊❤❤❤🌳

[@regq4855]

Hi Bjorn Thank you for producing and sharing your top notch videos. I'm wondering, can you do partial defoliation on other species like plum as well as Japanese quince? They both have similar growth patterns as flowering apricot.

[@Just.bonsai]

Thank you!

[@EmptyPringlesCan73]

Can this same technique be performed on all alternate leaf pattern and or opposite leaf pattern trees??

[@aternald]

Thank you, this was amazing! I have a ume that is just a trunk at the moment and about to start building primary and secondary branches. Should I do this kind of defoliation then? can I cut back in the fall as well? (I dont care for the flowers right now). Thanks again! (btw Im in Sweden so a little less heat and a shorter season).

[@josepenalver652]

Hello Bjorn, First of all thank you for your superb videos which make us learn a lot. I watched your video on apricot trees with great interest, it is exciting, thank you. I have some apricot trees who are 15 years old and a 40 mm nebari. They are beautiful and healthy, but they have never flowered before !? Currently they have long stems that I hesitate to prune to leave wood for next year's flowering, is this a good idea? Do you have any advice for me? Thank you again and continue to treat us .... José (from south france)

[@MrFancypants82]

Would spraying the branches with water help them not crack? You've used rubber tubing in other videos to stop wire from cutting in to the branch, curious why you didn't here with the guy wire?

[@percymariano4758]

Hola no entiendo puede sub titularlo muchisimas gracias Felicitasiones por lo hermoso del bonsai

[@ashrymanferris564]

Hi very informative video. I have a small prunus mume. I tried this technique possibly a little early. But then I got some kind of bug infestation while away for a couple days. That caused the end of branches to die and interior foliage deteriorated. I think they are called mealy bugs. Anyway got them off the plant and the really strong wind took most of the remaining foliage off and for some reason I thought cutting back to a bud node would cause it to bud again and stimulate a fresh flush of growth. But now I’m stuck with a prunus with no leaves at all and short branches. The roots seems to be dying too and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to save this tree? Thanks

[@mehdibenaissa]

Thanks for this video! Would you do the same for STYRAX and CALLICARPA? I am sorry for asking about other species but they seem to react very similarly and also I cannot find anything about Styrax and/or Callicarpa....

[@chrisrigoni]

Thank You 🙏✌️

[@nevits14]

I just got my first Bonsai!

[@darde132]

Will you show coconut bonsais too?

[@dracokaiser]

Where can we get Japanese flowering apricots in the states?

[@ilisonwb3462]

That was amazing! keep Up the good work. One question: is it helpful to defoliate the trees every now and then, or are there trees that would instantly die if you defoliate?

[@weiliu3623]

I did this in mid June this year on all my four prunus mume, after watch your video. By mid July, the secondary shoots are already very long. Should this technique be repeated on the secondary shoots? Thanks.

[@paulkrasner]

Hi, Bjorn, I performed the partial defoliation on an apricot. Four weeks later, all the leaves grew back. Did I perform it too soon? What do I do now?

[@casaroccafamilyking]

Would these principles for flowering apricot also apply for flowering quince?

[@thebb0777]

can we please get an update on this tree..?!!

[@bonsaihigh]

Amazing video, I do wonder if I can do this to a peach tree?

[@pansepot1490]

Sure you can try. I am not familiar with Japanese apricot but I know European apricots and they have similar habits and requirements as peach trees. Take care because they are not healthy trees. At least cultivars in cultivation are susceptible to various fungal diseases and require two three treatments/year with copper based fungicide (usually one in the fall while/after they shed the leaves and one in February before flowering). If you have one/few plants they can escape the infection and survive with no treatment but keep an eye on them and if you notice problems ask for advice or search online. Peach trees have long leaves and I don’t know if they reduce in bonsai however they have a nice variety of orangy colors in the fall. Good luck.

[@bonsaihigh]

Pat Pezzi thanks a lot!

[@shadowlpa]

Great video as always

[@TheMonstrosity4]

Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me the site for the fertilizer pads.

[@iristio927]

Greetings from Tacoma, WA. Very informative video, as they all are. Got a question, can you apply this process to other flowering trees like crabapples? To me, the growth pattern looks similar to flowering apricots

[@ckb1137]

Do you have any advice for using true firs as bonsai? They seem to be a fairly rare subject and as such it's rather difficult to find information on how to care for and shape them. I have a yamadori noble fir which I collected in early spring (well before it came out of dormancy), the tree is doing well. I believe it has quite a lot of potential, it's taper is fantastic and it has an almost perfect shape for a clinging to rock style (since it was indeed clinging to rocks). I do not plan on working the tree for quite some time but when I do I'm uncertain where to begin. I also have a mountain hemlock specimen which is a perfect candidate for literati style (or something similar) but again finding information on how to care for the tree is quite difficult.