Bonsai Beginnings

The care of Bonsai is different than houseplants and will require different techniques to grow and create. Bonsai generally is not a houseplant. It is kept outdoors and on occasion can be brought indoors for enjoyment. These plants need proper light, moisture, temperature, humidity, nutrients, and maintenance to be successfully grown.

************************************************************************

All plants normally grow outdoors; however, some can be conditioned to survive indoors. Plants need proper light, moisture, temperature, humidity, nutrients, and maintenance to be successfully grown indoors.

**************************************************************************

October 2008 Tips

Check your plants for insect infestations. Giving each tree a few seconds everyday and you will not receive any surprises.

Stop nitrogen fertilizing! Prepare your trees for their winter sleep.

Water

Moving plants out into the full sun of summer can give your plant a severe case of sun burn. Defoliate then the new leaves will adjust to the intense light.

There isn’t a substitute for real time. Even an ‘ugly’ tree looks good after 20 years in a pot.

************************************************************************

Leaves wilted ------------------------------------------------------Too much or too little water

------------------------------------------------------------------------Too small or too large a pot

Leaves dropping off slowly --------------------------------------Too much water

Leaves drop off suddenly----------------------------------------Too dry, too cold, or gas

Bottom leaves are yellow----------------------------------------A few are to be expected

Leaves are pale or yellowish-------------------------------------Too little or too much light

------------------------------------------------------------------------Lack of nitrogen or iron

Plant thin & etiolated -----------------------------------------------Too little light

Growth stunted-----------------------------------------------------No drainage hole

-----------------------------------------------------------------------Too heavy a soil mix

Leaves have dry tips--------------------------------------------Humidity too low or soil too wet

Leaves rolling up--------------------------------------------------Cold Drafts, Insects

***************************************************************************

Crushed Red Lava Rock: A porous volcanic rock that holds water in the pores of the stone, slowly releasing it over time providing excellent drainage. Light weight, it is especially desirable for larger bonsai. It acts as an "automatic root pruner" in the soil.

Lava rock is available in half cubic foot bags.

The Savannah area is ideal for growing bonsai. The winters are cold enough for our trees to know winter but mild enough not to need excessive winter protection.

When it's so hot in August and everything is growing out of control, "Why do I grow all of these trees?"

Then November rolls around even more trees are potted!

************************************************************************

Please call before you come up, to be sure we're here and not on a call or otherwise engaged.