Bonsai Wire-The Material

The most widely used method to train bonsai into their unique forms and shapes is by using wire.  Not only is this wire used to mold the plants and trees trunks, branches and limbs, but is also beneficial anchoring the tree roots in its container so the specimen maintains a stable foundation. 

Bonsai training wire has evolved over the years and today comes in many different thicknesses, colors and materials.  The most common material used today is aluminum.  Aluminum is easy to bend, cut, is relatively inexpensive and of course is extremely lightweight.  Another popular wire is copper.  Copper wire has some advantages over aluminum, its natural coloring is pleasing and you don't need as thick a wire to obtain the same bending force.  Both aluminum and copper wires should be coated.  On aluminum wire the coating serves two purposes, the coated color blends with the natural look of tree maintaining some semblance of aesthetics and it is also protective.  The coating keeps both aluminum and copper wire from corroding and oxidizing protecting the plant from being subjected to any metal contamination that may harm it in anyway.  It is best to use a prepared wire designed for use on bonsai for this reason.  Old coat hangers, baling wire, or copper electrical wire are not only ugly, but can rust or corrode which will harm a healthy plant, especially if its used for root anchoring.  These materials may also be more difficult to bend and a minimum of force should be used when wiring or damage will occur to the plant's limbs and branches.  Removing training wire should be done by cutting, so its best not to use a wire that can't be easily cut.  

Just like any process in bonsai, shortcuts will generally not produce results, only disasters.