Summer Temps

AZbonsai

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Hello PBS members. As you know....its HOT. Thought I would throw some info out about dealing with extreme heat. Maybe you will find something worthwhile. Within the last two years I finally think I have gotten a handle on dealing with extreme heat and bonsai. The learning curve is steep and the sun is unforgiving.

I will just bullet point some strategies and if you would like me to expound a bit let me know!

- acclimate your bonsai to the summer heat
- soil...use the PBS mixture on repot it was created by very experienced desert bonsaists
- create micro climates
- cover your pots with burlap
- water twice a day
- misting/watering can create an environment where fungus will grow...(soil wars level of discussion about mistings effectiveness)
- air flow is important...see above.
- healthy well feed plants prior to the killing heat equals more success.
- pay attention to the PBS calendar regarding...repotting/trimming/wiring
- a Norway Spruce rarely does well at 110 f. Think about tree selection.
-70% shade screen is your friend
- radiant heat is a killer

Here are some pics of my set up:
Full sun all day.
20200731_111212.jpg
Afternoon shade.
20200731_111233.jpg
Oleanders to reduce radiant heat off a wall.
20200731_111302.jpg
Full shade screen burlap protection.
20200731_111447.jpg
Yellow bell stopping radiant heat from house.
20200731_111351.jpg
Never hurts to have a Saint in your garden (Thomas...the doves love to sit on his head)
20200731_111414.jpg
 

AZbonsai

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This just in:
Screenshot_20200731-120956_FOX 10.jpg
 

Kadebe

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Nice tips!
BTW... What does PBS means?.... Phoenix Bonsai Society...Pittsburgh Bonsai Society....?
 

AZbonsai

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Phoenix Bonsai Society
 

AlainK

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As you know....its HOT.

We've had almost no rain for a month here, which is very unusual.
Today was 40° C (104 F), the usual temps are between 24-28° C (75-82 F)

Some say climate change is a hoax, fake news.

OK : let's pray :rolleyes:

For he (she???) is watching us.

 

Shibui

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We have also had no rain for a month and it is still winter here. I've had to water a couple of times.
Last summer Australia also recorded record temps in many areas.
It is still officially winter here but many of my trees have started to show buds - a lot earlier that usual so I have ramped up the repotting schedule.
 
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I’m not a PBS member yet, could you list the recommended soil?
 

AZ Newb

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Thanks for the great info Randy. I was wondering what times of the day you are watering In this heat?
Thanks so much!
 

AZbonsai

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Randy,

do a check on sharp particles and root division.
Good Day
Anthony
There are some revisions forthcoming in our membership book. That is one idea they may take a look at. Updating our calendar working times as well. Thanks!
 
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