The style of Twin Trunk called SOKAN

Hi, would you like to grow a twin-trunk style bonsai tree? Really, really cool. Well, in this blog I will explain how to do that. The twin-trunk style is a popular arrangement of two bonsai trees. When two seeds germinate near each other they naturally graft into one joined at the base. They are two plants that grow and combine by natural grafting and combine at the base. They are very, very intriguing. There are two ways of growing a twin trunk tree and that is to plant two or more trees very closely together or start a plant that has two or more trunks together already. If there are more than two trunks then you need to remove the other trunks. You will need to make a decision as to which trunks to remove depending on the shape and the position of the trunks on the tree. Just select the pair of trunks that looks most balanced in appearance to you. Recommended Indoor Bonsai Trees

Now the easiest way to start is to purchase a twin-stemmed plant from a nursery and make it into a bonsai. But if you have two trees to work with then tie the trees tightly together at the base with raffia or grafting tape, that way they will graft together as they grow. It's best not to tie with wire because it has no flexibility and the union can be ugly. Be sure to check the union regularly during the early process to see that it is going according to plan. Make sure you use two plants that are of the same species or variety. You want the color and leaf shape to be the same. Also, make sure the two trunks are different sizes. One should be taller and thicker than the other. It will give it a more interesting look. Ok, now when thinking about the viewing the angle of this style you need to consider arranging the smaller trunk alongside the main trunk and slightly to the rear or to the front. This will give it a much better appearance.

Here are steps to create your twin trunk bonsai.

1. Remove the tree from its pot and rake away the surface soil so that the base of the trunk and roots show. Cut out excess lower shoots so a clear tree image is formed.

2. So that the desired shape shows, you need to clear away excess internal shoots and minor branches.

3. Once you prune and style, the finished tree is completed.

The best tools needed are:

Rake
Branch cutters
Scissors
Pot
Mesh
Wire cutters
Pliers
Wire
Soil
Scoop
Chopsticks

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These can be bought at bonai tree stores such as Bonsai Boy of NY Check the bonsai stores on this blog and you will find that you will have everything you need to grow a bonsai tree or purchase one that is already started and instructions on how to maintain it. Click here