Dear reader,

often the bonsai lovers prepare plants from cuttings or layering, because in this way it is quicker to obtain pre-bonsai, rather than starting from sowing; clearly, the operations that are carried out when you want to give shape to a bonsai, such as pruning or affixing the metal wire, all stress the plant a little; for this reason it is important that they are carried out only on healthy and well developed specimens, otherwise they can lead to premature death of the small shrub or tree. So it is essential that your pre-bonsai have already developed a root system worthy of the name, before you can think about changing its shape. Then, once the cuttings show that they have rooted (usually they begin to develop new foliage), repot them in single pots, with a good soil mixed with akadama; place them in partial shade, where they can enjoy a few hours of direct sunlight. After a few months, when the seedlings are healthy, disease-free, vigorous and well anchored to the ground, you can begin to conform them to your wishes. The development period can be as little as a month or two, depending on your plants and the cuttings you have prepared, and how you are caring for them. If the cuttings take root quickly, and start developing many shoots quickly, you can also start pinching the shoots after a few weeks. Unfortunately it depends a lot on the result you will get from the cuttings you have prepared.