Recent content by DrBonsai

It's also perplexing that it was only this JBP . I have at least 10 others that did not suffer this condition. In the Midwest, we did have a bit of a drought, but the trees were watered daily.

Any ideas ?

Started de-candling a small JBP and noticed most of the candles are strange/deformed . I have had the tree about 9 years and this is the first time I have noticed this behavior. I read somewhere that it may be adelgids but I am not sure. Looking for other opinions.

I once was told that you can use a cigar cutter on smaller branches. I tried it and it works well and is easy to use. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Scissors-Stainless-Guillotine-Straight-Accessories/dp/B08NDFJYRD

Back in the late 70's, still in Highschool, I saw the typical Juniper Procumbens Mallsai in the local Jewel/Osco and had to have it. It was hard to find information about Bonsai at that time and I did the best I could to keep it alive. Knowing what we know now, It was probably all ready dead...

If I may make one comment, I would try to make the first bend a little closer to the nebari for interest. In the two wired examples shown, you have 2-3 inches of straight trunk then the first big curve. I am guilty of the same thing and I feel as they grow they look more contrived or less...

I trust Mr.V, but most of us lack his experience and skill. I was taught only repot when buds are still shiny and before green paint brushes show.

Ideally you would want to repot before the green popped out and the buds were still shiny spheres. I think you could still chop it and do some branch selection.

I like to use it on seedling trays and grow out pots with many holes. Quick, easy, relatively cheap and it works.

I recently saw these for sale at an online plant nursery and in the description that stated they can be used for Bonsai. Anyone have any experience with them ? I didn't get a lot of hits on Google so I am assuming they are either not good for bonsai or not very popular.

A lot of good suggestions. Someone mentioned propagation. You can do cuttings, air layers, etc. I also like to do projects i.e. Grafting Shinpaku on other Junipers, Grafting Cork Bark on JBP. Also try to create Neagari Azaleas and JBP. Create long rooted maples for Root Over Rock trees. etc...

Welcome to our Forum and Thank You for your service ! You have gotten some good advice. Definitely get involved with your local Bonsai Society. Also consider working with a teacher or taking a Beginner Bonsai class to learn the basics. There are many on-line sources and videos available, I...

Dave, digging through the Superthrive threads and found this old post. Did you ever do the Superthrive test ? If you did, I would be curious about your results.

Taken from March newsletter of the Midwest Bonsai Society: "Ivan Watters Passing: Sadly, after a severe illness Ivan, one of our founding members, current board member and sensai, passed away quietly, on February 26th at the age of 85. Memorial Visitation to be scheduled soon. Cremation and...