leroycoutts wrote:

I think everyone can tell that the growth was due to the fertilisers.

Ah... then what was the question again?
Fertilizer lead to more growth and larger leaves. How about not applying fertilizer? It's just a thought, maybe you disagree.

Defoliation does NOT lead to leaf size reduction - at least, not directly. Ramification does - more leafs, smaller ones.
So, you need more ramification - and thus, you should NOT defoliate again, you should let things grow so you get more branches, secondary branches, tertiary branches...

Defoliation is only done on established trees. Your tree is still in training / being shaped and you should not have defoliated.

This is a 36 year old tree all of which have been in a bonsai pot... so I think it’s pretty established. I am trying to reshape one of the pads.

leroycoutts wrote:

This is a 36 year old tree all of which have been in a bonsai pot... so I think it’s pretty established. I am trying to reshape one of the pads.

I see. Glad to see you know what you're doing and don't need any answers. Looking forward to the development of your tree.

Do read if u get the time... u will know why I defoliated. Also every Wrightia riliogiosa owner here in Singapore has told me to do the same... I was just shocked to see a different impact.
www.singaporeplantslover.com/2015/04/gro...a-religiosa.html?m=1

Also read this if u get the chance


www.bonsaihunk.us/Wrightia.html

So yea... I think I know what I was doing per normal circumstances of this species of tree

leroycoutts wrote:

Also read this if u get the chance


www.bonsaihunk.us/Wrightia.html

i am quite familiar with these websites, thank you.

Auk wrote:

leroycoutts wrote:

Also read this if u get the chance


www.bonsaihunk.us/Wrightia.html

i am quite familiar with these websites, thank you.

You may want to have a look here though:


bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATdefoliating.htm

thanks... this was helpful for a change