In previous posts about growing media for the terrestrial orchid, Habaneria radiata, I set up an experiment and shared some preliminary results based on observed foliar growth. It turns out that the most important measure of success was under the soil. Here are the orchids at the end of the growing season last December. Orchids in December […]
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Reducing branch vigor on black pine bonsai
Balance is one of the top priorities when developing black pine bonsai. In spring, as new shoots elongate, it often becomes quite apparent which shoots are stronger than others. Strong shoots near the apex of the tree Strong shoots on the back of the tree Although decandling is a very effective technique for balancing vigor […]
Thinning a cork bark black pine
In the mid-1990s, I created a cork bark black pine by grafting foliage on a young pine I’d started from seed. The foliage was yatsabusa cork bark – cork bark that produces very dense foliage and lots of buds. Every year or two I thin the tree out, and on occasion I wire the youngest […]
An extra long dormancy for a Korean hornbeam
Early last September, I was helping a number of bonsai into the 5th US National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, New York. After taking care of several other trees, I picked up my entry, a Korean hornbeam, and brought it to a staging table just outside the door of the exhibit. I’d planned to show the […]
Improving drainage in a compacted rootball
Midway through repotting a procumbens juniper, I found that the center of the rootball was dry. This is common when a tree has gone too long without repotting. Even heavy and frequent waterings – or incessant rain – may not be enough for the water to soak the entire rootball. Rootball with dry center Finding […]