While my wiring skills have marginally improved... i still struggle when it comes to bending.... even though i try to apply pressure on the wire itself and try not to even touch the branch when bending, i have snapped off some good branches from my young trees.... my latest victim being a small ficus....

anyways. this is just a rant... but if anyone has any better techniques on how not to break branches... would be great to read about...

Why are you wiring Ficus? Not normal, you sound as if you are wiring branches that are too brittle to be bent.

m5eaygeoff wrote: Why are you wiring Ficus? Not normal, you sound as if you are wiring branches that are too brittle to be bent.

Because ficus also needs wiring it you want to make a good bonsai?

What wire are you using? If you are using the wrong wire it is easy to break branches. En bend with your thumbs "in th curve" covering the outer curve with your finger. Go slow for larger bends. Ficus should not break when bending with gently force.

I’m using aluminium wire. I Guess just need to be more careful.

leroycoutts wrote: I’m using aluminium wire. I Guess just need to be more careful.

I think LB was talking about wire gauge.
I too wire Ficus with aluminium wire, and find the branches very flexible; I don't remember breaking one.
Usually I don't water for two days before wiring, so the branches are less brittle.

Clicio wrote:

leroycoutts wrote: I’m using aluminium wire. I Guess just need to be more careful.

I think LB was talking about wire gauge.
I too wire Ficus with aluminium wire, and find the branches very flexible; I don't remember breaking one.
Usually I don't water for two days before wiring, so the branches are less brittle.

That’s a very helpful pro-tip.