BC Bonsai Society Tips

Page Index

Air Layering

Cuttings

Exhibiting

Garden

Moss

Soil

Air Layering

Tip #1 (Submitted by Phil V.) - Make a paste with rooting hormone and water to apply to the bottom of your cut.

Tip #2 (Submitted by Jim. M.) - Start training the tree while the air layering is taking place, and before you cut it off the main tree.

Cuttings

Tip #1 (Submitted by Brian B.) - Clear plastic produce containers with covers make great mini-greenhouses to keep cuttings in for the first year of growth. They come in a variety of sizes and some even with compartments. The ones used for Mangos, for example, have six compartments. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, place the soil in the container, plant the cuttings and let them grow in the container for the next year. Watch for mildew!

Exhibiting

Tip #1 (Submitted by Bob K.) - About two weeks before a show trim and thin the tree and wash the trunk with a brush. Remove some soil and top dress. Scrub un-glazed pots with water then wipe with canola or olive oil. Add moss and don't forget your companion plants.

Tip #2 - (Submitted by Tak Y.) - Thin the soil under the moss and use a chop stick to press the edfe of the moss into the soil. Do not press the centre of the moss!

Garden

Tip #1 - (Submitted by Brian W. and Bryan B.) Problems with tree roots or moles? Dig a trench and bury a 24" strip aluminum roof flashing to make a barrier. Are the roots from the neighbour's tree? Put a curve in the bottom of the flashing. The root will naturally grow down, then turn back home!

Moss

Tip #1 (Submitted by Brian W.) - Liquitex Painting knives make great moss scrappers. Available from art supply stores, they come in dozens of shapes and sizes.

Tip #2 (Submitted by Phil V.) - Moss can be grown by cutting up moss and sprinkling it over soil placed in the bottom of a tray.

Tip # 3 (Submitted by Brian W.) - Collect moss on your outings, preferably on the south side of objects to ensure it is a species that grows in the sun. Place it in trays with fine sand and akadama fines and keep it moist until you are ready to use it.

Soil

Tip #1 (Submitted by Bob K.) - July 2K7, Tak did a demonstration of trees on a rock. The soil mixture he used is:

• 3 parts peat moss

• 1 part clay

• 1 part sphagnum moss

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before adding water - just enough to keep the "muck" together without crumbling. Remaining "muck" can be frozen in a zip lock bag.

If using the "muck" as a wall, add more clay.

• 3 parts peat moss

• 2 parts clay

• 1 part sphagnum moss.

The source for the clay is Greenbarn Pottery in Surrey.

Tip #2 (Submitted by Bob K.) - At the April 3, 2K8 meeting Bob talked about soils, and gave this tip:

Boon Manakitivipart recommends this soil mix. It is used by the Puget Sound Bonsai Association as well as the Vancouver Island Bonsai Club.

• 1 part lava rock

• 1 part pumice (which is lighter and holds less water than lava)

• 1 part akadama (which will break down in about 2 years)

• 1/2 cup horticultural charcoal (per 5 gallon mix)

• 1/2 cup decomposed granite (per 5 gallon mix)

Deciduous trees use a small mix (1/16"-1/4") and add 1 part akadama.

Conifers and high mountain species (notably Japanese white pines), use a medium size mix (5/16"-3/8"). This seems very large to look at, but prevents these trees from holding too much water. This enables the grower to water at the same time as other trees without fear of waterlogging. For appearance, place a final layer of fine mix on top of the soil.

For lower elevation conifer and water loving conifers, use a small mix (1/16"-1/4").