What the clip does
The historical term describes a wire folded into a butterfly-like form to hold mesh against a bonsai pot. The mesh prevents coarse substrate from escaping while allowing water to drain. It should remain flat, stable and clear of the drainage opening.
Make a safe retainer
Use corrosion-resistant wire of suitable thickness for the pot and mesh. Avoid sharp ends that can snag roots or hands. Thread or twist the wire through the drainage holes without cracking the ceramic, then test that the mesh cannot lift when substrate is added.
Do not block drainage
The retainer should secure the screen, not fill the hole. Check drainage after planting and ensure tie-down wires do not obstruct water flow. A stable, open hole is more important than matching a specific clip design.
Archive note
The recovered article contained spam injection, which has been removed. The historical illustration’s rights remain unverified; this text explains the function without reusing the image.
This page is reconstructed from historical BlogBonsai material. Horticultural details should be interpreted for the species, season, climate and condition of the individual tree.