What’s going on in amcoffeegirl’s backyard

[Carol 83]

Your trees are beautiful. I have a few questions but I wondered what substrate you use on your Barbados Cherry. Is there are a premixed soil that you use or what do you recommend? We just got a pre-bonsai Barbados cherry that's only a few years old and will stay in dirt for another year to thicken the trunk but any suggestion would be appreciated. Thank you, Katie

I used a mix I bought at a bonsai nursery that was near me, sadly closed now. It was labeled "tropical bonsai soil". The only difference really was a bit of pine bark I think. They aren't that particular if they are watered correctly. Best of luck with yours, they are fun trees.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

How old is the tree in the white pot? (I believe it's the fourth pic?) and the one before it in the black pot? Am just trying to get a better sense of time on them.

I really have no idea how old any of my trees are. Ficus will bulk up in a bonsai pot but if you want fast and thicker growth then you must let the growth run wild for a year or two.
Planting in a deeper pot does allow for that.
you have to always water according to soil dryness if you over or under pot. I wish I could be more help but I honestly don’t know.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

update

 

[amcoffeegirl]

 

[amcoffeegirl]

 

[amcoffeegirl]

I am becoming more pleased with my trees this year. I do wish I had a couple extra months of nicer weather. It will be a short time before they are back in under the lights.

 

[luvinthemountains]

I am becoming more pleased with my trees this year.

You should be. You are a good inspiration for me!

 

[jason biggs]

your collection is getting really nice

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Making a few small edits this morning.
I will let most of the new growth remain over winter and have a look again in spring.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

The weather is changing and there are a few nights coming up where we will dip below 50 degrees. Mid forties are forecast 4 nights in a row. I will watch closely.

 

[Carol 83]

The weather is changing and there are a few nights coming up where we will dip below 50 degrees. Mid forties are forecast 4 nights in a row. I will watch closely.View attachment 398759View attachment 398760View attachment 398761View attachment 398762View attachment 398763View attachment 398764View attachment 398765View attachment 398766View attachment 398767

I am so not ready to have to bring the trops inside.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

I have added a second bench this year after a friend dropped off some trees that he no longer wanted to maintain.
I have added a few Japanese Maples and some Slyvestris pines to my collection. We will see if I can keep them happy over the winter.
I will need to add some additional indoor growing space for the winter and then I will have spring repots next year. Hopefully I am not overwhelmed with all of the additional responsibilities.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

More…

 

[amcoffeegirl]

The top was broken off the shishigashira maple in transit.
Not sure what happened.
Hopefully it will recover ok. Next year I will get some good fertilizer on it and hope for good growth.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

This one is now- this one.
Will need to get some wire on it.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

the next gen

 

[amcoffeegirl]

It’s hot but the ficus don’t care.
I never see the flaws in my trees until I take the photos.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

 

[amcoffeegirl]

today- a light trim

 

[amcoffeegirl]

My first bougie