Anthony
Imperial Masterpiece
Well as we get closer to 40 years of Bonsai growing, roots are what we watch.
Thus far the simple soil mix of 5 mm silica based gravel, aged compost and at times the
addition of 5 mm water holding crushed red brick, has not let us down.
We have a pronounced dry season, and only our layer of clay soil and nearness to the
sea prevents us from going to desert conditions.
Though I believe the islands on the other coast of Venezuela, like Curacao, and Bonaire
are more desert-like.
So we are able to repot and hand water, which allows the tree to master the pot, before the
rains return as well as be fertilised weekly for about 6 months.
[ hand water = controlled watering ]
Anyhow, roots are remaining fine and delicate, root bound yearly or every two years before
repotting.
Growth on top remains healthy.
Our tests on the use of hydroponic pebbles [ 12 mm and 8 mm ] also shows the trees doing
well.
The compost supplies the water / fertiliser holdiing capacity, as well as the needed organic
/ microbe inter action.
Thus far it all works. Keeps everthing in natures way.
Good Day
Anthony
Thus far the simple soil mix of 5 mm silica based gravel, aged compost and at times the
addition of 5 mm water holding crushed red brick, has not let us down.
We have a pronounced dry season, and only our layer of clay soil and nearness to the
sea prevents us from going to desert conditions.
Though I believe the islands on the other coast of Venezuela, like Curacao, and Bonaire
are more desert-like.
So we are able to repot and hand water, which allows the tree to master the pot, before the
rains return as well as be fertilised weekly for about 6 months.
[ hand water = controlled watering ]
Anyhow, roots are remaining fine and delicate, root bound yearly or every two years before
repotting.
Growth on top remains healthy.
Our tests on the use of hydroponic pebbles [ 12 mm and 8 mm ] also shows the trees doing
well.
The compost supplies the water / fertiliser holdiing capacity, as well as the needed organic
/ microbe inter action.
Thus far it all works. Keeps everthing in natures way.
Good Day
Anthony