777thSunRay
Mame
Hello all. So I’m just several days into my Bonsai hobby, though I’ve been researching nonstop lol
I dived right in, and jury rigged a growing setup for my first two plants, a red maple and a juniper pre bonsai. Using an aggregate of information, educated guesses, and supplies I had on hand, I made the following setup. Looking for any insights or critiques.
Each plant is in a 10” unpainted terra cotta pot with drain hole, on top of a humidity and drainage tray, with black lava rocks. As a precaution, and to reduce effective depth, I placed about 1.5” layer of black lava rocks to the bottom of the pots. I happened to have just enough bonsai mix, from the nursery I bought the plants at, and in a garage closet (I’m guessing, as from Rogers Gardens) a high quality organic potting mix. I added about 85% dose of organic fertilizer from the nursery, per 3 month formula, and then watered somewhat lightly, just until the pot started dripping. Then I pulled the plants carefully from the little pots, loosened them a bit, and planted them. It somehow felt like common sense to water lightly the first time though I’m thinking there might be an issue with fertilizer being too concentrated at the surface, though I think it fortunate I added the plants after fertilizing the big pots.
So any observations or pointers would be appreciated. The plants seem to be growing quick and healthy.
For two matters I could use a suggestion. Is foliar feeding essential? And what about disease and pest prevention (as opposed to just treatment). Is this essential? And should the treatment and prevention be on the tree and/or into the soil?
Sorry for the long message lol and thanks in advance!
I dived right in, and jury rigged a growing setup for my first two plants, a red maple and a juniper pre bonsai. Using an aggregate of information, educated guesses, and supplies I had on hand, I made the following setup. Looking for any insights or critiques.
Each plant is in a 10” unpainted terra cotta pot with drain hole, on top of a humidity and drainage tray, with black lava rocks. As a precaution, and to reduce effective depth, I placed about 1.5” layer of black lava rocks to the bottom of the pots. I happened to have just enough bonsai mix, from the nursery I bought the plants at, and in a garage closet (I’m guessing, as from Rogers Gardens) a high quality organic potting mix. I added about 85% dose of organic fertilizer from the nursery, per 3 month formula, and then watered somewhat lightly, just until the pot started dripping. Then I pulled the plants carefully from the little pots, loosened them a bit, and planted them. It somehow felt like common sense to water lightly the first time though I’m thinking there might be an issue with fertilizer being too concentrated at the surface, though I think it fortunate I added the plants after fertilizing the big pots.
So any observations or pointers would be appreciated. The plants seem to be growing quick and healthy.
For two matters I could use a suggestion. Is foliar feeding essential? And what about disease and pest prevention (as opposed to just treatment). Is this essential? And should the treatment and prevention be on the tree and/or into the soil?
Sorry for the long message lol and thanks in advance!
I've done it, as have probably most people. It is best to ask for advice prior to doing work. I spent a lot of time yesterday talking to Julian Adams about his successes with Japanese White Pine cultivation. I specifically asked what he did, and then told him what I would normally do, and get his critique of all the mistakes I was about to make.
