Recent content by bunjin

Yes, I would repot soon to get maximum growth. Looks like this one wants to assume the typical Moyogi shape, so I would put in a thin stake and loosely wrap and tie it to the stake. In theory, one could make almost any style from a good flexible whip, but I have found that early on, the best...

The most critical care item other than timely watering is repotting often, like every 18 months, assuming one uses something other than 100% Kanuma. When the soil ages, the problem is the organics get used up, the root mass dominates, not enough moisture is retained in the container, the salts...

I assume you also have Bonsai Techniques II ?

About two years ago I broke off the cascade leader while trying to bend it. Wasn't sure I could save it, but with the warm winters it is doing well and may make a decent bonsai. It probably will need another 5 years to justify putting it in a show container!

1. Your wiring technique needs improvement. Plenty of tutorials to watch. 2. Since there is no wrapping under the wires, they will cut in quickly and should be removed in just a very few weeks. 3. Sort of looks like it has two apexes. One would be better if you are going for Moyogi style...

I would use a sharp object like an ice pick to evaluate how root bound the plant is or temporarily remove the pot if it can be done without too much manipulation or damage. The one important thing I have learned is the rule for all but the larger containers is to repot every 2(+/-) years...

Interesting that your Minato is struggling. I have found it to be one of the most vigorous of cultivars. When healthy it gains girth very quickly and removing the wires promptly is critical. It does well with less watering if that is any help. I am glad to see that others use a peat/sphagnum...

lnitially I thought that the concept of the contest was iffy, and now I am certain that it is not really beneficial to the process of creating an azalea bonsai. Basically using nursery stock is a very difficult way to begin. I have found that satsuki pre bonsai in the US are extremely rare and...

Certain cultivars are notoriously tricky to remove all of the buds and usually too much damage is done to make it useful. Variegated cultivars & those that have brittle branches would particularly be on the list. I think for those in this category it is probably better to do a repot after the...

Mushroom compost is really used mushroom media and is not fully composted. I would not use it for bonsai, but if one obtains a truckload of it, the best thing to do is to apply some water and let it complete the composting process. It will produce an amazing amount of internal heat and later...

1. Not at all an indoor plant. Hopefully you have an outdoor deck or patio for it. 2. Avoid full sun exposure, especially in the L.A. area as the temperatures are high in summer. 3. Moisture control is the the key to longevity as the most common error is to overwater. 4. Repotting about...

As others have said, your azaleas look fine for this time of the year. We are scheduled for a lot more rain(CA standards) so putting those that are really soggy under a cover would be wise. I don't think the peanuts are a big + or -, but they do make repotting difficult. Repot when we get...

My guess from afar is overwatering, and after reading the description of the soil mix, maybe over-fertilizing. Azaleas do best with simple care as opposed to the incredibly complicated instructions you will find on this site. To be successful, the answers will mostly come from your own...

We never have grass like that! So much green. Okay, let them grow a bit now as getting girth will be the goal since you have decided on a main trunk. Increase pot size when roots fill the existing container.

Hmm.. Looks like the infamous plastic peanuts are lurking in the bottom of the containers. I agree that the first one has the best trunk along with an unusual bloom. The straight trunk on the second one will be a challenge.