TPT Bonsai Thread! Show off your collection!

[orchidman]

if you can get a shallower pot it would be beneficial!

[mistergreen]

I can make one with my handy shear.

[mistergreen]

What soils are you guys using? i'm seeing fired clay or lava rocks like our aquarium substrates. How are the trees getting nutrients, aquarium water?

[orchidman]

Originally Posted by mistergreen

I can make one with my handy shear.

there ya go!

i think there is a thread about media mixes in some earlier posts here. i can find it for you if you need. im using super fine gravel, akadama, and fir bark. im talking pieces like this __ big. they get some nutrients from the fir bark, as it slowly decays. but not enough to rely on. i fertilize with a balanced or close to balanced fertilizer (20-20-20, or something similar) at 1/2 strength. some peopl use organic or seaweed fertilizer. and others use slow release pellets placed on top of the soil.

[Geniusdudekiran]

I wonder if I use water from my high-fert tank if I'd need to fertilize...

[orchidman]

not sure. im thinking you'd probably not need to fertilize. that being said, i was told that orchids dont like the fertilizers in high-tech aquariums. not sure how bonsai feel about it though. just something to consider.

[mistergreen]

From what I saw, feed heavily if you want a lot of growth but you don't need as much when the tree is older. If its dedicuous or evergreen, only feed from spring to fall. Tropical need to feed year round.

I don't see a problem with aquarium water except the fert salts can burn sensitive plants. I have Osmecote I'll put in the soil too.

[Geniusdudekiran]

Okay, I'm going to start using aquarium water today or tomorrow. The ferts that will be in the water (in trace or smaller amounts I suppose) will be RootMedic OneStep... any foreseeable issues besides possible root burn if done in excess?

[antbug]

I'm using my water change water, but only for a two week period. Then I switch to fresh water for two weeks. So far so good.

[EntoCraig]

This is a great thread! I used to ado a lot of outdoor bonsai when I lived in florida. Moving to utah has made my selection much slimmer and so I haven't spent much time in the bonsai scene.

This thread makes me want to get back in....

[thechibi]

Man. You guys are making me want to hit that bonsai farm down in Wimberly. >_>

[orchidman]

one thing i dotn like about using water with fertilizers, as opposed to slow-release pellets- i always spill and splash the top layer of my bonsai soil out of the pot when i dump it, i like using the 100-hole shower head for my hose.

[antbug]

Originally Posted by orchidman

one thing i dotn like about using water with fertilizers, as opposed to slow-release pellets- i always spill and splash the top layer of my bonsai soil out of the pot when i dump it, i like using the 100-hole shower head for my hose.

I picked up a watering can from Walmart for a few $$$ and it works great. Even if I poor full blast, it doesn't really move the soil. Only when it starts to puddle I need to worry about this.

[orchidman]

good idea

[mistergreen]

I ended up using black aluminum wire you find at the craft store. The solder was too soft although it's perfect for little delicate branches.

My first one so I'm not sure what I'm doing


Should I chop off the nob on top?