European Beech, #26XX
Left Coast Bonsai, Fagaceae
Fender washer found, to encourage nebari—but the strongest roots through the tap root through the washer. Need to build out new roots. Repotted on May 2, late in the season, but younger material.
Beech Bonsai both like a sunny or semi-shaded place outside with good aeration.
Beeches must be watered as soon as the soil gets dry. The must never dry out completely, but take care not to overwater them.
Larger branches can be pruned in spring before the new buds open. Large terminal buds can be removed. When the new shoots have matured they are shortened to two leaves. If trees are pruned in autumn or winter take care to keep buds on the twigs because otherwise they will dry back.
Wiring is possible but you have to remove the wire in time before it bites into the smooth bark and causes ugly scars which will be visible for decades.
Guy wires or strings are a good alternative.
Beech cuttings don't root easily and air-layering does not always work.
