Creating Penjing in 7 Simple Steps

While making penjing is a detailed process that takes a lot of time, attention, and effort, this task can be simplified too. In this chapter, we’ll break down the penjing creation process into seven easy-to-follow steps.

Acquire the Supplies You Need

Before you start your design, you should make sure that you have all of the supplies you need to be successful. Those supplies will not only include the many tools that will facilitate your design but also the plants, stones, and other items you’ll include in your display.

Begin Shaping Your Tree

The intricate and sometimes wild shapes of miniature plants are one of the most important aspects of penjing. As such, you’ll need to begin shaping and training your trees right away. At times, this means pruning and trimming your plant before you have even planted it. Prior to planting, you’ll have a chance to start training the branches and roots of your tree to ensure you have complete control over how it develops from then on.

Carve Your Penjing Stones

Shaping your plants is crucial to your penjing design, and so is carving your stones. Again, stone carving is something that is best done before you place your stones into the display. Carving your stones in advance gives you greater control over their appearances and will give you a better idea of how to best use them in your display.

Cement Your Rocks in Place

Once your stones are carved, it’s best to cement them into place in your penjing design. Stones often account for the main structure of a penjing display, which is why they should not have the chance to shift over time. A quick application of cement will keep your stones steady and still while you create the rest of your design.

Plant Your Tree

Now that your stones are set, it’s time to plant your tree. As always, your plants will perform best when they can spread their roots through a healthy soil mix. Be careful when planting to ensure that you choose the best location for your main plants so that they can give off the overall visual effect you desire for your penjing.

Arrange Stones and Moss

With the main plants and stones in place, it’s time to adorn your penjing display with additional details. At this stage, you can add smaller plants and stones to embellish the main features of your design. Many penjing artists rely on mosses to add greenery and soften the look of their stones. Depending on your penjing style, you may choose to include water or small figurines as well.

Care for, Train, and Shape Your Tree

The final step toward creating penjing is an ongoing one. After you have arranged and placed all the elements of your design, it is time to care for them. Since penjing is so detailed, caring for penjing plants is a very involved process. You’ll need to continually train and shape your trees so that they continue to hold the forms you’ve made. Proper plant care also ensures that your display remains healthy and vibrant for as long as possible.