Cut long branches back to where you need the branch to fork out into smaller branches. Use grow and prune cycles to develop ramification. Healthy trees grow new shoots much better than weaker ones so feed and water well before and during pruning for ramification.

How do you ramify a bonsai tree?

Pinch new growth

In the next growing season, you will see new buds appearing. So, pinch all the new growth to promote back budding. This way, internodes will begin to shorten naturally and ramification will increase. After the development of back budding, allow the buds to grow for a full growing season.

How do you make bonsai leaves grow smaller?

Therefore, if you want smaller leaves, you must give your plants more light. Place it under direct sunlight or natural light. Your plant will naturally preserve its resources by not expanding leaf area when it is exposed to more light. Your bonsai tree will have smaller leaves that will grow in compact clusters.