Akadama, particularly when mixed with other media, is a great medium for growing bonsai (see “All about akadama” for details). Over the course of the last year, akadama has become harder to come by for several reasons: Global demand has increased. Mining slowed down due to heavier than normal rainfall. Shipping congestion has delayed shipments. […]
Bonsai Care
The bonsai care category includes topics like Watering, Fertilizing, Repotting and Bonsai Soil. You can also find information about the Pests commonly found on bonsai, and read Interviews with bonsai professionals.
New Guide – Troubleshooting yellow foliage on black pine
Over the years I’ve written about various causes of yellow foliage on black pines. In an effort to record all of this information in one place, I’ve created a new guide that provides info on the following categories of yellow foliage: Old needles are turning yellow New needles are yellow near the base but green […]
Tips for late summer
When everything goes well, there isn’t a lot of bonsai work this time of year. Deciduous trees are recovering from their last pruning of the season, decandled pines are filling in, and tropical bonsai are getting their final cutback of the season. That said, the next month is pivotal for improving and maintaining tree health. […]
Post-bloom care for satsuki azaleas
When all goes well, satsuki bonsai can produce lots of flowers in spring. Hakurei-no-hikari – 15″ After 80% of the flowers have bloomed, it’s time to remove all remaining flowers, taking care to remove the seed pods left behind after the petals fall away (see “Removing flowers” for details). Kinsai just past peak bloom After […]
What kind of soil should I use for my bonsai?
I hear the question a lot, and it’s a good one. In my garden, I use mixes based on the species I’m growing and my development goals for the tree. I make adjustments for the health of the tree, my budget, and the availability of the ingredients I’d like to use. If I’m working with […]