Richmond Bonsai Society: Forum Posts

Monthly Growing Tips

March Growing Tips

With the expected change to warmer, but maybe blustery weather, you need to keep your plants protected and check them more frequently for moisture.

1. WATERING: Check plants in your cold frame daily to see if they need to be watered. Do not let the trees dry out.

2. FEEDING: None

3. TRIMMING: Evergreens and deciduous trees can be thinned but not drastically pruned; do not trim flowering or fruit bearing trees. Evergreens can be wired now. It is too early for potting/repotting unless the plants/bonsai are maintained above 45^o at all times.

4. LIGHT: Trees should remain in cold frames or be buried in leaves/mulch. Protect trees from strong winds.

where to find plants

Now, after the first freeze or frost is a great time to purchase trees, especially larger ones that you plan to cut short next spring. Many nursuries don't want to store them all winter and have marked them way down.

Blooming Jade Plants.

I have a FlapJack Plant that has bloomed!

Serissa Japonica critique & cuttings

My serrissa did quite well for three years. It DOES not like moving in and out, like a lot of tropicals adn you may loose leaves when you first move it.

Unfortunately, last winter, I let it dry our and it died... :( I think that's the key, steady conditions, and never let it dry out.

help with tree identification

the very best thing is to bring them to a meetign when they have leaves. Someone may be able to identify them.

videos

Free bonsai lectures & videos via the internet are always appreciated – especially if they’re very good. Graham Potter periodically sends this information to on-line subscribers, and it’s all free. Just go to either of these URL’s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6x8QjfWVJA or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6x8QjfWVJA&feature=sdig&et=1257481112.48 to access his video on styling Mugo Pine. You also can sign up at this site, or access some of his earlier videos.

Monthly Growing Tips

December Growing Tips

All hardy bonsai should be completely dormant or nearly so (depending on weather) by now.

1. WATERING: Check plants daily to see if they need to be watered. Do not let the trees dry out. Never water frozen plants (some people leave a dish of water nearby to check for freezing). Bonsai pots may crack if the soil is kept too wet.

FEEDING: No fertilization this month. Some people put fungicides & insecticides on their plants before mulching for winter.
TRIMMING: No trimming or wiring this month.
LIGHT: Trees should be in cold frames or buried in leaves/mulch by now. Protect trees from strong winds and ice accumulations.

Serissa Japonica critique & cuttings

Hey Thomas,

I met you at the Sept. meeting and I did bring the Serissa. I have decided to chop for now to size down in order to place it in humity tray/humidifier/flourescent light area for the winter. I would like to hear any comments from anyone on growing a serissa indoors. I do understand that these plants are quite challenging.

Thanks,

Rob

Pines

Our October meeting was all about pines as bonsai. Guest lecturer Julan Adams had a lot to say. Does have comments or questions about what was discussed or in general about pines?

How can I identify my tree?

I just attended my first meeting and I found the talk on pines very informative despite the fact that I have yet to try working on pines. I am looking forward to future meetings. The three trees I have been working on the longest (around 7 years) are some species of elm, a beech (I think), and a ficus. The elm and beech were both collected here in Richmond. I have about another dozen various trees (mostly wild collected) that are in various stages of pre-bonsai.

Can anyone suggest who I might talk to about narrowing down which species of trees I have? I can post pictures if that helps.

Thanks.

Serissa Japonica critique & cuttings

fell free to bring your plant to the next meeting. I'm sure that someone will be able to answer questions.

Monthly Growing Tips

November Growing Tips

1. WATERING: Check plants daily to see if they need to be watered. Do not let the trees dry out – even during dormant periods. Also, never water frozen plants (some people leave a dish of water nearby to check for freezing)

FEEDING: No fertilization this month..
TRIMMING: No trimming or wiring this month. You can remove dead leaves from deciduous trees, as well as tip burned needles on pines.
LIGHT: Remove trees from summer locations, and move to cold frames or bury in leaves/mulch. Protect trees from strong winds.

Where can I see bonsai?

The National Arboretum in Washington, DC is an excellent place to view bonsai trees of various species and “styles.” The National Collection is located at the arboretum and houses a rotating collection of trees that were gifts to the United States from other countries, including Japan and China as well as from distinguished collections within the United States. A list of monthly events related to the Arboretum is located on their website and special events related to bonsai will be located within the schedule. Here's a link to their virtual tour of the bonsai collection. Every spring the National Arboretum hosts a Bonsai Symposium open to the public.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/VirtualTours/index.html

Why did my bonsai die?

There are many reasons that a tree might not survive, but the most common mistakes are keeping outdoor plants indoors, over watering and under watering. In addition, bonsai are susceptible to various diseases and pests that affect trees in nature. A healthy bonsai is not difficult to maintain with a little preventative maintenance. The best place to learn how to care for your tree is by joining a club and drawing on the experience of the club members.

What kind of trees can be bonsai?

There are many different species of pant material that can be used for bonsai. Just have a look any book or website. Typically you want to select material where the leaf or needle is in scale to the size of bonsai you wish to create, such as boxwood, junipers and elms. Using specialized horticulture techniques you are able to reduce the size of the leaves or needles of selected species of trees such as Maples, Japanese black pines and Scots Pines so that the leaf or needle is in scope with the bonsai tree.

Where can I discuss and ask questions about bonsai?

RBS conducts occasional workshops which may be appropriate for beginners. Watch our web site calendar in the spring and early summer for dates. You may also find these at the other clubs or bonsai nurseries. Come to a club meeting and the members are always available to assist you with getting started in the art of bonsai.

Where can I discuss and ask questions about bonsai?

Of course, you can do this at any club meetings. There are also quite a few forums where folks are always discussing bonsai issues and posting pictures of their trees and their works in progress. You will find that in the world of bonsai, people are most happy to share information and get you started in the art. Here' a few forum links. http://knowledgeofbonsai.org , www.bonsaivault.com , www.internationalbonsaiforum.com.

How can I learn about bonsai?

Join a club! Also read, read, read and look at as many pictures of bonsai trees you can find. Your local library will have several books on bonsai. RBS also owns a large collection of books, videos, and magazines that members can borrow. There are videos of bonsai demonstration on internet sites such as “You Tube.” Google “Bonsai forum” you will find quite a few sites that support chats, posting of pictures and blogs. Google well known bonsai artist and you will often find their sites which often provide progressions of the tree from raw material to bonsai. As with any information on the web, be wary that the contributor is actually knowledgeable in bonsai. Look for credible sources that are authors or associated with organizations or published in books. You may want to subscribe to a bonsai magazine. There are several very good magazines published by The American Bonsai Society, Bonsai Clubs International, International Bonsai and Bonsai Focus.

Where can I buy bonsai?

First, in Richmond, there are several stores that sell designed, finished bonsai. However, the vast majority of bonsai start as regular nursery stock. You get the experience of designing the bonsai yourself. Be sure to choose quality plants from a quality nursery. Less reputable stores sell plants that may not be well cared for and may be weak or unhealthy. Many books and web sites have instructions on how to get from the nursery plant to a bonsai tree. Second, there are some bonsai nurseries and growers around the state. You can usually find them by doing an internet search or look for links on other bonsai web sites.

Where can I find a bonsai club?

Clubs are great organizations that provide invaluable knowledge for everyone form the novice to expert. The American Bonsai Society (www.absbonsai.org ) provides links to clubs, grouped by state. In Virginia, there are currently several active clubs in Arlington, Hampton, Richmond, Lynchburg, Roanoke and Norfolk. In addition to the clubs provided on the website, there are additional clubs located in northern VA.

Does anyone teach beginner bonsai classes?

Monthly Growing Tips

October Growing Tips

WATERING: Check bonsai daily and water as required between 10AM – 3PM.
FEEDING: Discontinue fertilizing plants; growth at this time is not desired.
TRIMMING: Sources differ somewhat on trimming, but strong pruning should not be done. After the leaves have fallen from deciduous bonsai, some minor trimming can be done for shape. Dead needles can be cleaned off of conifers. Remove wiring from deciduous trees, since cutting wires will cause the branch to die over the winter months.
LIGHT: Keep deciduous trees in a cool, shady place to avoid re-sprouting on warm days. Prepare a winter location for the trees.
TRANSPLANTING: This is the last month that trees can be transplanted from one pot to another, and not if the tree requires radical root pruning.

Serissa Japonica critique & cuttings

Hey everyone,

I have purchased a fairly large nursery pot Serissa Japonica, multiple trunk, (I think). I am considering attending the September meeting and would like some help with this plant. Also it is approximately 2 feet high and needs to be pruned. So, if the cuttings are rootable this time of the year, I would love to share all the cuttings with others. If not then maybe in the spring. Any comments?

Thanks,

Robert

Monthly Growing Tips

September Growing Tips

WATERING: Check Bonsai daily to see if they need to be watered. Vigorous growing plants require the same amount of water as in the summer. Water the trees thoroughly, taking into account the amount of water needed for each species.
FEEDING: Continue a well-balanced feeding for evergreen, flowering & fruit bearing, and tropical trees. Do not fertilize deciduous trees.
TRIMMING: Trim minimally where necessary to maintain the desired shape. Pines can be drastically pruned to encourage multiple buds, but other evergreen, deciduous and flowering/fruit bearing trees should not be severely reshaped or radically root pruned.
LIGHT: Rotate trees at least once a week so that all sides receive the strongest light available

Monthly Growing Tips

August Growing Tips

WATERING: Check Bonsai every day to see if they need to be watered – daily watering is generally common. When it is really hot, you may need to water several times per day. The amount of water will depend on the heat, the wind, the amount of foliage on the tree, the type of soil, and the depth of the pot. Water the trees thoroughly, making sure that the pot drains easily. Every tree does not require the same amount of water.
FEEDING: Continue with a well-balanced feeding. Stop feeding hardy plants by the end of August, except for evergreen needle, flowering, and fruit bearing trees,
TRIMMING: Growth is at its peak, which means that special attention must be given to trimming new growth. Trim where necessary to maintain the desired shape. Pinch and trim new growth on finished Bonsai to maintain the original design and profile.
LIGHT: Rotate trees at least once a week so that all sides receive the strongest light available. If the bonsai are exposed to excessive direct sunlight, consider relocating the pots to a more shaded area.

Where to buy supplies?

Places to buy supplies are hard to find in Richmond. True, the Great Big Green House does have some supplies. They have great starter plants, a nice supply of wire, small bag of soil, and some pots, but be careful with their pots. Some of them have humidity trays glued on, which can make things difficult.

Luckily, we have a supplier in the club, Lee has pretty much anything that you want. He usually brings a variety of thing to sell at the meetings, but not everything. However, you can call him and ask him to bring certain things for you. His number is listed in the FOR SALE section of our newsletter. If you don't have that, send the club an email and we'll get it to you.

Purchasing from the web suppliers is usually pretty good. Just price things on different sites. Personally, I have used Dallasbonsai.com and was really happy with my orders. You can also buy stuff from ebay from time to time.

Where to buy supplies?

First off, it was great meeting everyone tonight, and I look forward to the Picnic and the next meeting! So, where do you prefer to buy your supplies from? I'm talking about drainage mesh, wire, etc... Can most of this be bought at stores like the Great Big Greenhouse or does it need to be ordered from a website? Thanks, John

Blooming Jade Plants.

There's a jade discussion on this site.

http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/f15/lets-see-those-jades-28731.html

Blooming Jade Plants.

I inherited an old jade plant from my mother. It sat in my south-facing bay window for the past five years. Last spring, Todd and Bob told me if I put my jade plant outside in the full sun for the entire summer, it would bloom. Not quite sure I believed them, I nonetheless put the plant on my back patio where it got full sun during the morning and most of the afternoon. In October, as we were getting ready to travel overseas, I brought the plant back inside to its bay window. At that time, there were no signs of bloom anywhere. When we returned home at the end of October, there were a few tiny buds. Just before Thanksgiving, however, the whole plant burst into bloom which lasted through till mid-January. I highly recommend this process to anyone who would like to see the beautiful, star-like clusters of white blossoms during the winter holiday season.

Blooming Jade Plants.

Judy got her Jade plants to bloom. You can see photos in the album Does anyone else have expereicence getting them to bloom?

Bonsai soil

FOR SALE: Bonsai soil (regular), 5 gal bag and Shohin soil (fine) 5 gal bag. There will be some beginner tool kits and individual bonsai tools for sale. Call Lee Abrahamson (3two0-1two57) to place order (especially for soil). Lee will deliver at our next meeting.

where to find plants

If you come accross a nice sale or some interesting plants, please let us know all about it. You can also upload pictures. Where do you like to shop for plants and why?