Any other bonsai enthusiasts here?

I wouldn't say I'm an enthusiast, but I'm a beginner. Third year working on material with the hopes of them eventually becoming bonsai, nothing looks too great right now though.

>>2403318
beginner here as well.Going to the nursery to get some more raw stock when it's spring. Any books you recommend?

File: balete tree.jpg (115KB, 450x600px) Image search: [Google]

115KB, 450x600px

>>2403300
>strangles you

File: Banyan bonsai.jpg (137KB, 680x477px) Image search: [Google]

137KB, 680x477px

>>2403364

>>2403300
There's a lot of dwarfed Juniperus virginiana near my house. I'm going to try and make one into a bonsai.

>>2403364
balete this.

>>2403361
I don't really do bonsai books. I've read bonsai4me's website extensively and ask questions on Reddit's /r/bonsai

When looking for material, find plants with the following characteristics, ordered by importance
1. Nebari, or flared surface roots are very difficult to obtain. If you find stock with great nebari, even if it has other sub-optimal qualities, buy it.
2. Trunk caliper. Thick trunks are important, and take a long time. If you have a selection of several possible pre-bonsai, choose the one with the thickest trunk to save time.
3. Trunk taper. Taper takes years to build, requiring one to chop the trunk repeatedly. If one can forego this process, one can save a lot of time.
4. Branch placement and foliage placement. For many species, this isn't incredibly important, because using backbudding new branches can be made, but some species, such as many spruces and some pines, never grow from old wood and thus this can be important depending on the species.

bumperooni

Not an enthusiast... I want to get into this but haven't had time yet.

I collected a bunch of cool japanese maple seedlings 4 years ago. It's been really cool to watch them grow so far. Most of them look like crosses between the different trees around where I found them. It's almost time to start deciding what to do with them.

This summer I'm going to try rooting some cuttings. I've found a couple really beautiful, healthy maples in the area with great tiny leaves. I have no idea what species they are.

I started a month ago with a kit my gf bought me. It came with the seeds and stuff, so I'm going from the start. I read that one should at least wait two years before attempting to transform a tree into a bonsai, so now I'm just chillin waiting for that time to come. I will post pics of the little fellas if anyone wants to see.

>>2404551
I do. What kind of tree seeds?

File: 20170611_162148.jpg (2MB, 3264x1836px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3264x1836px

>>2404556
I don't how to rotate or if I can even do it from my cellphone, sorry.

File: 20170611_162604.jpg (2MB, 3264x1836px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3264x1836px

>>2404556
Two of them

>>2404564
Keep in mind it'll probably be 5-10 years before those seedlings are developed enough to begin working on them as bonsai, and another 5-10 before they look like a bonsai tree.

so palm bonsai are impossible, right? I'll never live the dream of having a miniature palm tree?

>>2404591
There's nothing stopping you from putting a palm in a small pot and keeping it there. It'll probably slow its growth significantly so you can keep it tiny for a long time. The growth pattern of palm trees doesn't really work with bonsai techniques though. Chop off the top and the palm just dies.

Ever since I was told (as a kid) that these were real trees, and not decorative plastic, they've fascinated me.
This year I stumbled across a post talking about growing chilis to practice bonsai growing, since they grow relatively fast and can be really pretty as a bonsai too. Right now I'm growing 5 different chili plants, hoping to make at least one of them into a bonsai.
http://www.fatalii.net/Bonsai_Chiles_Bonchi

>>2404633
What USDA hardiness zone do you live in?
Chili plants don't really emulate tree growth, so they'll provide some help learning the basics, but not much past that. I'd recommend Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum) or any species of willow (Salix) for fast-growing trees. Or you could collect something already mostly grown from woods or fields and develop it from there.

File: .jpg (7KB, 250x250px) Image search: [Google]

7KB, 250x250px

>>2404551
>>2404564
>bonsai kit
bro that's not the way to go, those are just shitty seeds from the mall. do some research and go to your local nursery and get some stock.

It's going to take years for those small seeds to grow into sizable material assuming they don't die first. Also if you want to grow by seed you are supposed to plant into the ground or a large box, not a small pot.

File: bonsai.png (319KB, 807x827px) Image search: [Google]

319KB, 807x827px

>>2403300

>>2404564
Cute. I remember when my maple seedlings had just two little leaves. They do need to go live outside next growing season in larger pots so they get tough. I had put mine in a semi-shaded area outside (only 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to simulate being under larger trees) watering them every few days if it was dry for the first year. I have no idea how to prune them yet, but I've gotten pretty good at nurturing baby trees. So far it's been a pleasant low-effort hobby.

File: 1490357893938.jpg (163KB, 720x747px) Image search: [Google]

163KB, 720x747px

>>2403419
now that it friggin cool

>>2404733
I want to create a tree with all these faults and enter it into a show.

File: 1496925262528.png (716KB, 770x640px) Image search: [Google]

716KB, 770x640px

>>2404551
Starting a bonsai from seed is the long way around. Selecting a likely prospect from the shrubs for sale at a local nursery or garden center is probably the best way for a beginner to start. More fun as well.

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R02603rkTUw
protip: this is harder than it looks

>>2404654
I wasn't hoping for much more than the basics, I've never really grown anything before, and so far peppers seem very forgiving. And I really like how they look, I got mostly ornamentals.
I'm in Europe zone 8, according to wiki. Any and all info welcome, my dad is also somewhat interested my mom told me, it would be nice to have something in common. I just have no idea how to even start, or what to look for.
All I know is I think I want something pine-y.

File: amazing-bonsai-trees-1-1-5710e7828a6d0__700.jpg (182KB, 700x882px) Image search: [Google]

182KB, 700x882px

I've always wanted to grow one of my own, but it's very daunting. The more I learn, though, the more I want to take the plunge. Plus, some of them are just gorgeous.

>>2405314
Pines are expensive and sloooow. They can take 2-3x as long as deciduous trees and require significantly more planning. If you're in the mood for a long-term project, try one of these species:
Pinus nigra (Black pine)
Pinus thunbergii (Japanese black pine)
Pinus mugo (Mugo pine)
http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Pinus.html


Trident maples grow like weeds in zone 8, very fast and very forgiving if you give them the sun they love. Really highly recommend them as a species.
http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/AcerBuergerianum.html
>>2405411
Only way to make the plunge is to start. It's pretty cheap if you buy nursery stock on sale, and free if you collect yamadori (DON'T collect this time of year, though)
You likely won't get anything that looks like what comes up when you search "bonsai" on google images for a decade or two, unless you find some truly remarkable yamadori. Just read all you can about techniques

File: on-shop[1].jpg (130KB, 480x640px) Image search: [Google]

130KB, 480x640px

>>2404591
it's possible but it won't look like a tiny palm tree

>>2403300
Yes. I spent years taking care of one in particular only to have it get aphid AIDS and die.

Fuck these finicky little shits.

>>2405992
Got any pics? What species? Aphids are easy to deal with.
For mild aphid infestation, I just spray with the jet setting on my hose. Half the time that's all you need.
Moderate, spray it with a bottle of soapy water
Extreme, use powdered DE sprinkled over the plant or dissolved in water and dripped on the plant. I've never had to use a commercial pesticide.
Chances are if aphids were enough to kill your plant, it was pretty weak to begin with.

>>2405979
Looking through that bonsai4me site right now, seems like it has some good info.

According to the hardiness map, I'm sitting right on the edge of 10a and 9b. You have any recommendations on what I should start with? I'm not a complete tard when it comes to gardening, but this seems a bit different.

File: 20170613_133531.jpg (3MB, 3264x1836px) Image search: [Google]

3MB, 3264x1836px

>>2405998
I'm not super familiar with plant care needed in warmer zones, or many of the species suitable for those areas as I have practiced bonsai in zones 4a-6b, but here are a few species that should work great:
Chinese elm (ulmus parvifolia) is a good species. Very resilient, fast-growing, and cold hardy year-round in your zone. Common and cheap.
Bald Cypress (taxodium distichum) should be plenty happy in your zone, provided you give it plenty of water. This tree is impossible to over-water, and many keep them in buckets of standing water. This might be necessary in your zone. They grow fast here, and I'd expect even faster where you are. They're very cheap as well, I got a 7-foot tree from Lowe's for $23. Interesting tree too, as a deciduous conifer.
There are some species of juniper hardy to zone 10, and most tend to make good bonsai subjects, even though they are slow growers. Whatever they are selling as far as juniper goes in garden centers nearby should be good, it's usually a good idea to google the cultivar for its bonsai characteristics before buying. Dwarf cultivars ("nana", etc.) usually fare well. Also, if you find any old, mangled junipers on your property or on the side of the road, you can get some pretty great results.
I've heard about bougainvilleas being good bonsai specimens, but I've never messed with them because it's too cold up here. Same with olive trees.
The main differences between tree care and regular gardening is the amount of sunlight needed and watering. Pot in a loose, large-grained mix that drains well and water often.
Sorry about the long post, I have no friends to talk about bonsai with so I tend to be verbose lol

>>2406033
No worries man, verbose is good, I'm trying to learn all I can.
I'll have to do some research then, and figure out what's good for my area. It does get stupidly hot here, so it's gonna make watering interesting.

>>2405995
>soapy water
>plants

That's momscience. Don't murder your plants.

>>2404568
I'm young. It's also the way my gf has to say that she wants to be with me in the long run.
>>2404730
I'll change pots eventually.
>>2404997
Thanks for the compliment.
I would really like a /bonsai/ general. I have a lot of learning to do in some years, even now.

>>2405048
Yes I'll do this too. Thanks for the advice and the video.

>>2406113
>general
>50 years to grow

Probably not going to happen dude.

>>2406107
>momscience
Hahaha guess who taught me that trick

It has worked against aphids for me in the past, though. Killing my plants? Don't be dramatic. None of the plants I have used diluted dish soap on showed any signs of stress.
>>2406113
Resist the urge to prune them at all for 4 years at the very least. Good luck, keep them outside once they harden off a bit, but don't throw them into full sun immediately, acclimate them to it over time.

>>2406117
I'll keep my fingers crossed.

>>2403300
I was going to try bonsai once. I was going to do it with some little oak saplings. I forgot about my little oak saplings and they all died because I didn't water them for six months, except for one.

The winner was moved outside into the orchard and allowed to grow into a big tree for its valiance in the face of hardship. It's currently chest height.

I admire bonsai from afar. The people who produce beautiful works are very dedicated.

>>2406117
At the very least, we'd become a very tight-knit community, quite literally growing old together, sharing stories about our wee little trees. And calling each other faggots.

File: s4U2326.jpg (2MB, 2560x1920px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 2560x1920px

>>2406117
>50 years to grow
Not true. Not mine but

>>2405048
protip: this is harder than it looks
I'm very aware of that. I was reading a book on Bonsai and my head was spinning about how fucking out of touch I was with the basics. I have many friends who also are into gardening and are knowledgeable, so I get advice from them.

File: C95Bq7G.jpg (3MB, 4000x3000px) Image search: [Google]

3MB, 4000x3000px

>>2406131
>7 months later...

File: 1477175877917.gif (462KB, 440x330px) Image search: [Google]

462KB, 440x330px

>>2405979
Cheers mate, I have a deck on the SSW side of the house (I rent the first floor), so plenty of sun, when it decides to show up.
Should that maple be ok in my zone too?

>>2406134
>mfw

>>2403300
>forced tree degeneracy
kys

>>2406204
Here's sauce:
https://imgur.com/a/lEdXg/all

Which zone were you in? Trident maple can grow in zone 4b to zone 9. You can artificially make that zone higher by popping the dormant plant into the fridge to give it more dormancy time.

>>2406204
I don't have luck with SSW with normal vegetables, but west/4 hours is thriving.
SSW full sun (screened) is doing ok, but I might need to get a cage instead of a window screen.

Best plants are definitely straight West and even better, straight South. 5 In sun, 1 out, 5 in is how I move my potted stuff.

Maples/bonsais? Full sun. Honestly you can punch those tiny stressed out trees in the neck and they'll laugh at you.

>>2406239
>>2406258
EU zone 8 according to wiki, no idea if that's the same as the usa zones.
I'm also growing peppers and a cherry tomato atm (my first time growing something), they are doing really well so far in the little plastic greenhouse I set up.

File: IMG_201706164_063822.jpg (1MB, 1500x1000px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 1500x1000px

>>2406286
Tomatoes are all doing great this year, but I'm a dumbass that started 300 more.

>>2405983
That still looks really cool. What kind of palm are those?

>>2406286
It should be the same. The trident wouldn't need the greenhouse, though.

>>2406393
Alright, I'll look into them, thanks!

File: 20170521_185950.jpg (2MB, 3264x1836px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3264x1836px

Bump

File: DSC_0380.jpg (2MB, 2992x2000px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 2992x2000px

Here is a wisteria I planted ~5 years a go from seed. This was before the first trunk cut. Next to my desert rose and ficus fig.

File: IMG_0860.jpg (2MB, 3264x2448px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3264x2448px

>>2407186
this was just after*.


Here it is about a year later with a sacrificial limb growing to thicken out the trunk.

>>2407186
Looks a bit small for the first trunk chop. Looking to make a shohin?

File: 2ba84f8958ead9aec1710215680ee449.jpg (74KB, 736x552px) Image search: [Google]

74KB, 736x552px

>>2407188
It was only growing upwards and not outwards so i chopped it, it's going great now. Trunk is going well, growing at about 1 - 2 full CM a year. I wasn't 100% certain when i did it but am happy with results.

Pic related was my inspiration, big pot and thin tree with a large base. I highly do not recommend going the route I did, I'm 25 and i planted that when I was around 18. Very long journey, if you want to go that route start now.

Wisteria is definitely my tree though, thinking of buying some other stock and practice actual shaping, rather than forming roots and growing out a trunk.

>>2407201
My next stage over the next couple of years is slowly defoliate to shrink leaves. Wisteria is an extremely versatile tree to start practicing on.

File: G093-03.jpg (370KB, 600x800px) Image search: [Google]

370KB, 600x800px

>>2407201
Yeah, seeds are almost entirely a waste of time unless you want a species that is reasonably unavailable nearby you. I recently ordered pinus bungeana seeds for this reason, completely unavailable in the nursery industry near me to my knowledge. A shame too - very cool tree.
You probably could've bought a wisteria that size for under $20, although it's probably less gratifying.
in my opinion/experience, if you're growing a trunk, just let the plant grow regardless of what it's doing. Fertilize heavily and let the green solar panels do the work. I had a trident that was incredibly tall and thin - 6.5 feet tall and just under an inch thick at the base. Popped in the ground and let be, the trunk ballooned quite quickly, and branching all along its long trunk, because it was getting abundant sunlight from all angles. I'm going to give it another two years before doing the first trunk chop, hopefully the trunk will be 4 inches in caliper at least.

>>2407214
>You probably could've bought a wisteria that size for under $20, although it's probably less gratifying.
Yeah I didn't want to at the start, now I am very keen to get practice on shaping.

It is one of the most gratifying things I have done though, I have nightmares of fucking up that tree.

File: bougainvillea-bonsai-tree-1024x768.jpg (125KB, 1024x768px) Image search: [Google]

125KB, 1024x768px

>>2407214
>I recently ordered pinus bungeana seeds for this reason

That is a nice tree, I am thinking I want my next project to either be a Bougainvillea or some sort of pine tree that grows near me.

>>2407214
Do you have any tools? What brand if so. I have some crappy old non-stainless steel ones, any decent brands?

Saged as i am
>>2407222
>>2407219

File: Lacebark_pine_of_Susong-dong.jpg (450KB, 1284x1712px) Image search: [Google]

450KB, 1284x1712px

>>2407224
I just have felco pruners and use pliers for wiring
I've been meaning to buy concave cutters as they reduce scarring but they're over $100 for a pair that isn't worthless. What tools do you have?
>>2407222
I'm fucked as far as native pines go. Almost entirely pinus strobus, with pitch pine being a rare find, and pitch pine suitable for bonsai an even rarer find.
Lacebark pine is awesome though, I'm excited to get mine started. In old age, their bark whitens. Old specimens have entirely white bark.

>>2407228
>What tools do you have?

They are brandless, cost me about $100 for a full set. I need some tools that can last me the years and not rust.

>>2405411
>tfw these trees only look good for like 1 month and look shit the rest of the year

>>2407241
There's one in the neighbor's yard, they bloom for 3 days per year.

Absolutely ridiculous.

File: john_naka_1261.png (152KB, 300x393px) Image search: [Google]

152KB, 300x393px

I have this pdf and I can upload it if someone gives me a site. It's not available publicly online and it also seems to be out of out print.

haven't read it myself but heard its quintessential

>>2407250
I would kill for that book. I've looked all over the place for a pdf. Could you upload to mediafire or something? I don't know filesharing sites.

>>2407258
Seconding this, you'd be doing God's work anon.

>>2407250
>>2407258
>https://rbfi.io/dl.php?key=/a5PZ/BonsaiTechniquesVol.1-JohnNaka.pdf

alright see if this link works

>>2407268
ayyy you're the best my dude

>>2407268
You're awesome, thank you.

File: IMG_20170611_122222.jpg (4MB, 3036x4048px) Image search: [Google]

4MB, 3036x4048px

My bougainvillea.

First year in a bonsai pot, from regular old shitty nursery stock. Letting it go crazy and then I'll prune back later this summer. I have plenty of warm days to work with tropicals here in Southeast Texas

Hey plant thread host, can we get a new one? What a dull day.

>>2407984
Lovin them colors man.

>>2407984
Thornless variety?

>>2407984
What else do ya got? Looks like you have a collection.

>>2408028
Thanks. I put a filter on it to make them pop but it's still gorgeous.
>>2408093
No it still has thorns just not a ton.
>>2408101
I've been doing this for right at a year.
Killed plenty but I've managed to keep a few alive.

Right now I've got
>The bougie
>A tiger bark ficus and a bunch of cuttings from it
>Three Japanese maples, one cutting and one that I'm attempting to air layer
>A jaboticaba
>A wax leaf privet
>Two feijoa (pineapple guava)
>Three mystery elms that popped up in an empty pot after some animal brought them into my patio
>A yaupon Holly
>Two crepe myrtle experiments to try and get them to fuse together

Trying to post a panoramic but the file size is too large...

I've been busy.

>>2408127
Should I wait for J maple seeds to fall off before collecting and drying?
I haven't had luck with my fresh seeds. I have access to thousands and want to sell saplings. I just dumped a pot and got a dried one in there, so I still have to ask these questions.

Are the seeds ready before they fall off?

>>2408127
https://i.imgur.com/BfiSNgm_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=high

>>2408130
No idea. Mine are from a local nursery that sells cuttings in a 4" pot for like $5

File: 5heenLK.jpg (1MB, 4160x2340px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 4160x2340px

>you will never live in Japan and buy different varieties of bonsai stock off a roadside truck

why live

>>2408263
As much as I despise my state, California has a pretty excellent Bonsai Foundation, that directly supports local clubs with grant money, events, etc. Just found out we have one such club right here in my town, so I'm gonna have to take a look at their next meeting.

There's also an old guy who sells Bonsai once a month at just such a roadside truck. No idea if it's good stuff or not, but he's always very happy, if that helps.

>>2403422
Underrated

>>2408741
Aren't bonsai clubs just full of middle aged to elderly men? I'd feel out of place desu.

>>2408765
But imagine what you can achieve if you start young!

>>2403364
>Dumaguete
>/an/ poster near me

>>2408845
>50 years to germination
>why are there old people here

Come on guys.

>>2408866
>50 years to germination
what?

>>2408868
I mean that's close right?

>>2408898
Germination is when a seed sprouts.
The longest period of stratification required for any seed I know of is around 3 years with juniper seeds. Most temperate seeds require stratification of 1-3 months to germinate, with tropical seeds requiring no such procedure. Nothing I'm aware of takes close to 50 years.

If you mean 50 years FROM germination, for some truly high-class trees, sure. Pines especially can take an extremely long time, and a large, world-class pine can certainly take 50 years. Definitely not the rule though, quality shohin can be cultivated from stock material in a few years, or from seed in somewhat over a decade. From good stock and with experience, one can take base material and make it into something resembling bonsai in a month or two. The /r/bonsai nursery stock contest takes place over 7 months and stock is required to be under $50, and they have gotten some pretty amazing results. Bonsai isn't only an old man's game.

File: weeping-willow-bonsai-tree.jpg (1MB, 2471x2331px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2471x2331px

>>2408765
That's the best kind of club to join! Those types of clubs always love having younger folks showing an interest, and they're likely to veritably shower you with information, guidance and support.

I joined a beekeeping group here a while back, and it was six guys in their 60's. Their eyes lit up like neon signs when they saw someone my age actually giving a shit, and they moved heaven and earth to make me feel welcome. I have no doubt that a bonsai club would do the same, as long as you made the effort to take it seriously.

>>2408937
>beekeeping
I've always wanted to do that, along with fish keeping. I know a cafe that has impressive bonsai and aquariums as its main attraction, an old Asian guy runs the store and also does beekeeping on the side. That would be a cool job.

Whats a good beginner level species of tree which you could use for a south facing windowcill in the east of england. Really want to give bonsai a go but find it very intimidating.

>>2409215
Best bet is to find your temperance zone and look up native plants and go from there.

File: IMG_20170616_195532930.jpg (491KB, 1248x1664px) Image search: [Google]

491KB, 1248x1664px

>>2405042

>entering a meme tree

already done m8

File: C7S0ouqVAAANACj.jpg (39KB, 639x424px) Image search: [Google]

39KB, 639x424px

>>2409225

>>2409225
REEEEEE GIVE ME THAT BOOK

>>2409215
Bonsai can survive indoors but thrive outside. You got any space outside or do you live in an apartment?

>>2409278
Live in an apartment sadly for now and the forseeable future

>>2409288
Ficus can take a beating and grow fast. Jades can do alright as well.

File: bonsai-supplies.jpg (21KB, 284x276px) Image search: [Google]

21KB, 284x276px

Looking to get a bonsai to replace one of my friends, any advice for a beginner?

>>2409297
>>2409288

Tropicals are most likely your best bet. Anything that you don't need to overwinter is the only thing you can realistically do; things that require a dormancy period can not be done indoors. (without more fuckery than it's worth)

>>2409297
Jade sounds like it could be a really good choice for my apartment. Thank you for the recommendation.

>>2409297
On second thought though, given how begginer friendly, hardy and yet extremely aesthetic I think Fiscus is no doubt my best choice of introduction. Thank you.

>>2409306
Jade grows incredibly slowly. They're very low maintenance, but inside you'll be waiting more than half a decade to get appreciable growth. I'd recommend chinese elm or ficus.

Really you can't do a whole lot with bonsai indoors. You could get a grow light to supplement, but even under those conditions growth will be slow. A south-facing balcony would work, but indoor bonsai is really too slow to make any progress on a realistic timeline.

>>2409301
someone please help me

>>2409301
Considering that most of us aren't middle aged men with 20+ trees, I think we all are beginners as well. Take a look at your nearest bonsai nursery and read up on basic watering, repotting, pruning ect. Get yourself a hardy tree like a Juniper or Ficus and get started.

File: zonemap_grande.png (186KB, 575x360px) Image search: [Google]

186KB, 575x360px

>>2409321
Buy nursery stock instead of fucking with seeds. Buy stuff with these qualities:
>>2403502
Buy something native or hardy in your region and keep it outside.
If it's too small to do bonsai on when you buy it, plant it in the ground for a few seasons.
What USDA hardiness zone do you live in?
>>2409324
I really wouldn't recommend juniper for beginners - they grow really slowly, take a decent amount of skill to make good bonsai of, and have a few specific requirements. I'm speaking from my (limited) experience here. They're the archetypal bonsai species because their cuttings are rooted en masse in China and sold as "bonsai". You can be much meaner to a native deciduous tree than to a juniper.

>>2409324
Youre not very helpful, fuck off

What about fertilisers?

>>2409330
Matters less than you think.
http://walter-pall-bonsai.blogspot.com/2010/06/feeding-substrate-and-watering-english.html
>With modern substrates and aggressive watering, feeding is no secret anymore. ANY fertilizer that is offered for ordinary plants can be used, whether organic or chemical. Fertilizers should have LOTS of nitrogen. Only with nitrogen plants can grow.
>I use mainly liquid fertilizer that I get from our cheapest general discount market. In America it would be Walmart. Use general fertilizer that is noted as being good for all plants. In addition I buy a few dozen boxes of granular fertilizers which contain chemical and some organic ingredients. Two times a year, in the beginning of May and in the end of August, I throw a handful of dried chicken manure at the trees. I buy this in large bags, which is very inexpensive. That's it. For ALL of my trees including the world famous ones I use the same fertilizer.

Following Walter Pall's method, I use 4x the recommended concentration of Miracle Gro. The large-granuled substrate you keep bonsai in holds far less water and nutrients compared to the ground or potting soil, so fertilizing with more concentrated fertilizer is fine. My plants love it.

>>2404564
>starting your seedlings out in pots

they will never be bonsai

>>2409333
Ahh thanks for the info, I was already using some cheap stuff from my local supermarket that I use for my other plants. Do you know if it's possible to over fertilise?

File: IMG_20170616_221843996.jpg (483KB, 936x1248px) Image search: [Google]

483KB, 936x1248px

>>2409340

In most cases, yes.

You could theoretically get away with it if you followed the procedures outlined in this book but that's an adventure unto itself. I haven't been down that road for Bonsai but the process could give you long internodes as well.

>>2409347

Yes it is possible to over-fertilize. It's best to stick to a set schedule. Unfortunately this is a topic which is very polarizing for bonsai artists and nobody has the set answer. From what I've heard, the important part is that you fertilize. Not fertilizing and over-fertilizing is bad. You run a fairly low risk if you fertilize too little, but you won't get appreciable growth and your trees will not develop as fast. Fertilize too much and you harm the tree's health and potentially kill it.

If you're starting, read up and pick something and stick with it for a while. Just remember to stick to a schedule. There are, however, certain times which you should NOT fertilize unless you want xbox hueg internodes, which includes usually after stressing the tree (repotting, heavy pruning, wiring, etc.)

>>2409356
That'd take so long, surely planting into the ground would be more efficient.

Also you got anymore books to share with us my dude? I'm looking for some more bonsai reading.

File: a.palmatum'bigschmoney'.jpg (2MB, 3264x1836px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3264x1836px

>>2409347
It is. When the salt content of the fertilizer solution exceeds the salt content of the plant, it will suck water out of the plant, possibly killing it. As long as significant salt deposits don't form in the soil, you don't have a ton to worry about. I could probably get away with 10x the recommended concentration of Miracle Gro if I watered every day, but you get diminishing returns and there is some increased risk, especially if repotting less than yearly or bi-yearly.
>Too much salt in the substrate is almost impossible if one waters aggressively every day. Even azaleas don't mind my treatment. They thrive very well with very hard water, ordinary baked loam and peat as the substrate and aggressive feeding like all the rest of the trees.
The trick is to use substrate that drains water very effectively, so that you can water every day without issue. This allows very strong fertilization.
If you're in the US, get Napa Oil-dri (Part #8822). In Europe, there are some brands of cat litter to use.
http://bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Soils.html
Pic is what Napa Oil-dri looks like.

>>2409366
Why does my shit always post sideways jesus

File: IMG_20170616_222921131.jpg (399KB, 936x1248px) Image search: [Google]

399KB, 936x1248px

>>2409365

AIR PRUNING NIGGA

and no; not for bonsai. I have some notes from a class I'm in with peter tea and I might dump them sometime next week if this thread's still up (it's fucking /an/ of course it will be). I also have some plans for the benches I made if people want those

File: 71200612.jpg (130KB, 1000x1000px) Image search: [Google]

130KB, 1000x1000px

>>2409371
>AIR PRUNING NIGGA
getchu one

some small worm things were killing my yet-to-be maple bonsai and I had to kill them all. Didn't realise until my leaves had been eaten. Anyone else have this before?

File: 1472001414564.jpg (924KB, 2304x1296px) Image search: [Google]

924KB, 2304x1296px

Forgot I have an extremely rare pepe that someone made after I posted some pictures of the 2016 mid america bonsai show last year

I have a bunch of cherries, what do?

>>2409443
I think you know what you have to do anon.

File: IMG_20170612_104959.jpg (4MB, 4048x3036px) Image search: [Google]

4MB, 4048x3036px

Bumping with ficus cuttings

File: IMG_20170617_111121693.jpg (973KB, 1664x1248px) Image search: [Google]

973KB, 1664x1248px

Some update on the black pine that I decandled a couple weeks ago

So are all (or most) bonsai grown in a big pot until they've reached a bonsai-size, and are then transferred to a smaller pot? Or are they grown bigger than bonsai, and then cut back and transferred? Or something else entirely?

>>2409773

Generally they are grown in larger growth containers until they get to the size you want the trunk to be, then they are transferred to a smaller pot after that. There are exceptions to this rule.

And then you can also have collected material to work with, which is an adventure in its own right.

File: 2013-08-17-16.33.00.jpg (4MB, 3264x2448px) Image search: [Google]

4MB, 3264x2448px

>>2409843
For the record, collected material is much more fun if you have access to it.

>>2406349
coconut palm trees, very young ones still in the seedling stage

>>2409846
I'm pretty sure I'd need a permit to even gather dead firewood, let alone a live tree. Thanks for the reply!
I'm seriously considering giving it a go, what should I look out for when I go buy a tree from a nursery? Someone recommended me trident maple or willow earlier in the thread. Juniper seems cool too, but I'll stay away from pine for now.

>>2409859

Prioritize:

1. The trunk. It should be thick, have a shape you like, be thicker at the bottom and taper thinner to the top. Dig down to see where the larger roots begin to flare; often times the nursery stock is buried more than it should be.

2. Primary branch placement/thickness. With deciduous trees, this is less important but still a concern. With conifers it tends to be more important because it's harder to get new branches.

3. Health of the tree. If it's discolored or looks sickly, you don't want that as you'll be nursing it to health before you can do any real work with it.

Note that I didn't say anything about foliage shape/size. Chances are that in the first year and a half, most of the foliage you'll have to cut off anyway. That's the last thing you build in the bonsai anyway; you start at the trunk and then develop main branches, then ramify your foliage. Don't skip the first two steps.

File: 20170617_183527.jpg (2MB, 3264x1836px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3264x1836px

New juniper. Parson's juniper. I think I did good, 3 gallon pot size, 3.5inch trunk caliper for $45. It has good taper and trunk movement but that's hard to show with my shitty Android camera. Will prune it some tomorrow.

File: IMG_20170617_192254.jpg (3MB, 2592x1944px) Image search: [Google]

3MB, 2592x1944px

Just came home from work and had this present waiting on me.

It's a lavender Star. Never heard of it before but looks like it's going to be a fun little tree.

>>2410148
Get some wire on that baby and you at good to go.

>>2410155
Yeah, haven't had time to examine it much and figure out what should be done.

File: IMG_20170618_133630796.jpg (1MB, 1664x1248px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 1664x1248px

I now have room to expand.

I wish my neighbors didn't have such an annoying dog desu. Mammals are fucking annoying, plants master race.

File: Capture.png (104KB, 1274x796px) Image search: [Google]

104KB, 1274x796px

>>2411016

How to build this: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0IPQOpqFTrBcVVPaWZrYlZOSnc

>>2404564
Essentially this.
>>2409340

It's called "Misho" growing bonsai from seed. This Wisteria is ~10 years old, and is about another 10 years before any actual bonsai shaping happens.

Bonsai is the style, it's not simply a small tree. Going by seed will be a lifetime, literally, before you can practice bonsai. Something I didn't know before I planted that tree.

>>2411165
>This Wisteria is ~10 years old, and is about another 10 years before any actual bonsai shaping happens.
>>2407187

>>2409843
Trunk size is not related to pot size. Trunk size is related to canopy at what I am pretty sure (been a while since I checked) a 1:.1 ratio. Meaning if you have 1m of canopy, you will grow 1cm of trunk.

Larger pots are there for creating the roots for the plants. Larger pots allow more root growth before you have to prune back the roots to stop the pot becoming root bound.

In short, smaller pots with an older tree will grow slower as it is root bound more often and requires root pruning almost yearly. Young trees in bigger pots and grow both roots and canopy to create a larger trunk.

It really depends on what you want to do.

>>2411034
Why the second bench in in the back row? Seems pointless for the plants. Is it just for supplies?

>>2410148
Apparently these flowers close up at night/after a day or so.

Pretty neat.


Still figuring out how best to style it. Will take some better pictures against a backdrop tonight.

File: IMG_20170617_234559.jpg (2MB, 3036x4048px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3036x4048px

>>2411244
Forgot the picture. Derp

>>2411241

No; it's for plants. But most of the time not.

For example, if you want to keep a plant in more extreme shade to either protect it, slow it down from growth, or ease it in to being outside if you are just bringing it outside for the first time this season.

>>2411217

I think we're saying the same thing, only you articulated it better. Trunk size is related to essentially how tall your apex is. The more you let your apex grow, and, to a smaller extent, the more you let your branches grow, the thicker the trunk.

For strictly tree propagation, outside of bonsai, you'd be looking at increasing the size of the pot it's in to accommodate root growth. You do this to keep the roots from becoming rootbound and circling in the pot, which can potentially lead to roots strangling each other when they grow and harming the growth potential for the tree. That's why it's important to do your trunk development with ample feeder roots in an appropriately sized pot; you want to make sure that there's room for the tree to grow in the pot to support the new growth you're seeking above the soil line.

>>2411352
Right. That makes sense.

>>2408263
I found a stand like that in Boulder City Nevada at a small arts festival

File: s.jpg (986KB, 2304x2775px) Image search: [Google]

986KB, 2304x2775px

My serissa. Wanna get an elephant tree next and maybe a Chinese elm.

>>2412030
Cute!

File: sb.jpg (511KB, 2310x2304px) Image search: [Google]

511KB, 2310x2304px

>>2412039
Even cuter in bloom

>>2412030
whats all that green stuff? moss?

>>2412051
Yep it's moss.

>>2403300
How do you even enjoy bonsai, lol. It's like you do it once and then die...

>>2412855
Buy all the plants and then you always have something to work on

File: ronin-00-1.jpg (171KB, 1250x847px) Image search: [Google]

171KB, 1250x847px

>>2412945
Plants? I don't get it, why everyone are posting them. Picrelated is how you do proper bonsai.

File: 084.png (298KB, 600x512px) Image search: [Google]

298KB, 600x512px

>>2413168

File: Seppuku.jpg (56KB, 865x600px) Image search: [Google]

56KB, 865x600px

>>2413250

File: IMG_20170619_133744~3.jpg (2MB, 3036x4048px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 3036x4048px

My crepe myrtle fusion project started flowering the other day. I guess they're doing alright then, lol.

You guys might have just got me into bonsai.

How much does it cost to get into / maintain for a single plant?

>>2413821
Apparently you just go find one, put it into a tiny ass pot, chop it to shit, expose it to hurricane force vibrations with rough handling, put restrictive wires on it that cut into it's arms and wait.

Exactly what I'd expect from Asians really.

>>2413837
Or you can buy a ready made bonsai. Don't have to do any of that drug only water it every other day/daily and sometimes fertilize.

>>2413821
It's a cheap hobby. You either buy a ready made tree, go full yamadori and collect trees yourself or buy some stock and style it (best option for beginner). see >>2405048

File: 12.jpg (687KB, 1462x834px) Image search: [Google]

687KB, 1462x834px

Hey guys, first time poster here, I need some advice.
Two days ago I was doing yard work which involved completely removing a twenty year old English ivy that grew ugly and unchecked. It turns out it formed some really nice trunks so having choice between discarding them right away and trying to do something interesting with them I pulled them from the ground as carefully as possible given the conditions (it grew in mostly sand and brick rubble somehow) and planted them in pots for now.
Due to the pruning 100% of the leaves are gone and roots had to be reduced significantly during harvesting. I planted them in much richer soil, on the second day fertilized with something that should encourage rooting and left it in a half shade under a large tree.
I don't expect much, wouldn't be surprised if they all died but from what I observed over the years English ivy is extremely resilient and grows like a weed essentially.
In about how long you think I should expect to see signs if they'll make it or not?
picture very related

File: 345.jpg (602KB, 1116x872px) Image search: [Google]

602KB, 1116x872px

>>2413983
the middle one is ~20 years old

>>2413983
Taper on the one to the left is really nice.
Water should be your main concern with them. Water multiple times a day and keep it very wet. It's very difficult to over-water now due to the damaged and few feeder roots.
They would be fine if they were taken during the right time of year, but since they were not they have far less chance of making it. I'd give it about two weeks to show any signs, you'll be able to see old buds pop out of the bark to make new leaves.
To see if it is dead, you can take a fingernail and scratch the bark to get to the cambium layer. If it's green, it's alive. If there is no green cambium layer, it's dead. Keep watering very frequently until they pop out new leaves or are dead.

>>2413994
well I watered them sopping wet on right after planting and lightly yesterday
I'm very anxious about over watering because for one I had no proper tools to protect cut roots against rotting and secondly thus far they grew in barren, almost arid ground
the soil in pots is regular flower soil I had on hand and I put some nice gravel in for drainage
I suppose I'll be keeping them moist and we'll see where it goes

>>2413892
Like a third of my plants are literally just pieces I've stolen from other plants in the neighborhood.

>>2413821
It'll take more than one plant to learn to style and develop them. Your best option is to buy pre-made if you want just one bonsai.
You can get a damn nice one for $200ish.
If you actually get into it, you won't want just one plant though.

>>2413994
I did some reading and recommended watering for ivy is very wet once and from there only once it's dried a little.
I suppose in these unusual circumstances I could keep the moisture higher than that, but not much more or I'll rot them

>>2414023
Same, I take anything I see. Peony seeds, jade, wildflowers, mirabilis seeds. I rob supermarkets of vegetable seeds too, if the vegetables came from a sensible country that banned gmos.

>>2414124
It's a different story when it's newly dug up when out of dormancy.
Root rot doesn't onset from short periods of wetness, it comes from long-term overwatering. In its current state, the few feeder roots left struggle to get the water needed to replace transpired water. Since there are no leaves left, transpiration will be minimized, but the plant is very limited in its ability to uptake water in its current state.

how should I shape an oak sapling?
I had like 70 20-40cm tall oaks from a nursery I'll be planting on my property and I have one that came all mangled but to my surprise survived, albeit much smaller. It's still thin with a little tuft of leaves at the top and I'm wondering how I should bend the trunk to make it look appealing now but also look good in some years, should it survive

I prefer hentai

File: IMG_20170619_140142~3.jpg (3MB, 3036x4048px) Image search: [Google]

3MB, 3036x4048px

Another bump.

Yaupon Holly from nursery stock. Only like 6 months in training.

Its a turd but it's my turd.

File: IMG_4022.jpg (130KB, 768x1024px) Image search: [Google]

130KB, 768x1024px

Have you ever been accosted by some vegan or naturalist nutjob who thought you were "torturing the trees" or it is "plant cruelty"?

>>2414276
I say it to myself when I make the soil

>>2414154

Post some pics

But if it is alive, then it is alive and kicking

In a town near me they planted a bunch of birches (I think) upside down. Like it was fullgrown trees and they moved them and planted them upside down

One of the root-canopies now has a tree groing up from it, looks fucking rad.

What I am saying is that trees are sturdy as fuck

>>2403422
Witty

>>2414288
tomorrow, it's the middle of the night here
I also have a really nice walnut sapling I have no idea how to train
I will be repotting it into a smaller pot tomorrow so I might have a chance to take a photo of the tap root on this thing.
I believe I will have to put a copper ring on it or do something to stop the taproot and encourage thickening of the trunk through side roots, any tips on that would be appreciated

>>2414288
I want to see a pic of that, sounds so cool

>>2414305
>repotting it into a smaller pot

The shit bonsai growers say.

>>2414326
it's overpotted mang, the root won't establish properly and my nebari gains will suffer

>>2414328
wat

>>2407268
Thanks broman

>>2414329
if you put your tree in a pot larger than your root needs the growth will go into the roots not into the trunk, you have to balance that, at least as far as I know

>>2414305
What?

Just cut the fucking taproot off???

>>2414335
Uhhhhhhh...I guess to a certain extent that's right.

But if you have more roots you get more nutrients which means more growth which means bigger trunk.

Unless you already have flat radial roots designed for a bonsai pot let the thing grow mang

File: IMG_20170619_140233~3.jpg (653KB, 1893x2360px) Image search: [Google]

653KB, 1893x2360px

Nother bump.

My jaboticaba.

Trying to air prune. Hopefully when I get moved into our house I can drop it in the ground and let it grow. Or just keep this air pruning thing going if it works...

>>2414355
>>2414357
maybe once the other roots are established properly, I suppose it would make sense if I already had a photo for reference. Long story short this walnut sapling is essentially shaped like a carrot with taper on both ends and it has no other roots that the giant fucking taproot, so I have to let it grow side roots in order to establish radial root BUT in order to do that, if I ever want to plant it in a flat pot, I have to gradually limit the amount of nutrients it would get from the tap root so it grows side roots and once they are established, snip the tap.
I reckon I can put a ring on it since I found online an article that details a technique involving growing a tree through a small plate with a hole in the middle for the main root, so roots above the plate are forced to grow flat, radially, thicken trunk and make the tap root ready for cutting

>>2414373
Don't use a ring. Use a tile or at least a washer. You need a flat surface to encourage the roots that cone out of the ground layer to spread out and go radial.

Get on Facebook and join bonsai talk or bonsai America.

Micheal Ryan Bell has a badass crepe myrtle that he did with a similar technique, putting the cuttings into a tile and then letting them fuse.

I'm trying to emulate his with my own little project but didn't follow his directions to the tee so it'll probably take forever for mine to fuse

>>2414395
Meant to reference this picture
>>2409740

>>2414395
well metal other than copper is probably ill advised since it would rust
I was thinking of using a cut for size CD or a thick plastic cap from a large jug, the root has like 2-3 cm across in the thickest place and I don't have tools to make a hole like that in a ceramic tile

>>2414415
If you know someone who owns a drill a masonry bit is only a few dollars

>>2414395
And I've just been told by a local guy that the whole double potting thing is pretty much pointless with a ficus because of how fast they grow and how much torture the roots can take.

Live and learn.

>>2414276
That would be a retarded argument. Bonsai are potentially immortal. Small trees will never collapse under own weight and they are under constant supervision. There are bonsai that are centuries old and still growing.

>>2404564
where are you from m8

File: japanese larch.jpg (657KB, 2000x1306px) Image search: [Google]

657KB, 2000x1306px

I'm fairly new, but have have about 15 trees at this point

pic related is a japanese larch I got around 2 months ago for $30. Left is right after I got it, right is after styling and growing for 2 months. The white arrow is pointing to the old trunk chop, it grew a new apex pretty quickly.

When I bought it, the weird nursery dude said how beautiful the foliage was, and asked if I was gonna bonsai it. I said yeah and he said "poor tree, its gonna be all hacked up..."

fuck you dude.

File: monterey cypress.jpg (588KB, 1500x2000px) Image search: [Google]

588KB, 1500x2000px

>>2414976
pic is monterey cypress I dug up from my gf's backyard, its struggling. I put it in the soil it was growing in because I was told to do that for yamadori, but I dont know if it is rich eneough. Been watering with rooting hormone and spraying the leaves with water everyday.

not sure if I should fertilize, I killed a dawn redwood fertilizing it too soon after messing with roots

File: 8ca2d229e5478b8ae850e991043f741e.jpg (98KB, 500x848px) Image search: [Google]

98KB, 500x848px

>>2414982
>I put it in the soil it was growing in because I was told to do that for yamadori
Depends on the tree. Some trees depend on mycorrhizae, so you want to keep some of the old soil to transfer the bacteria colony. Keeping potted in dirt will kill it over long periods of time. Why did you dig it out of dormancy?
>>2414976
Looking good. Try wiring the branches to slope down slightly, it gives the impression of old age- branches that have held many years of snowfall, pic related. Control that apical dominance as well.

>>2414982
Ive heard not to fetilize a plant that you root prune or cut back alot. Basically anything that stresses the plant

>>2415000
>Why did you dig it out of dormancy?
they were doing yard work and it was gonna be trashed so I thought I would save it.

>Control that apical dominance as well.
yeah I will, its all very wiry so I'm gonna let them thicken a bit then wire them.

>>2415011
>Ive heard not to fetilize a plant that you root prune or cut back alot. Basically anything that stresses the plant
I'm trying not to, I just need to find the sweet spot because I'm not sure the dirt it was growing in has enough nutrients. Its small but I feel like it is very old and stunted

>>2415000
mycorrhizae are from fungi, not bacteria.

>>2414982
literary tree in the making

>>2415039
Sorry I'm literally retarded

File: cascade .jpg (1MB, 5153x1255px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 5153x1255px

I was thinking about doing pic related to relatively quickly make a cascade/semi-cascade tree.
Will it work, has anyone tried air layering big branches?

>>2415172
well if you have a donor tree available you could probably try training a couple branches (the more you do the bigger chance at least one would take) for a season or so and then air layer, instead of air layering and then training right away when the tree is essentially in shock

I dunno man, this is just what I think would work, I'll be air layering next spring this way, laburnum and ginko

>>2403300
wtf i forgot this was a nature board till i looked at the boards name again

File: 0beb.jpg (103KB, 504x640px) Image search: [Google]

103KB, 504x640px

I know absolutely nothing about Bonsai growing, but Chili Bonsais seem intriguing, anyone know much about them?

>>2415234
i would imagine you would grow a full sized chilli bush, then maybe splice it or just uproot it and put it in a pot.

>>2415234
You can't eat that shit. Bonsais get constant chemical treatments and I assume that was your goal, to eat it.

But if you enjoy liver failure, grow and eat one, just plant normal chills in a tiny pot and pour as many chemicals on as you can get and then chow down when it fruits.

They grow extremely well in small pots for some reason.

>>2415258
>Bonsais get constant chemical treatments
?

>>2415258
u wot m8

>>2415261
>I don't need to fertilize a tree that grows 200 feet tall that I'm growing in three cups of soil

???

>>2415263
Food-safe liquid fertilizers exist.
And really, you don't need to fertilize a well-established bonsai often at all. You could get away with no fert for an entire season.

>>2415278
>food safe liquid fertilizers exist

It never stops amazing me how I have to make myself look like a dumbass in order to have basic, important agricultural knowledge brought up to me.
Tell me what you know. Stop keeping secrets so we can avoid this in the future.
Is it mad science or is it concentrated organic fertilizer?

File: 30a.jpg (59KB, 600x450px) Image search: [Google]

59KB, 600x450px

>>2415258
>Constant chemical treatments

>>2415304
>image macro replies
>global rule 3

The fuck is wrong with you?

>>2415305
Ha. I've been coming to this website for god knows how long and your response has made me look at the rules for the first time.

My bad?

>>2415310
It took me five years to know we even had rules after emptying several dump trucks full of gravel into people's yards with the internet.

But really, you do have to fertilize your tiny potted trees.

>>2415315
Yeah but there's plenty of ways to fertilize and have it be food safe.

Hell you can make your own fertilizer cakes for pretty cheap.

>>2415324
I do make my own feces, rot and compost free mixes, but I don't have any tortured soul trees.

>>2414982
damn that tree isn't healthy bro. i wouldn't move it or prune it any more if I were you, just keep watering and fertilizing it, hope it lives

File: str2_keebonsai_ma_1.png (184KB, 538x337px) Image search: [Google]

184KB, 538x337px

>>2414982

>>2415288
Different person but im having trouble thinking of non food safe fert.

>>2403300
>>2415196
Should be in /out/ I think. They're the gardening board.

File: IMG_4030.png (603KB, 630x630px) Image search: [Google]

603KB, 630x630px

>>2414604
https://bonsai-ko.co.uk
Look up "bonsai cruelty" and you'll find dozens of these mouthbreathers.

>>2415593
bonsai can be an indoor hobby.

>>2415593
Then why is /plant/ on /an/?

>>2415634
But the /out/ sticky says gardening. Taking care of Bonsais is gardening right?
>>2415635
Plants can occur in nature without gardening/farming, so natural occurring plants should be here I think.

Anyway, having bonsai threads here is pretty harmless, this is a super slow board anyway.

>>2415642
remember that /out/ is an offshoot of /an/ and /k/ primarily. much of the its topics were /an/ territory before and still largely accepted here

>>2415642
>Taking care of Bonsais is gardening right?
>the activity of tending and cultivating a garden, especially as a pastime
nah

File: 6.jpg (139KB, 710x526px) Image search: [Google]

139KB, 710x526px

>>2414447
and so I got myself an adequate drill bit and made these, holes are 12mm in diameter, apart from the large one obviously which is meant for my walnut

File: 7.png (640KB, 462x752px) Image search: [Google]

640KB, 462x752px

>>2416223
oak sapling
buried it slightly deeper this time to encourage roots obove the tile

File: 8.jpg (702KB, 1469x2341px) Image search: [Google]

702KB, 1469x2341px

>>2416224
walnut, taking advantage of the unusual thickness and taper

File: 9.jpg (120KB, 536x604px) Image search: [Google]

120KB, 536x604px

>>2416225
juniper I bought from nursery two weeks ago
the branch at the bottom got so overgrown it has it's on roots now. I separated it and planted it in another pot, I wonder if it will take.

File: 10.jpg (135KB, 475x474px) Image search: [Google]

135KB, 475x474px

>>2416227
branch after separation
the whole juniper needs pruning

File: 11.png (756KB, 464x718px) Image search: [Google]

756KB, 464x718px

>>2416229
in pot
in the forgeround chesnut salvaged from landscaping
it appears like all chesnuts in the area it's sick but it's budding so it's cool

>>2416227
I've always wondered, in cases like that, pots completely filled with roots: where has the soil gone?

>>2416293
well it looks densest where it meets the pot, after I cut it away with a saw and had a chance to look at the cross section you can still see soil in there, it is still completely overgrown though
I'll take a picture of that later

>>2416296
I'm sure there is soil left, but I've seen a lot of similar stuff. I mean, I'm sure there's a lot of air space that gets filled by the roots, and some gets washed/blown away, but at the end of a year there's still a whole pot of soil that gets transformed into 80% root with some sand in between.

File: sago-palm-bonsai-tree.jpg (114KB, 600x600px) Image search: [Google]

114KB, 600x600px

>>2404591
For what it's worth, sago palm (cycad) bonsai are very possible and they give a pretty palm-like effect.

>>2416223
Is that wood? Or just goofy tiles?

>>2416380
Nvm I got you.

Yeah the tile method is supposed to work wonders if you have a tree that easily ground layers.

>>2416380
ceramic tiles

File: image.png (8KB, 384x384px) Image search: [Google]

8KB, 384x384px

>>2416340
What's the difference between a bonsai and a plant in a small pot?

>>2416583
AFAIK, bonsai are trees or tree-like shrubs, grown to resemble miniature trees.

File: 1cb3ea.jpg (64KB, 300x383px) Image search: [Google]

64KB, 300x383px

>>2416583
Size?

File: Bonsai Fall 2016-1.jpg (227KB, 1600x614px) Image search: [Google]

227KB, 1600x614px

>>2416583
Bonsai = tree in a pot.

Most people will try to grow something that's dwarf or has smaller foliage because it looks nicer, but you can train trees to grow smaller foliage through selective pruning etc.

File: IMG_20170625_212701~3.jpg (1MB, 2115x3010px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2115x3010px

Gave my ficus a hair cut last night and took a ton of cuttings.

Going for a bunjin/literati look with this now.

Maybe even put in a crazy downward bend at the top? Hell I could stand to lose the two branches on the left and right if I did that.

File: IMG_20170625_222156~2.jpg (1MB, 2593x3715px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2593x3715px

>>2416940

File: 0f4a552d02007c8106d3cb637b905965.jpg (28KB, 410x551px) Image search: [Google]

28KB, 410x551px

>>2416941
Something akin to this

File: shoujyu-en-7.jpg (410KB, 3648x2736px) Image search: [Google]

410KB, 3648x2736px

Mighty bump from fujin

>>2417760
I fucking hate deadwood
seriously why wont guys who make trees that are 85% dead just move to sculpture already?
I get it that it's old and muh manhours increase the value of the tree but I just can't find it aesthetically pleasing

File: 200K-Juniper-Bonsai1-1024x683.jpg (63KB, 1024x683px) Image search: [Google]

63KB, 1024x683px

>>2417772l

This tree was recently appraised at $200k.

Deadwood is cool, especially on a yamadori. It's a way to increase the aesthetic value of a tree and make it seem like it's more weathered/aged than it may be, or make it so the age is more apparent.

I don't know what your deal is, I came here to post trees and honestly, I'm feeling really attacked right now.

File: 1494539629401.jpg (250KB, 1205x1596px) Image search: [Google]

250KB, 1205x1596px

>>2417864
>I'm feeling attacked for the sake of dessicated wood

I know being le warrior for peace and justice is in vogue these days, but come the fuck on man.

File: cf0672ab312a7f3ef18a2b181fa33617.jpg (2MB, 2826x3185px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 2826x3185px

>>2417894
It's a joke.

The ghost of John Naka frowns upon you

>>2417772
Excessive jin/shari is a bonsai meme and won't be a thing in 10 years
screencap this

>>2418593
I wish you were right man

riddle me this
if I wanted to train a branch on a tree into pre-bonsai form now, to air layer it and pot it in few years, how should I go about it?
Would it work like normal wiring or is there a catch somewhere?
I can't find in google any references to such practice, is it simply not done or is it considered a pleb technique?

File: tired-pepe.jpg (75KB, 960x960px) Image search: [Google]

75KB, 960x960px

Torturing plants for 'aesthetics.'

>>2418615
Go away dumb frog poster.
Trees don't have feelings.

>>2418615
>"""""Torturing""""" plants for 'aesthetics.'

>>2418615
>Torturing plants

Please go count the amount of pain receptors on a tree and get back to me.

PLEASE HELP ME

I bought a Procumbens Nana, i keep it outside in partial sunlight and water it daily, yet it seems to be dying
I gave it new soil wondering if the stuff it came with was just trash and i discovered that the roots were all bundled together and not spread out. I fluffed them up, and gave it the new organic bonsai soil.
I live in CO so i can only assume it is the dry as fuck air and shit roots that were causing it to dry. The roots should hopefully be better now, and I am debating putting a bag over it to prevent evaporation with the soil despite constant watering.

What should i do to save my tree, this is my first one so it may be some beginner mistake.

File: .png (603KB, 600x492px) Image search: [Google]

603KB, 600x492px

Chinese Penjing > Japanese Bonsai

Discuss.

>>2418826
Well first of all, how are you watering your tree? You have to water it enough and very often, feel the soil to see if it needs watering.

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIt8piVt3P8

>>2419110
Top kek I have a book where it's called landscape bonsai.

File: tree.jpg (547KB, 1500x1579px) Image search: [Google]

547KB, 1500x1579px

Not looking so good.

>>2419250
nigga prune your tree. also what purpose are you trying to accomplish with those wires?

>tfw feeling uneasy because I already did everything that had or could be done with the few trees I have this season and it's already too late to get new material before the winter comes

>>2413983
>>2413985
update on these guys
two small ones on the second picture are dry as far as I can tell, so is the one on the right on the first picture
the largest one and the one with the taper retain some green bits although no new buds and such, this might be because of the cutting they undergone or some record heat we had since I dug them out
I still water them, what's there to lose ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
anyway, wilted or not, I would like to prepare for the eventuality that the upper left one, one with the nice taper wont make it and plan how to make it useful even though it's dead.

Would it be viable, turning it into nice piece of deadwood, cutting a groove or two coiling around it and letting new english ivy run through it? I think I saw online some grafting in deadwood like that. If I taped it into grooves ivy roots would eventually attach to it along the length.

Now, my question is, how do I make deadwood that won't rot in the soil?

>>2419266
>tfw have to wait until spring to get new stock
we playin the waiting game here

>>2419266
>it's already too late to get new material before the winter comes
end of summer is the best time to get material. Many sales as nurseries try to liquidate stock, lower prices because many plants don't "present" as well at the end of the season. Only downside is less selection.

>>2419774
it was more about getting material from nature
especially that it's been unusually hot around my parts this year and vegetation isn't taking it too well

although now the time to walk the forest and look for stuff to dig out in the spring comes

>>2419950
>now the time to walk the forest and look for stuff to dig out in the spring comes
legit how do I do this without looking like an autistic trespasser. is this legal?

>>2419980
depends
where I live i have my own forest property and it neighbors with legit large forest so whatever I get i can say I dug it our from my own property even though I might get it anywhere.
If you're trespassing and you're caught then you might find yourself in trouble, so don't get caught.
Also don't ruin trees and only take what you're prepared and able to take with you.

Generally there's little harm you can do by just going on a walk in the forest, depends on the country if you can get in trouble by trespassing alone

File: image.jpg (2MB, 4032x3024px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 4032x3024px

Hey i've been growing this guy for about 2 years but I still have no clue what kind of tree it is I got it pre-grown and it didn't say on the label so if any of you could tell me that would be awesome thanks!

>>2420972
it would probably help if you could get at least one leaf flat and take a picture against something that could help estimate size

>>2420984
so far it looks like something from the ficus religiosa variety, although frankly from the leaf shape it could be anything between that and ivy

File: image.jpg (2MB, 4032x3024px) Image search: [Google]

2MB, 4032x3024px

Heres the leaf on a napkin leaf is a little scorched i left it out too long recently and I had to trim a lot of leaves its recovering however

>>2419250

How do you want your branch structure, senpai?

>JUST FUCK MY SHIT UP

>>2403300
No but my dad is, has literally like 20 of them throughout the house's balcony.
Makes them himself, he's a beginner.

>>2421055
take pictures
post said pictures

>>2403300
Hmmm.... I'm interested in it. How should I start?

How big of a sin do you think it is for someone to kill your bonsai?

Roommate recently decided to do some general garden weeding and pruning. A couple days ago when I went out to water my 5 year old saplings (I grew them from seed) they were moved onto the patio which gets 14 hours of strong sunlight. One of them was missing as well. I eventually found it uprooted from the pot inside a lidded compost bin. All the leaves were dead, but the trunk still seemed fine. I replanted it and moved it and its siblings back to a shadier part of the yard. It's not looking great today, and the rest all have sunburnt dead patches on about half of their leaves. Also, when I went to water it this afternoon, it looks like she'd already been there and splashed a bucket load of water on them to overcompensate. I had to refill some of the soil because a third of it was splashed out. I don't even know if I should feel angry, sad or what. I don't think I've ever dealt with this level of horticultural incompetence before. Just ranting here so I don't rage on her later.

>>2422020
with my own plants my attitude is a part of the process and it's bound to happen eventually every now and then but hopefully not too often.
However if somebody other than me fucked up my plants I wouldn't hesitate to use violence.
I suppose it's like with children.

>>2422020
even a bonsai master will have killed dozens of trees over his lifetime, it's part of learning

>>2422020
My wife doesn't touch my shit.

But it's mostly because she's not interested in horticulture at all.

But God help her.....

File: IMG_20170702_214543~2.jpg (4MB, 4048x3036px) Image search: [Google]

4MB, 4048x3036px

>>2422148
Also we finally finished our move into the house.

Now I just have to build a bench that's picture worthy

>>2422150
that looks dandy as it is
I still don't have one and I won't even bother this season, more concerned with winter accommodations - the so called 'moderate climate' is getting quite unpredictable, 40C last week 13C now, and I just found the first laburnum seedling sprout today

do you guys think its worth starting a bonsai general? when i used to browse more frequently the threads wouldn't last longer then a day and half of the post were bugguy. will post pics of some of my prebonsai later...

File: 20170703_181347.jpg (1MB, 2560x1440px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2560x1440px

>>2422509
some dawn redwoods i recently bought, gonna seperate them next year to fix up the root systems

File: 20170703_181412.jpg (1MB, 2560x1440px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2560x1440px

>>2422530
the first nana i got to live when i was starting bonsai, still trying to figure out what i wanna do to it

File: 20170703_181516.jpg (1MB, 2560x1440px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2560x1440px

>>2422533
another juniper i bought around a year ago? not really sure

File: 20170703_181612.jpg (1MB, 2560x1440px) Image search: [Google]

1MB, 2560x1440px

>>2422536
i recently found out i live near a coastal redwood grove, so i took some cutting and im gonna try to make one of these live. if not ill take some more cutting soon

File: IMG_20170703_235507.jpg (835KB, 2034x1286px) Image search: [Google]

835KB, 2034x1286px

>>2422365
Thanks.

It's ghetto but it works.

I just went and gave them all some night time water and took some pictures of my grewia. It's been growing like crazy since father's day.

>>2408937
This is also true of the Masons.
Old men are assholes because most young men are degenerates and they just assume you're the same way, show them otherwise and they'll help you a tremendous amount.

Can you try to make a bonsai fruit-bearing trees?
I have some mandarin saplings that accidentally sprouted from some seeds I didn't clean, they've barely peeked a few leaves.

>>2423579
Yeah, you can.

They can be finicky and some won't bear fruit without certain conditions, but it's possible.

>>2423747
Alright, after I finish my exams I might try to do something with these saplings.
Even if I fuck up there's not much to lose.

File: 1479726338941.gif (501KB, 720x489px) Image search: [Google]

501KB, 720x489px

>tfw every day more laburnum seedlings sprout
>tfw found what might be a decent yamadori on the side of the road today I just gotta go there in the middle of the night and snatch it
>tfw wether normalised and all plants are doing good for once this season
>tfw no buds on the one tree you want to bud

>>2424892
where do you get your seeds? i once ordered a 200 seed pack from 5 diffferent species off ebay from china and none of the seeds sprouted

>>2424903
I was mowing my lawn around my large laburnum and noticed it still had seed pods with seeds in them, the winter was light and they never fell off. I grabbed a couple handfuls right from the branch and that's it really.
I never thought any would sprout since I read online that laburnum is usually propagated from seeds in the fall but apparently these seeds were good enough.

So are junipers the memeplant of bonsai? Seems like those are the most common and the kind people most easily kill. Personally I've even had trouble with em.

>>2425092
junipers are good
I respect the juniper

>>2425092
maybe the ficus species? Cant figure out why but Ive never liked them

>>2425715
I never had a ficus
might get one though

also any of you guys have a good source for trunk fusing tips?
I got a couple hundred ivy shoots and I thought I could make a fused ivy tree, not sure about the technique though

ok, i real recently thought about starting some sort of bonsai type deal.

no real idea where to start, other than i know i dont want to spent much money in this hobby.

so with quick research ive done i found out i could start trees by taking some cuttings and rooting them up, so i thought about doing that.
i live on a farm so we have a lot of different trees about, and so far i planned to go about cutting some small branches and trying to get some roots going in a bucket.

so uhh, any tips or tricks on growing trees from cuttings?
live in finland so i got anything from various pine trees to maple to start off with.

>>2426544
If you have any willows, cut off some branches and add them to the bucket you're trying to grow your cuttings in, they release a rooting hormone.

>>2426566
oh hey ill give that a shot.

so approximately how long does it take for roots to start showing up?

>>2426576
No idea, I just picked up the willow info from another thread.

>>2426593
oh.

well ill report back when i got something.