soo much attention to details... wow!! the way you handle the trees, you look like a doctor Nigel... and u use the words "the next operation" it confirms ur a doctor, to me...!!! :-) :-) :-) I love the tiny one.. shez soooo cute...!!!♥♥♥
Thanks Helen, there may be a doctor in the house soon, my daughter is off to medical school this fall. It will seem a little more empty around the house, luckily I have two more younger ones!
I admire these trees so much. I have tried working with Serissa several times and they die on me at the slightest provocation. Sometimes I think they just die from being looked at.Thank you for everything I've learned from watching your videos. I'm very grateful.
Absolutely stunning tree. watching the growth and development has been amazing. Having grown up in Canada, but being born in South Africa, you have not only inspired me to bring my roots into my home but also have provided the courage to bonsai in such a cold climate! thank you so much for the motivation and encouragement to bonsai! All I ask is for a spontaneous return of "do something green". Always provides a good smile and some secondary hounding to stay on top of things. All the best Nigel and happy planting!
Thank you, sir! I am currently waiting for a baobab seed to show some life. A rough estimate is 2 years for the little guy to sprout. Have a great day!
I am a fan of this creation, my friend, who already presents a beautiful Nebari, is very original And it was only possible because of its great sensitivity with plants, congratulations
This i my favorite plant of yours. I really think it is magnificent. The bark is gnarly and the canopy looks great! The zebra looked cute there also! Cant wait for more videos on it. Keep up the good work!
I'm going back and watching all your past video's. Your trees have come along way. Well on to the next one. Lol I've been watching all your old videos for the past week. 👍
@@TheBonsaiZone yes it's pretty awesome. I guess I need to take some pictures so that if my trees make lol I can look back to see what little progress I've made if any lol.
Stumbled onto your channel recently and am just loving it! I hope to start some bonsai of my own in the next year, probably dwarf schefflera, and I feel very equipped after watching so many of your walk-throughs. I'm a visual artist myself, and your methodical explanations for everything you do as you work actually reminds me of art school and really helps me understand this approach to the craft. I bet I'm not the only person watching who enjoys trying to guess where you'll make your cuts before you make them.. ;) Cheers, and thanks!!
Liked your recent video on your Serissa. Great how you spend time explaining options to consider before moving forward, and this seems to be your approach with most of your videos. This video reminded me to ask you where you go to get all the cool bonsai containers and also your miniature African animals that you use in some of your plantings. I live in Brantford and there is nothing in this area. Thanks for all the great educational videos as they are so helpful to me. Eric
Hello Eric, I usually get my bonsai pots at bonsai shows. There is a good club near you.... www.bonsairbg.com/wp/ Pots can be found at some garden centers, Belgium nurseries near Waterloo has some. The animals are from TSC stores, they are made by Schenck. They can be found in many toy stores also.
Nigel, Thank you so much for responding so quickly to my request for sources. I shall follow up on them. Very much appreciated given your hectic schedule. Eric
hi..I'm from india .. i watch almost all your videos and get inspired... i tried something different.. i put a ficus benjamina seeding in water and feed it NPK fertilizer... it's doing well.now it's almost 2and half month old... i wish to see you working and giving some tips on water bonsai.
yeah i watch his channel...but he grows cuttings in water then he starts hybridponic or puts the cutting in soil.. i am trying to make it hydroponic.... anyways thank you and i love all your works and again it inspires me a lot... i have started some bonsai... i want to share some photos of those trees with you
I have started many ficus cuttings by placing the cutting in a pot with bonsai soil, leaving it in full sun and just watering it like all my other trees. I have only been able to do this in summer when it's warm outside. My email is.... thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
I use a powdered 20-20-20 (with micro nutrients). I mix a pinch into every 2 litre watering can full, and water and fertilize the trees , every time they need watering. This gives them a constant very small amount of fertilizer. The only trees I don't fertilize are the young seedlings and in spring, the pines. I start to fertilize the pines mid summer.
Hello Nigel, as spring is coming and my trees are starting to grow I wondered how I should approach my serissa foetida. I cannot decide between letting it grow to obtain strength or if I should prune it to keep the leaf notes closer together. I think I should prune the strong growing top often und leave the weaker branches down below alone. What do you think? How should I treat more refined branches different than younger branches?
I would always check the thickness of the branches to help you decide what to prune. If one branch leader is getting much thicker than the surrounding branches, you may have to remove the vigorous one entirely to balance the branch. Pruning the vigorous ones and leaving the weak ones is always a good approach, in general, let them grow at least 6 pairs of new leaves before pruning, to keep the tree healthy.
For tropical trees, I would go with a Ficus microcarpa or a small leaved Schefflera . For hardy trees I would choose any tree your local garden center sells. You will find they are the easier to grow trees. Happy growing!
Christian, if its not too cold where you are, young bald cypress makes a very nice very quick simple tree. im really glad i ran into it when i was just getting started. it grows fine in regular garden soil too which is a major plus for beginning.
Does the current position of the tree have affect on roots growing along the sides of the pot? Current roots are just right to the side of the pot, won't it make the roots to rootbound or anything bad?
Most of the roots have room to grow for a while before hitting the edge of the pot. The roots that hit the edge will continue to grow around and underneath the others. They will get cut back to the radial roots with each re potting. This is no problem for the tree it will remain healthy now for many years before needing to be re potted for health reasons.
Penjing tries to capture a scene from nature and give you the feeling you are in that scene. Penjing can include rocks, people, animals, and buildings. Penjing is Chinese for "tray scenery" or :tray plant". Bonsai is the Japanese form meaning "planted in a container or pot" Bonsai does not try to give the tree a sense of surroundings, instead the focus is purely on the tree itself. The two terms bonsai and penjing do merge together when bonsai is presented as a forest. A bonsai forest to me is actually penjing, as it creates a landscape and takes the focus away from an individual tree and places the focus more on the setting. The use of moss with bonsai tree can also give a feeling of the trees surroundings. This is also going towards penjing, rather than the focus being just on the tree as bonsai.
Not too well, it has gotten rust disease and much of it is dying. The left side is still vigorous and growing well, but the main part of the tree is dying off. Very sad.
Thanks for all of the detailed info and updates at the end... well made Nigel! did you take photography lessons? good job in camera angles, editing, etc.
Nigel Saunders you're very entertaining to watch...enough info but not an overdose. Is there a video tour of your greenhouse showcasing all of the bonsais? keep it up champ!
I like that you don't over explain and babble like others do. Straight to the point, good voice energy, enough details and I specially like the quick "update" on another tree at the end. Do you have a video tour of your Bonsai stock as an "quick look"?
do you ever wire your roots into the pot for better stability Nigel? I'm always worried about wire marks in future root flare. is it more of a case by case basis.
I don't wire my trees into the pots, I prefer to place stones on the surface to hold the tree in place until the roots have grown enough to stabilize the tree. This usually doesn't take too long, 3 to 4 weeks at the most. I like to feel how the tree wiggles as I am working the soil into the root base, and as you say, you can get some nasty wire marks on your surface roots. If you intend on bending large branches or have a problem with animals digging up your trees, wiring the tree in place may be a good option!
Do you think it would be difficult to have my ficus benjamina styled in this way? The tree kind of lends itself to it already which is nice but not sure how the species would do? May I have your thoughts??
Would right now be an ideal time if it were like in the 50°'s for a few weeks, to collect trees outside and put them in pots? Would they survive? I'm in NJ
Maybe, I'm always worried about the weather in early spring, today is warm, but it is going to drop on the weekend to very cold. I think anytime the ground has thawed is a good time to collect. The best time is just before the leaves come out. Collecting trees is never a sure thing, a good root system on the tree is very important to it's survival.
Nigel Saunders Would it be a good idea to pot them and then bring them into the plant room to start growing early and see if they survive? My plant room is at a current 60°-65° at the moment so it wouldn't be too much of a temperature shock. I actually have my Mimosa tree in there and it started growing early which is cool it's like the spring before spring as you say haha
Hi Nigel so I have a serissa dwarf snow rose it's about the size of the small one u cut down I only paid 3 dollars for it and got a nice pot for it too that said I trimmed some off it and it sat for 2 weeks I just repot it in the new pot I had to doctor the roots that had to go not to bad tho and now it's been a few days in new pot and it's looking sick drupie and kinda yellow it's been watered what did I do to my poor plant?
I think you need to increase the humidity around the plant, try a clear plastic bag with ventilation holes in it, and place it around the tree. Keep it in bright, but not direct sunlight, as the temperature could get too high inside the bag. Mist the tree a couple of times per day and only water when the soil begins to dry out a little. Hopefully the tree will recover!
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thank u for ur input sir I will try this I live in Maryland and it's been getting down to the mid to high 40F u really inspire me to bonsai and I just love it now my children have seen the work I've done over the past few weeks and they are in love too lol we r going to go hiking this weekend and see if we can't find any Kool trees for them to bonsai thanks alot sir what u do is magic
I have an acorn seedling that has about 4-5 leaves on it. Its been growing on a shady balcony with sun until about 11am. When should i move it to full sun? Or should i at all?
I would move it to a sunnier location, it will help keep the tree compact and will speed up the growth, if watered and fertilized well. I would begin to move it any time if the leaves are out. I would also try and identify the species and check into the ideal growing conditions. Some Oaks like dry conditions, here is an article.... homeguides.sfgate.com/conditions-oak-trees-70839.html
Here in Venezuela they grow HUGE!, rain trees are nice trees for bonsai but there is too few documentation about them, another nice tree that could look very alike maple trees are the tabebuia trees (plus they blossom as sakura trees) but again there is not a proper theory on how to care about them to transform them into bonsai.
siri have a question i live in a place where temperature reaches to 40 C in summer, can i use water retaining cristals in soil to hold the moisture a lill longer ?
It is best to start with inexpensive trees or free ones if you can find them. You can choose tropical, semi tropical or hardy trees. You will need a table or bench for your trees, a rain barrel, watering can and some basic pruning tools. Then just keep trying and learning all you can from books, blogs and videos!
Hey man, my wifes dad happens to have a lot of Maples sprouting in his front yard and he normally mows them down with a lawnmower but I happened to pull a few of them to start. Normal soil should be good for now?
I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I add 10 to 20 percent composted pine or fir bark also. All the materials are sifted to a 3 to 4 mm particle size. You will need to watch the watering and fertilizing carefully, as it will dry out quickly on a hot summer day!
I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface, to this I add 10 to 20 percent composted pine or fir bark. All materials are sifted to get a 3 to 4 mm (1/8") particle size. I generally re pot every two years, but this depends on the tree and the stage of the roots. If I have a tree that needs a lot of root correction, I will re pot every year. If the surface roots are established, the tree can go longer without re potting. This soil needs to be fertilized often as it contains little organic matter.
I dont get it . All my Bonsais are healthy and happy. But as soon I Buy a serissa and repot it it drys out within 2to 3 days ... What are you doing to keep them alive ?
It's my plant room, it's always nice and warm and humid. It feels like a tropical rain forest in it. I can mist my trees and two hours later they will still have water droplets on them. In the summer I have the greenhouse which does the same job. You may have to get one of those indoor window greenhouses with a grow light for warmth and a fan to circulate the air. I believe Hong in our club grows his in a mini greenhouse in winter. You can check with him on Face Book, he answers all the questions regularly! The Face Book link is on the channel home page.
Nigel Saunders I have all my bonsai in a humidity tray under a 50W Led Plantlight. I thought that was enough. Is the serissa realy that specific when it comes to climate ? I have next to it a chinese elm a few citrus , ficus, etc. all happy .
Here is a quote from bonsai boy.... It is not difficult to maintain as bonsai, but is very fussy. It responds adversely by dropping leaves if over-watered, under-watered, if it's too cold, too hot, or even if just moved to a new location. The plant usually grows back to health when put back to better conditions. It may be that the tree came from a greenhouse and that the change in temperature and humidity causes leaf drop. It may be that the tree will will put out new leaves after a while. If the tree is bare rooted and re potted, it will need high humidity for sure to recover. After the roots have re grown, the care can be more normal, like your ficus, citrus and elm.
Nigel Saunders Thank you for your advice. I will wait what it does and hope it will come back. Fun Fact is that it doesn't drop its leaves it just dryes out and looks odd. But all the leaves stay where they were.
Hi I am new to growing bonsai. I have a small black olive bonsai. It has these brownish spots all over the leaves and the leaves keep dying and falling off. Is this a desease? How can I correct this problem if it is possible or is it a lost cause? Thanks.
My Serissa gets a natural period of dormancy in fall. The temperature drops to a point where the tree grows very little until I bring it inside before the first frost. Once inside, the tree starts to grow again through the winter and really starts to grow well in spring when the days get longer.It will go outside again for the summer in about another month.
The tree is indoors for the winter and it naturally gets lower light and cooler temperatures in the plant room. I don't believe they need dormancy and I don't give it a rest period on purpose, it's just the natural conditions of a Canadian winter!
I live in Quebec Near Montreal so I know alot about winter. I ask about dormancy because I've built a small green house for my ficus, benjamina, salicaria and microcarpa and the temp is between 25 and 33 degree celsius all winter long. I have read on some french bonsaï site that they need dormancy in winter. Maybe I could send you some pics of my mini green house. Sorry for my pour english.
hey nigel! today i got a gift from my local bonsai store. i have seeds from the Albizza distachya syn. lophata, also called as yellow akazie...if u want i can send you some seeds for your african landscapes...greetz tom
It would be best to try and buy a small plant or start one from a cutting. They can be found in nurseries where bonsai is sold and sometimes department stores or malls. If you can't find a small tree, you can also start one from seeds....... www.aliexpress.com/store/product/1bag-100pcs-serissa-seeds-JAPANESE-mini-flower-tree-snow-like-seeds-potted-plant-bonsai-decoration-home/1955140_32638478970.html
I only have one Japanese maple and it's not much of a tree yet. I have several native red and silver maples. Japanese maples are expensive and hard to keep alive with our cold winters. I am trying to find some to add to my collection, hopefully soon.
have we seen your silver maples yet? i have one ordered for the spring. id love to see you speak about them a bit. maybe in an update on your red maples ;) looking forward to updates on those either way^^
I think it was from a children's gardening kit from 25 years ago. I can't find another one like it. Check out this bonsai root rake.... www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Joshua-Roth-Stainless-Professional/dp/B000X9P4ZY
haha shiiiit u grow weed too? that's so cool man. You plants are all fucking beautiful, good vibes and mad love to you, that ficus is fucking mind blowing btw.
I can tell you! It was started from a small cutting about 18 years ago. I think I got the cutting from Eldon, one of the founders of our bonsai society.
Ok I took a picture of my dwarf orange tree i cut a bunch off of it last fall im wanting a more rounded good looking tree id like to show u but it won't let me pist pics on here I don't guess
Just came across a tree today witch reminded me of yours Serissa, despite all the diferences the trunk movement reminded me of yours: ibb.co/gQ8QY5 Thank you very much for sharing during all these time such inspiring videos full of precious information. Best wishes from Portugal and congratulations on your tree collection.
soo much attention to details... wow!! the way you handle the trees, you look like a doctor Nigel... and u use the words "the next operation" it confirms ur a doctor, to me...!!! :-) :-) :-)
I love the tiny one.. shez soooo cute...!!!♥♥♥
Thanks Helen, there may be a doctor in the house soon, my daughter is off to medical school this fall. It will seem a little more empty around the house, luckily I have two more younger ones!
Awww... that's so sweet....! Advance congratulations! No worries, count me too.... :-)
I admire these trees so much. I have tried working with Serissa several times and they die on me at the slightest provocation. Sometimes I think they just die from being looked at.Thank you for everything I've learned from watching your videos. I'm very grateful.
alex colon I repot mine and it's dying now maybe it's just adjusting
Absolutely stunning tree. watching the growth and development has been amazing. Having grown up in Canada, but being born in South Africa, you have not only inspired me to bring my roots into my home but also have provided the courage to bonsai in such a cold climate! thank you so much for the motivation and encouragement to bonsai!
All I ask is for a spontaneous return of "do something green". Always provides a good smile and some secondary hounding to stay on top of things. All the best Nigel and happy planting!
Thanks Ryan, do something green, grow an African tree!
Thank you, sir! I am currently waiting for a baobab seed to show some life. A rough estimate is 2 years for the little guy to sprout. Have a great day!
I am a fan of this creation, my friend, who already presents a beautiful Nebari, is very original
And it was only possible because of its great sensitivity with plants, congratulations
Thank you! I hope I can get my Acacia trees to look like this some day also.
Its really beautifull, iam allot in africa and you really got the right form, looking at it, it makes me homesick!
Thank you, a very nice compliment! I can't wait to landscape the planting!
This i my favorite plant of yours. I really think it is magnificent. The bark is gnarly and the canopy looks great! The zebra looked cute there also! Cant wait for more videos on it. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Caspar, I'll have to stat looking around for a larger pot to fit both trees in some day, I'll also add a third tree.
I'm going back and watching all your past video's. Your trees have come along way. Well on to the next one. Lol I've been watching all your old videos for the past week. 👍
Thanks, it is interesting to see the trees progression over the years!
@@TheBonsaiZone yes it's pretty awesome. I guess I need to take some pictures so that if my trees make lol I can look back to see what little progress I've made if any lol.
The taper and the ramification on the main tree looks very good Nigel! Really impressive! They look
healthy and happy.
Thank you Eliott, the tree has come a long way in the last few years!
Good to see the update on the savanna-styled serissa! I look forward to the addition of the other one.
I'll have to keep my eyes open for another larger flat oval pot. Maybe I should be buying lottery tickets!
Nigel Saunders potbonsaiquebec.com have good bonsaï pot for a good price.
Thank you, you are right, nice pots, nice prices!
I like the ramification of branches and roots you have achieved on this tree, Nigel. Thanks for the referral too :-)
Thank you Vinny, can't wait for your next video!
That root over temple design is quite striking, I like it quite a lot. Love your vids
Thank you Khardaris! I will be doing an update to this soon!
Stumbled onto your channel recently and am just loving it! I hope to start some bonsai of my own in the next year, probably dwarf schefflera, and I feel very equipped after watching so many of your walk-throughs. I'm a visual artist myself, and your methodical explanations for everything you do as you work actually reminds me of art school and really helps me understand this approach to the craft. I bet I'm not the only person watching who enjoys trying to guess where you'll make your cuts before you make them.. ;) Cheers, and thanks!!
Thanks and good luck on your bonsai adventures!
Very detailed...Its great to listen to you work and make decisions...Thanks for sharing...
Man I love this tree it’s amazing. Looking forward to more updates
Thank you Aidan, it has come a long way in the last 4 years!
So enjoy watching you work on your root structures. Very nice as always Nigel :)
Thank you Jim, I can't wait to expose them and do some landscaping!
great videos man keep it up, I got my own serissa a week ago and its been my first and most favourite bonsai.
Good to here, they are really nice trees!
Nigel,I know I don't have to tell you tree is beautiful but the tree is beautiful 😊
O'Neil 🌴✌🏾
Thank you, I'm getting spring fever here, but it just keeps on snowing!
Nigel Saunders, ya we're expecting a storm today and tomorrow. Winter-peg.
O'Neil 🌴✌🏾
amazing channel..every video its a pleasure to watch! BRAVO!!
Thank you, lots more to come!
Hello Mr. Saunders!
I love the updates at the end. Thanks for the video.
Thanks David, good to hear!
hello sir. this tree is the most tree that i love. beautiful form and nice lanscape
Thank you Thang, it come a long way from a small cutting!
Liked your recent video on your Serissa. Great how you spend time explaining options to consider before moving forward, and this seems to be your approach with most of your videos. This video reminded me to ask you where you go to get all the cool bonsai containers and also your miniature African animals that you use in some of your plantings. I live in Brantford and there is nothing in this area. Thanks for all the great educational videos as they are so helpful to me. Eric
Hello Eric, I usually get my bonsai pots at bonsai shows. There is a good club near you....
www.bonsairbg.com/wp/
Pots can be found at some garden centers, Belgium nurseries near Waterloo has some. The animals are from TSC stores, they are made by Schenck. They can be found in many toy stores also.
Nigel, Thank you so much for responding so quickly to my request for sources. I shall follow up on them. Very much appreciated given your hectic schedule. Eric
wow Nigel this one looks fantastic !!
Thank you Keni!
hi..I'm from india .. i watch almost all your videos and get inspired... i tried something different.. i put a ficus benjamina seeding in water and feed it NPK fertilizer... it's doing well.now it's almost 2and half month old... i wish to see you working and giving some tips on water bonsai.
Check out Vinny's channel, he has the best channel for starting cuttings in water!
th-cam.com/users/VinnyChirayilvideos
yeah i watch his channel...but he grows cuttings in water then he starts hybridponic or puts the cutting in soil.. i am trying to make it hydroponic.... anyways thank you and i love all your works and again it inspires me a lot... i have started some bonsai... i want to share some photos of those trees with you
I have started many ficus cuttings by placing the cutting in a pot with bonsai soil, leaving it in full sun and just watering it like all my other trees. I have only been able to do this in summer when it's warm outside. My email is....
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
nice work and i like your tree root system , Sir plz show your plants humidity room in next video i want to prepare one room like you thank you
Great plant! Miss your conservation message at the end - seems like your trademark to me.
Thanks, I was thinking of starting a new message at the end, maybe a proverb.
Nigel, I was wandering if you could potentially do a video on a variety of trees that in your opinion are good for creating bonsai
Thanks I'll try and include this!
Hello .. l love the style of your bonsai ... Soon i will be trying to make same - on Bougainvillea plant
She's coming along quite nicely, Nigel.
Thanks Durand, it's interesting to look back just three years ago and see how much it has changed!
root base looks great Nigel.
Thank you, the roots were rather tame this potting!
some trampled root scars may be appropriate for this scene ^^
looks so good Nigel.
Thank you Dubsy!
Great work. I think the trunk of the old serissa got quite thicker since the last video.
Yes it's growing very well so far, I sure hope it gets through this re pot without any troubles, you know how I like to worry!
Love it Nigel. 3rd.
Thank you for sharing.Good tree. Thank you very much.
Thank you!
This tree is coming into its own now, good styling.
Thanks. I'm wondering if the canopy is getting too wide at the moment, I'll have to study some pictures of the trees in nature.
how do you fertilize your trees??
I use a powdered 20-20-20 (with micro nutrients). I mix a pinch into every 2 litre watering can full, and water and fertilize the trees , every time they need watering. This gives them a constant very small amount of fertilizer. The only trees I don't fertilize are the young seedlings and in spring, the pines. I start to fertilize the pines mid summer.
Nigel Saunders please make a video on fertilizing plants..
Hello Nigel, as spring is coming and my trees are starting to grow I wondered how I should approach my serissa foetida. I cannot decide between letting it grow to obtain strength or if I should prune it to keep the leaf notes closer together. I think I should prune the strong growing top often und leave the weaker branches down below alone. What do you think? How should I treat more refined branches different than younger branches?
I would always check the thickness of the branches to help you decide what to prune. If one branch leader is getting much thicker than the surrounding branches, you may have to remove the vigorous one entirely to balance the branch. Pruning the vigorous ones and leaving the weak ones is always a good approach, in general, let them grow at least 6 pairs of new leaves before pruning, to keep the tree healthy.
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Thank you for the advice. It helped me a lot.
Wow Nigel. Amazing trees. I've recently gotten interested into bonsais, but I'm not sure what I should start with! Any ideas?
For tropical trees, I would go with a Ficus microcarpa or a small leaved Schefflera . For hardy trees I would choose any tree your local garden center sells. You will find they are the easier to grow trees.
Happy growing!
Christian, if its not too cold where you are, young bald cypress makes a very nice very quick simple tree. im really glad i ran into it when i was just getting started. it grows fine in regular garden soil too which is a major plus for beginning.
Does the current position of the tree have affect on roots growing along the sides of the pot? Current roots are just right to the side of the pot, won't it make the roots to rootbound or anything bad?
Most of the roots have room to grow for a while before hitting the edge of the pot. The roots that hit the edge will continue to grow around and underneath the others. They will get cut back to the radial roots with each re potting. This is no problem for the tree it will remain healthy now for many years before needing to be re potted for health reasons.
Wow! Beautiful, nice work. I need your guidance in bonsai plantation
If you have any questions, you can email me at
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
Hi, Nigel! Very good root system this tree! Tell me how much time has passed since the last transplant?
It was last re potted 2 1/2 years ago.
Hi Nigel, what are the differences between penjing and bonsai?
Penjing tries to capture a scene from nature and give you the feeling you are in that scene. Penjing can include rocks, people, animals, and buildings. Penjing is Chinese for "tray scenery" or :tray plant". Bonsai is the Japanese form meaning "planted in a container or pot" Bonsai does not try to give the tree a sense of surroundings, instead the focus is purely on the tree itself. The two terms bonsai and penjing do merge together when bonsai is presented as a forest. A bonsai forest to me is actually penjing, as it creates a landscape and takes the focus away from an individual tree and places the focus more on the setting. The use of moss with bonsai tree can also give a feeling of the trees surroundings. This is also going towards penjing, rather than the focus being just on the tree as bonsai.
Amazing tree!!! Congratulations...
Hello! Nice video full of information, thanks to share Sr. :)
Thank you JC!
How Is the Apple bonsai doing?
Not too well, it has gotten rust disease and much of it is dying. The left side is still vigorous and growing well, but the main part of the tree is dying off. Very sad.
Aww, that's a shame to hear :(
Thanks for all of the detailed info and updates at the end... well made Nigel! did you take photography lessons? good job in camera angles, editing, etc.
Thanks, It's all just self taught, I just try and get a little better each video.
Nigel Saunders you're very entertaining to watch...enough info but not an overdose. Is there a video tour of your greenhouse showcasing all of the bonsais? keep it up champ!
I like that you don't over explain and babble like others do. Straight to the point, good voice energy, enough details and I specially like the quick "update" on another tree at the end. Do you have a video tour of your Bonsai stock as an "quick look"?
Just found your channel and find it interesting. Do you happen to know the T.D.S of your rain water?
I tried to find the numbers, but no luck.
do you ever wire your roots into the pot for better stability Nigel? I'm always worried about wire marks in future root flare. is it more of a case by case basis.
I don't wire my trees into the pots, I prefer to place stones on the surface to hold the tree in place until the roots have grown enough to stabilize the tree. This usually doesn't take too long, 3 to 4 weeks at the most. I like to feel how the tree wiggles as I am working the soil into the root base, and as you say, you can get some nasty wire marks on your surface roots. If you intend on bending large branches or have a problem with animals digging up your trees, wiring the tree in place may be a good option!
Hey Nigel, where did you get your small root rake? I really like it.
It was purchased 25 years ago in a second hand store. It was sold as a children's indoor gardening kit. I have never seen another like it anywhere!
fishead 2925
You can find some root rakes that are kind of similar on amazon by searching "root rakes"
VibeReviews thanks, I'll check that out.
Do you think it would be difficult to have my ficus benjamina styled in this way? The tree kind of lends itself to it already which is nice but not sure how the species would do? May I have your thoughts??
Yes this is a good natural style for a ficus tree. You may want to round the top a little more, but I have seen many full size trees in this form.
Would right now be an ideal time if it were like in the 50°'s for a few weeks, to collect trees outside and put them in pots? Would they survive? I'm in NJ
Maybe, I'm always worried about the weather in early spring, today is warm, but it is going to drop on the weekend to very cold. I think anytime the ground has thawed is a good time to collect. The best time is just before the leaves come out. Collecting trees is never a sure thing, a good root system on the tree is very important to it's survival.
Nigel Saunders
Would it be a good idea to pot them and then bring them into the plant room to start growing early and see if they survive? My plant room is at a current 60°-65° at the moment so it wouldn't be too much of a temperature shock. I actually have my Mimosa tree in there and it started growing early which is cool it's like the spring before spring as you say haha
I think that would be a good idea until the real spring comes, maybe just put them outside on nice days.
What kind of soil do you use for the Bouzainzai tree or the type of white and black stones?
Hi Nigel so I have a serissa dwarf snow rose it's about the size of the small one u cut down I only paid 3 dollars for it and got a nice pot for it too that said I trimmed some off it and it sat for 2 weeks I just repot it in the new pot I had to doctor the roots that had to go not to bad tho and now it's been a few days in new pot and it's looking sick drupie and kinda yellow it's been watered what did I do to my poor plant?
I think you need to increase the humidity around the plant, try a clear plastic bag with ventilation holes in it, and place it around the tree. Keep it in bright, but not direct sunlight, as the temperature could get too high inside the bag. Mist the tree a couple of times per day and only water when the soil begins to dry out a little. Hopefully the tree will recover!
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thank u for ur input sir I will try this I live in Maryland and it's been getting down to the mid to high 40F u really inspire me to bonsai and I just love it now my children have seen the work I've done over the past few weeks and they are in love too lol we r going to go hiking this weekend and see if we can't find any Kool trees for them to bonsai thanks alot sir what u do is magic
Thanks, have a great hike!
I have an acorn seedling that has about 4-5 leaves on it. Its been growing on a shady balcony with sun until about 11am. When should i move it to full sun? Or should i at all?
I would move it to a sunnier location, it will help keep the tree compact and will speed up the growth, if watered and fertilized well. I would begin to move it any time if the leaves are out. I would also try and identify the species and check into the ideal growing conditions. Some Oaks like dry conditions, here is an article....
homeguides.sfgate.com/conditions-oak-trees-70839.html
Nigel Saunders this is why i tell everyone your my favorite TH-camr
hi, nice work & vid, what is the composition of your bonsaï soil ?
thx :)
12:23
JeanSec Please, what did he said? Half perlite an half ....??? Sorry but i don't speak English Gracias
Turface
How is it that you can get away with trimming the roots so much and having a big foliage and the tree not dying?
You should do a bonsai inspired on Albizia saman, that tree often grows naturally on this umbrella form.
Here in Venezuela they grow HUGE!, rain trees are nice trees for bonsai but there is too few documentation about them, another nice tree that could look very alike maple trees are the tabebuia trees (plus they blossom as sakura trees) but again there is not a proper theory on how to care about them to transform them into bonsai.
siri have a question i live in a place where temperature reaches to 40 C in summer, can i use water retaining cristals in soil to hold the moisture a lill longer ?
I haven't any experience with them, here is an article that might help...
www.orchidee-facile.com/en/content/14-plantes-mode-d-emploi
i have read it . and i think i will be using a test a normal plant first not a tree of my collection . thank u sir
I'm interested in starting one of these trees.
Where do I even start?
It is best to start with inexpensive trees or free ones if you can find them. You can choose tropical, semi tropical or hardy trees. You will need a table or bench for your trees, a rain barrel, watering can and some basic pruning tools. Then just keep trying and learning all you can from books, blogs and videos!
Hey man, my wifes dad happens to have a lot of Maples sprouting in his front yard and he normally mows them down with a lawnmower but I happened to pull a few of them to start. Normal soil should be good for now?
Me podría decir que sustrato utilizas. Gracias
I could say that substrate you use. Thank
I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I add 10 to 20 percent composted pine or fir bark also. All the materials are sifted to a 3 to 4 mm particle size. You will need to watch the watering and fertilizing carefully, as it will dry out quickly on a hot summer day!
Teacher, in a bonsai with so little substrate, how many times a year do you change this substrate and what type is it?........ Thanks
I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface, to this I add 10 to 20 percent composted pine or fir bark. All materials are sifted to get a 3 to 4 mm (1/8") particle size. I generally re pot every two years, but this depends on the tree and the stage of the roots. If I have a tree that needs a lot of root correction, I will re pot every year. If the surface roots are established, the tree can go longer without re potting. This soil needs to be fertilized often as it contains little organic matter.
Thank you teacher, what kind of fertilizer recommends, how many times a month.
Hey Nigel can you do a live stream of root raking a tree you need to repot
I don't have any device to do a live stream, but I'm sure more re potting videos will be coming!
Is it safe do take out that much roots
I dont get it .
All my Bonsais are healthy and happy. But as soon I Buy a serissa and repot it it drys out within 2to 3 days ...
What are you doing to keep them alive ?
It's my plant room, it's always nice and warm and humid. It feels like a tropical rain forest in it. I can mist my trees and two hours later they will still have water droplets on them. In the summer I have the greenhouse which does the same job. You may have to get one of those indoor window greenhouses with a grow light for warmth and a fan to circulate the air. I believe Hong in our club grows his in a mini greenhouse in winter. You can check with him on Face Book, he answers all the questions regularly! The Face Book link is on the channel home page.
Nigel Saunders I have all my bonsai in a humidity tray under a 50W Led Plantlight. I thought that was enough. Is the serissa realy that specific when it comes to climate ?
I have next to it a chinese elm a few citrus , ficus, etc. all happy .
Here is a quote from bonsai boy....
It is not difficult to maintain as bonsai, but is very fussy. It responds adversely by dropping leaves if over-watered, under-watered, if it's too cold, too hot, or even if just moved to a new location. The plant usually grows back to health when put back to better conditions.
It may be that the tree came from a greenhouse and that the change in temperature and humidity causes leaf drop. It may be that the tree will will put out new leaves after a while. If the tree is bare rooted and re potted, it will need high humidity for sure to recover. After the roots have re grown, the care can be more normal, like your ficus, citrus and elm.
Nigel Saunders Thank you for your advice. I will wait what it does and hope it will come back. Fun Fact is that it doesn't drop its leaves it just dryes out and looks odd. But all the leaves stay where they were.
Hi I am new to growing bonsai. I have a small black olive bonsai. It has these brownish spots all over the leaves and the leaves keep dying and falling off. Is this a desease? How can I correct this problem if it is possible or is it a lost cause? Thanks.
Check this out Tim, I think it has the answers.....
www.oliveoilsource.com/page/disease-control
Beautiful Nigel
Thank you Carolan!
Do you give a period of dormancy to your serissa?
My Serissa gets a natural period of dormancy in fall. The temperature drops to a point where the tree grows very little until I bring it inside before the first frost. Once inside, the tree starts to grow again through the winter and really starts to grow well in spring when the days get longer.It will go outside again for the summer in about another month.
Nigel Saunders thanks, just start a cutting.
Good luck with your cutting!
The tree is indoors for the winter and it naturally gets lower light and cooler temperatures in the plant room. I don't believe they need dormancy and I don't give it a rest period on purpose, it's just the natural conditions of a Canadian winter!
I live in Quebec Near Montreal so I know alot about winter. I ask about dormancy because I've built a small green house for my ficus, benjamina, salicaria and microcarpa and the temp is between 25 and 33 degree celsius all winter long. I have read on some french bonsaï site that they need dormancy in winter. Maybe I could send you some pics of my mini green house. Sorry for my pour english.
hey nigel! today i got a gift from my local bonsai store.
i have seeds from the Albizza distachya syn. lophata, also called as yellow akazie...if u want i can send you some seeds for your african landscapes...greetz tom
Hello Tom, I would love some seeds, can you email me at.....
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
Thanks!!!!
how would I go about getting one of these trees? or is there seeds to start these out with?
It would be best to try and buy a small plant or start one from a cutting. They can be found in nurseries where bonsai is sold and sometimes department stores or malls. If you can't find a small tree, you can also start one from seeds.......
www.aliexpress.com/store/product/1bag-100pcs-serissa-seeds-JAPANESE-mini-flower-tree-snow-like-seeds-potted-plant-bonsai-decoration-home/1955140_32638478970.html
Ok, thanks for the info
Is birch a hard tree to make a bonsai of?
It can be more challenging than other trees, but it can be done! Here is a good article....
www.bonsaibasho.com/micromarket/#/library/library/a189
beautifull work sir
Thank you Sanwal
sir your video is very helpful to me. would you like to show your pine tree update sir?
An update will be coming this spring. The tree is outside and dormant at the moment.
sir, i don't see any Maple tree on your gallery ?
I only have one Japanese maple and it's not much of a tree yet. I have several native red and silver maples. Japanese maples are expensive and hard to keep alive with our cold winters. I am trying to find some to add to my collection, hopefully soon.
have we seen your silver maples yet? i have one ordered for the spring. id love to see you speak about them a bit. maybe in an update on your red maples ;) looking forward to updates on those either way^^
Where did you get your bonsai rake?
I cant find one made of sturdy metal. my plastic one broke :(
I think it was from a children's gardening kit from 25 years ago. I can't find another one like it. Check out this bonsai root rake....
www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Joshua-Roth-Stainless-Professional/dp/B000X9P4ZY
Hi Nigel how are your guava doing?
They are growing really well, I have to make a video on them soon, the seedlings need to be re potted!
why dnt u do plants with root over rock style
It is very hard to find nice miniature looking rocks around here. Maybe if I find the right stones I'll tackle this style.
Nigel Saunders u can make some with broken bricks and portland cement mixed with sand
Very nice tree :)
Thank you Ana!
haha shiiiit u grow weed too? that's so cool man.
You plants are all fucking beautiful, good vibes and mad love to you, that ficus is fucking mind blowing btw.
can someone estimate how old this tree is?
I can tell you! It was started from a small cutting about 18 years ago. I think I got the cutting from Eldon, one of the founders of our bonsai society.
Nigel Saunders alright!! thanks a lot for the reply!
Where can i get the seeds?
I haven't seen seeds for sale, but they grow really easily from cuttings and you can find Serissa bonsai in many stores.
How old is this.
I think it is almost 19 years old, it was started from a small cutting.
I need to see your updates on lemon an orange treesplz
I'll be doing an update soon, they are all doing well!
Ok I took a picture of my dwarf orange tree i cut a bunch off of it last fall im wanting a more rounded good looking tree id like to show u but it won't let me pist pics on here I don't guess
Muito. lindo. Parabéns
No wires?
I don't wire my trees into the pots, the wire can leave nasty marks on the roots.
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone i meant on the branches? Just bought one yesterday.
wonderful
Thank you Alvin, the tree is growing again and it will be time for some landscaping soon!
ตรงจุดครับผม😮พื้นที่ทรงกลม/ทรงสี่เหลี่ยม/ทรงวงรี/ทรงแปดเหลี่ยม/ทรงสามเหลี่ยม😮พื้นที่ตอบขนาดการใช้งานนะครับผม😮ใช้งานได้ไหม?❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You forgot to add "do something green today" :)
I'm going to add a proverb at the end, with a green message in future.
first!
Just came across a tree today witch reminded me of yours Serissa, despite all the diferences the trunk movement reminded me of yours: ibb.co/gQ8QY5
Thank you very much for sharing during all these time such inspiring videos full of precious information.
Best wishes from Portugal and congratulations on your tree collection.
That does look like my Serissa trunk! Thank you Claudio!