Bending Branches

If you need to make a simple downward bend in a branch, there are three reasonably easy ways to do it:
1. Tying to the trunk:
Branches too stiff to bend by wiring can often be bent by tying. You simply attach wire to the branch, bend the branch down and tie the wire to the trunk. You can use a thinner gauge of wire for tying than for wiring a bend.
Encircle the branch with a loose wire loop, protecting the wood by slipping padding (such as cloth, paper, or rubber) between the branch and the wire. Also place padding between the wire and the trunk where the wire exerts pressure against the trunk.

Make the bend gradually in order to avoid breaking the limb. Start by pulling the limb about 1/3 of the way toward its desired position. After 2 - 3 months, bend the branch a bit more, and then give it more time to adjust to that position. Repeat this process until you eventually achieve the bend you desire.

2. Tying to the container:
You can also wire branches to the plant's container to pull them downward. Loop a strand of wire under the pot and up over the soil, then tie the ends together snugly. Now run a separate loop of padded wire from each branch that you wish to bend down to the wire that goes across the pot. Pull down on the wire until the branch is in the position you want, then secure the branch wire to the pot wire. As with the previous method, it's best to do this in gradual stages so that the branch doesn't break.

3. Weighting a branch:
A third way to bend a branch down is to attach a weight to it. Fishing weights suspended from the branch by a string are traditional, but any object heavy enough to exert the desire pressure will work. Choose the weight with care - if it's too heavy, it may break the branch. Don't use this method if you bonsai plant is in a breezy location: in a wind, weighted branches can pump up and
down to the breaking point.