Recent content by Darth Tanuki

  1. Darth Tanuki

    Grafting tape.

    The parafilm works well to cover the scion and is designed for this purpose, no hole need be poked. I still use a nonstretch plastic tie to secure the scion base to the graft site. I use the parafilm to prevent moisture loss; alternatively a clear bag can be used with a bit of moistened...
  2. Darth Tanuki

    Does akadama really break down?

    An issue with organics mixed in to the soil mix is controlling the fertilization timing of our trees. For example, when controlling needle length on Jap Black pine, we usually do not fertilize for a month after decandling. If you have organics in your soil mix, you can't control this. The same...
  3. Darth Tanuki

    Does akadama really break down?

    The beauty of using a mix of akadama with other substrates such as lava and pumice is that if you are in a wetter climate, use less akadama, and water less often. Rapid break down does not seem to be an issue for the users of this particular mix in the colder states.
  4. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    So a general insult to select enthusiast's teachers is fine. And I'm the troll. See ya.
  5. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    So your reference to "World Famous Teacher whose students think he's God" was all innocence?
  6. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    First, you started the name calling. I criticized plants. You criticized people. That sounds like a troll at best. You are asking me to prove what has already been demonstrated. If I show you pictures of my trees in my backyard, you'll just say it works for me in my microclimate. Instead...
  7. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    My intent exactly - we've said our peace and not going to change minds at this point. I was trying to lighten it up for closure and move on. Vance won't let it go. We have different opinions of who the Troll is.
  8. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    Dude, I'm like, high on life. But seriously man, do I really have to spell it out for you? Don't you get it? I don't really use that akadama cr@p in my bonsai soil! Are you kidding? The real deal is that if we keep importing akadama, eventually the whole country of Japan will be here right...
  9. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    A crowd across the street is not necessarily a cult. They may actually be on to something.
  10. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    Burn away or buy your own nectar.
  11. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    This is exactly what I would do if akadama were to become unavailable - find a way to obtain it here. It is not magical because it comes from Japan - they just discovered this kind of soil works well for bonsai.
  12. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    If you used more than 1/3 akadama in your mix with conifers, no wonder you had bad results! Also, you do need to actually do some rootwork from time to time. Most conifers in god's mix need to be repotted every 2-3 years.
  13. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    You continue to contradict yourself in even short paragraphs. Are you a know it all or not?
  14. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    WRONG! Why do you think so many akadama users get so fired up on this thread? Because many DO dispute its validity in spite of decades of success and puzzlingly seem to want to close the door to even trying it. And believe it or not, premium trees are scarce without the use of akadama. I...
  15. Darth Tanuki

    Best soil for developing trees?

    "Leaves That Are Green" by Simon and Darthfunkel I was twenty-one years when I wrote this song. I'm twenty-two now but I won't be for long Time hurries on. And the leaves that are green turn to brown, And they wither with the wind, And the akadama crumbles in your hand. Once my heart...
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