Cut the trunk or not?

Hi,

I have 3 erythrinas or coral trees that have grown from seed and are now 2 years old. Last year I cut the trunk of one of them and the problem was that it withered 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) and I let the others grow.

Right now the problem I have is that they are 70 cm (27.5 inches) and 50 cm (19.6 inches) tall and I would like to cut them to about 15 cm (6 inches) but I am afraid that a good part of the trunk will dry out.
What do you recommend?

Thanks,

John Lewis

from what I have read, it is not an easy tree to grow as a bonsai

Depending on what country you are in they are only just hardy. They need full sun against a wall to do well, and sheltered as well. Not good species for bonsai. Plant it in the ground and let it grow and flower. Do not attempt to keep it inside it will not survive.

Had this Juniper for about a year now. Must be at least 5 years old?Anyway the trunk is straight and I don't really want to go down the literati route - Should I cut it down and and try to get some movement out of the trunk?Any suggestions would be appreciated.Many thanks,Jason.

I would say that this juniper has passed the initial styling phase and that you need to work with what you have. Cutting the trunk now will set you back 10 years or so. Just start work om ramification as is. If you are not happy with the trunk movement, sell it to someone that is.