Red Alder, #2318
Left Coast Bonsai, Red Alder (Alnus), $50. May 2023.
Though short, the trunk is stout and curved. Partial defoliation or large leaves, as grower noted that it responds well to reducing leaf size.
LCB cautions that Alders do not respond well to major cuts—can give up and instead give off shoots.
When pruning, leave 2” from the last branch—else it will die back through the branch. Once it dies back, it can be trimmed.
Can defoliate completely a few times each growing season.
Avoid wiring as it grows so fast in length and width that wire bite must be caught early.
Air layering is possible, roots quickly.
Likes lots of water—like birch and aspen, it is a river tree.
Next Repot
Consider elevating and exposing roots. Looked strong and I last repotted them flat.
Sep 6, 2025 Encourage Roots
Carved channel to cambium, hormone powder, applied sphagnum moss
Buried in a dam, kept moist
Check back in spring
Aug 22, 2025 Attempt to transplant root
May risk removal of a strong root, and graft it into the opposite crotch
Will research.
Red Alders are sensitive or dieback, so a risk
July 2025 not appreciating strong ugly roots
Not sure if correcting by cut back next repot or maximize exposed roots with twists.
Practice ramification, then bury and sell off.
Late May 2025 2nd Full Defoliation
Late Apr 2025 Full Defoliation
Jan 2025 Repot
Next to wire branches with movement or lateral. Identify the apex. Prune to first bud.
Dec 2024 Next to inspect roots and repot in inorganic soil
Was curious if the apex and foliage needed to center back over the base for balance. This example from “Bonsai—A Patient Art” shows asymmetry is acceptable. (Oriental Bittersweet)
