What is Kabudachi Bonsai?
Kabudachi, or clump style, bonsai are striking for their multiple trunks growing from a single root base. Think of it like a miniature forest in a pot! The trunks vary in height and thickness, with the dominant trunk positioned as the tallest and thickest. The overall shape often creates a pleasing triangular or dome effect.
The Kabudachi Advantage
This technique is popular in Japan for several reasons:
- Impressive Nebari: Kabudachi helps build a strong, fused root base (nebari) faster than working with a single tree.
- Variety: You can achieve this style with numerous species. Field Maples and Japanese Maples are popular, but experiment with thriving trees native to your area.
- Fun and Fast: It's rewarding to watch a kabudachi develop relatively quickly in just a few years.
Creating Your Kabudachi: Tips and Resources
- Seedling Selection: Start with 9-11 healthy seedlings of similar size for the best visual fusion. (Bonus tip: Using air layers from the same tree ensures genetic consistency.)
- Collection Time: In the UK, early spring is ideal for gathering. Important: Always get a landowner's permission before collecting seedlings.
- Development Phase: Plant your clump in a pond basket with well-draining soil.Allow it to grow unrestricted for at least three seasons, fertilising regularly. Focus on trimming for shape.
- Patience Pays Off: Don't rush to put your kabudachi in a bonsai pot too soon.Robust growth now builds a stronger foundation later.
Find Everything You Need at Zero Bonsai
Ready to start your own Kabudachi project? Zero Bonsai is your online destination for everything you need. We offer:
We hope we can help take your bonsai journey to the next level!
