Bonsai: Day 0038 - More shaping; why bleeding sap?

Bonsai: Day 0038

- Update: I've added support to the trunk using a black tie as a support brace. I also adjusted and retied down the two longer branches. I plan to let the two new limbs grow out a bit to catch up before attempting any shaping with them.

- I noticed some white sap bleeding from the leaves, I'm a bit concerned I may have stressed it in one or multiple ways. It could be from putting it near the cold window, over fertilizing (still working the ratio), maybe over-watered, or by me shaping. I will have to research this "bleeding sap" symptom and until then I'll just keep wiping it away.

Bonsai: Day 0037 - More growth!

Bonsai: Day 0037

- Update: I've noticed more new growth. Adding a small amount of superthrive solution before the weekend really helped. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking the small watering also allowed for it to have that period of transition from moist-to-dry; which I'm theorizing to be a growth stimulant.

- Watered using 6oz of superthrive solution (12oz water to 1.25ml of ST).

- I also began training the other branch down using a white tie tacked into the soil. (See images at bottom)

New Training Tie

Bonsai: Day 0032 - More Growth

Bonsai: Day 0032

- Update: I've notice some more new growth. I also think I'm noticing a small pattern (too soon to really tell), but I think this tree likes to grow stronger in the period of time when the soil is in its lightly moist stage. I am very happy to see this much progress within 32days.

- I think I will begin charting the plants "stats" next week or the week after (whenever I can buy the meter). So far I think the following variables will be recorded: MOISTURE, PH, & TEMP.

- Added 3ml of superthrive treated water at the root base to prevent drying out over the weekend too much and to help stimulate a little growth.

Bonsai: Day 0029 - New growth

Bonsai: Day 0029

- Update: I've notice some new growth. Before taking off the white tie I had a small theory; by removing it and tying back the other branch that freed itself from the black tie it would inhibit growth in the newly free branch (similar to how the other branch stretched once freed from the black tie). I think that by removing stress from one and keeping the pressure on the other would shift the plants growth energy (not really sure how to phrase that). Sort of like how electrical energy finds the path with least resistance. I can't wait to further test this theory.

- I think if I was to test this further I would start by letting the newly freed branch to grow until it's length exceeds the other. At that point I would tie it back and free the other, repeating the process and noting if I get the same result of the free branch growing faster than the restricted one. I know it sounds like common sense, but I want to attempt to validate all theories along the way. If anyone would like to comment on this matter I would definitely appreciate it, I'm a Computer Science graduate so Botany is pretty unfamiliar territory.

- A small side theory I have on the shaping is that all this one sided weight should also be stressing the roots. My theory is that this stress should inhibit some energy to be diverted to grow stronger and thicker roots to balance and support itself.

Bonsai: Day 0024 - Update

Bonsai: Day 0024

- Update: After yesterday's watering I noticed it started doing some more stretching. So today I took off the white tie and reapplied the black one to the main branch.

Bonsai: Day 0023 - Update

Bonsai: Day 0023

- Update: Added water today (about 10oz worth). I also noticed that the little guy stretched out from under the twist tie, but did find that the shape was held. So early shaping is definitely having a desired effect and it seems that the plant is still growing nicely. I'll give him another day or so to stretch before pulling the branch down again. I'm thinking when I do that I will also release the white tie, I have a feeling that one might be inhibiting growth on that limb a bit.

Bonsai: Day 0017 - Update

Bonsai: Day 0017

- Update: No additional shaping has been done. Although, someone decided to water the plant without my consent while I was out on vacation. So it never got to have the top part of the soil dry out. I hope this doesn't damage or stunt things too much :-(

Bonsai: Day 0010 - Shaping update

Bonsai: Day 0010

- A little update to the shaping with twist ties. Gave the stems a little more arc today.

Bonsai: Day 0009 - Sapling shaping

Bonsai: Day 0009

- Today I began minor shaping to limit plant height. I do know that the art of bonsai is one of patience and that it takes years to produce good results. My hypothesis is that constant small daily modifications will promote more immediate changes.

PLEASE NOTE: If you attempt this same experiment; use extreme delicacy when applying the twist ties.

- Using twist ties I made small coils/hooks at one end and a loop at the other to begin shaping the sapling. (Images show this better than I can describe)