What's the last thing you've learned in bonsai

[bwaynef]

Personally and politically I've changed a ton in the past 10 years. Even the past 5. As a result of learning and experiencing new things, I'm just trying to do the best with what I know. It's been said that lots of folks in bonsai for decades have repeated that first year over and over ...as an explanation of why they haven't progressed.

So, I ask you: What's the last thing you've learned in bonsai? When we start, everything's new. Maybe it's the latin name for a species, or the fact that it's possible to lift a tree off another section of a tree after its rooted with airlayering, ...or that the rocks need to be pried off the juniper, or maybe that you shouldn't keep acquiring material (quantity) and start to focus on BETTER (quality) material.

Scion grafting's at the top of my list. I've known what it was, had my teacher demonstrate, and even had a little success several years ago, but for some reason I had a mental hangup on moving forward with that. I dove in again this spring and hoping to have some takeaways in the next few months. Last year and the year before, the main things I learned was energy balancing.

So, what is it? What's the latest thing you've learned in bonsai?

 

[JudyB]

This is a good little tutorial, I mean I've known how to do sphagnum but this extra step of screening it was something I had not done will try it out this year. I usually do it in an old blender...

Bonsai top dressing in 7 steps (2023 repotting guidebook)

Repotting your bonsai tree is a vital part of keeping it healthy and looking great. When you repot your tree, you will refresh the soil and add top dressing for the final touch. In this article, we will walk you through how to make the best moss mixture for a successful bonsai repotting. Why use...

treehousebonsai.com

 

[dbonsaiw]

I learned roots can be airlayered.

 

[john blanch]

Relearned, tall cascade pots can be hard work at repotting time.

 

[Cruiser]

Pruning shears make a great food utensil.
-Dan Robinson

When repotting… chopsticks can be used to more securely wire a tree into its pot.
-Victrinia Ridgeway

 

[Carol 83]

maybe that you shouldn't keep acquiring material (quantity) and start to focus on BETTER (quality) material.

That's me all over.

 

[IzzyG]

Deadwood on a California Juniper can be rehydrated to be bent/manipulated. Elasticity is almost as good as a live vein. Does not work on the deadwood of an RMJ.

 

[vp999]

Laziness will lead to dead trees lol.

 

[JPH]

Cool topic!

As a result of killing half a dozen trees last summer I learned a few important things. The most important being discipline. Don't rush things. Take the time NOW to do the work properly. Otherwise you waste time and kill trees. Every one of my trees that died did so because of me rushing something important... I overworked the roots, used poor substrate, didn't anchor the tree properly and didn't provide adequate winter protection.

I'm hoping for more success this season.

 

[JackHammer]

There is a whole world of plant nutrition I am just starting to touch. Substrate, water, light, temp, ph... then the fert ratio, calcium intake, fulvic acid, mono ammonium phosphate, kelp, alphalpha, bonemeal, worm castings, charcoal.... the goal would be to create extreme growth. But of course, then begins the ramification process. Timing is also important for needle length. I am still learning on this one but I just ordered some expensive chemicals. I should make a chemical/nutrition post some day.

 

[Adamski77]

Deadwood on a California Juniper can be rehydrated to be bent/manipulated. Elasticity is almost as good as a live vein. Does not work on the deadwood of an RMJ.

As I might want to try it on some of my junipers (not exactly what type is this)... how do you rehydrate them? Wet rug for 2-3 days? ... or something more sophisticated?

 

[IzzyG]

As I might want to try it on some of my junipers (not exactly what type is this)... how do you rehydrate them? Wet rug for 2-3 days? ... or something more sophisticated?

Wet paper towel or towel wrapped around the deadwood for about 2-3 hours did the trick with mine. Basically put it on while starting the restyling. The likelihood of it working depends on the hardiness of the deadwood.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Learned I’m never agreeing to ship a big tree again. (Not the Stewartia in the background)

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Learned I’m never agreeing to ship a big tree again. (Not the Stewartia in the background)
View attachment 477807

That's a big box. I've Learned shipping costs are insane lately.

 

[Emeraldtarpon]

Ive learnt to check my wire on a regular basis....the hard way

 

[R0b]

That's me all over.

I’m with you both.

keep buying stuf when I feel the price is right but ignore that I can save and buy better. However when I save I think it is too expensive.

 

[Linn01]

Don't immediately put your repotted bonsais back on their display stand, but put them all together cozily on the ground, sheltered from the wind. No moving/transporting for the next two months.

 

[Joe Dupre']

I've learned I don't want to look at an ugly tree for 10 years. I'll either fix it, give it away or yank it out of the pot and throw it on the burn pile.

 

[minkes]

I’ve learned that I am too addicted to bonsai videos, this forum, bonsai focus, etc. like teenegers on tik-tok

 

[JudyB]

Learned I’m never agreeing to ship a big tree again. (Not the Stewartia in the background)
View attachment 477807

Yeah I second that!