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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.

I did the same experiment for a total of three years, only with four soil mixes. The 100% Kanuma definitely showed the slowest growth rate. The peat/perlite mix was good for growth thus did well in the study, but we know that it breaks down quickly if repotting is delayed. My experience with...

I use medium Kanuma for my main mix, fine for the top. I also use organics - sphagnum/peat blend and a few cocoa coir chips in the main mix, but with your climate and water I would consult your local enthusiasts. I do avoid drastic pruning and repotting at the same time. Usually I only repot...

The Masakuni Convex cutters are unique, very expensive, and limited in the branch size that they can trim. Not sure that Kineshin makes a similar cutter. Using a chisel or knife to flatten the wound after making a cut with just a simple garden pruner and applying top-jin paste will usually...

Until it blooms no chance of making an I.D. Could be a interesting literati if the nebari is cleaned up by carving back all of the stumps and sealing the cuts. IMHO Kurumes are very difficult to train in the traditional styles, but are wonderful in the garden. I only have one In a finished...

Well, If it were my azalea I would repot right away, but maybe it would be best for you to do some research first. Fresh soil normally results in better moisture control. I would also see what help the Bay Area Satsuki Aikokai club may be able to offer. On Oct. 2-3 there is a GS Bonsai...

Ultimately that first branch needs to go. You have a very nice taper otherwise. Options down the road would be to graft a smaller branch or hope it back buds on the lower trunk. Could be shortened, but it is very thick. Well, there are several years left in the contest and Kurumes constantly...

At this point, it is somewhat of a windswept style. You could also transform it to a cascade or semi-cascade. A raft style is also possible, but not for propagation purposes as air-layering or taking cuttings would then be the preferred choices. Repot it soon if it is root bound in similar...

I would try to contact the Satsuki Aikokai Association of Sacramento for specific care instructions. I am originally from the valley and growing azaleas there is a particular challenge. At least you probably have decent water and good shade. This club usually puts on a great annual show and I...

They can be used. Convex cutters are very rare and they are limited in their cutting capacity. I have one and it is not worth the cost. As an alternative one can use a concave cutter, cut a little long and use carving tools to flatten and clean up the cut. I sometimes use a root cutter as it...

Here are the May photos - inserting photos on Bonsainut is a challenge to my patience!