I did the same thing. I ate a grapefruit, planted the seed, and its been about 7 months now. I am growing it also as a Bonsai, and I am so glad I came across this video Thank you for sharing.
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone question. if I plant it in a bonsai pot, how do I keep it short from growing to tall? do I have to cut the top down. should I wait a few years when it's taller? still new to bonsai.
I also have a grapefruit, 3 years old - started from seed, that I am growing as a bonsai. I love that you have a tree this old. Thank you for your videos, keep it going!
Mr. Saunders, I was introduced to your channel yesterday. I am 53 yr. old and never started Bonsia even though I love every aspect of Bonsia. I'm a hands on person as I've been a welder and woodworker all of my life. I've not h ad much off an opportunity to express my artistic side with my craft, and at my age now I am very interested in learning more about my artistic self. your channel has given me another nudge towards that. Thank you, and I'm looking forward to becoming a regular student of yours...
Thank you Brady, you'll have to try making some wooden framed pots for your trees! You can see them in this video, I just use an ordinary seed tray and create an Oak frame around it.... th-cam.com/video/UH5o1u7_PM0/w-d-xo.html Good luck in your bonsai adventures, it is a very rewarding hobby!
Do it Brady! I'm 53 and started this year. Seek out a nursery/club in your area. Maybe consider a Ficus as they grow like crazy and you can bring them in if you are in the white north. And not surprisingly Mr. Saunders is a fountain of knowledge for them. I must say though his grapefruit did kind of remind me of when my full sized ones uprooted with huricane Charlie lol.
Hi Nigel, Cool Bonsai again! your works are just inviting and joy to watch.İ have been watching your videos,since two years,and i always decided to leave a note ;but to be honest,i just left for another day.Every time,i watch i am inspired.Your simplicity and your devotion for what you do makes you different from others.Keep your steps going... Regards from Turkey.
I think it'd help us newbies out if you made a video on which and how fertilizers you use and how you mix up your soil. Great channel! I always look forward to watching your latest videos! Thanks
Nigel, I have to tell you. I have been following your videos for alot of time now. I allways look forward to every video you post. I like them A LOT!! I don't comment on them, except for one time a couple of years ago when I complained on how you shooter the videos. Since then, you have been shooting your videos wonderfully. Thank you. And thank you for your recommendations at the end of your videos, to go out and do something green. Regards from Sweden. Claudio
Great video, Nigel! Love all of your works! I can't thank you enough for all of the great information you provide for beginners, like me! I recently acquired a 20 year old Japanese Red Maple and re-potted it with very bad luck in the drainage of the soil and pot, but I watched your bonsai soil video and followed your recipe and now I believe the tree will definitely be living on for man years to come! Thanks again, Nigel!
Also, If you don't mind, I do have a question about my Maple tree. After I re-potted the tree, (which, due to the poor drainage and hard root pruning, took about 3 hours) I noticed that all of the leaves were becoming crispy and shriveled, but all of the branches are still green under the bark when I scratch them with my nail. I am hoping this is just the tree going into shock and realizing that the root system now cannot support the canopy so it is dropping its leaves in response, but I am not sure. What, if anything, may be the problem and what can/needs to be done if there is one?
Keep your tree in the shade and mist the leaves to help stop them drying out. Hard root pruning should be done in spring just before the leaves start to come out, but your tree will hopefully survive. Keep it warm and water it to keep the soil moist at all times. You may want to keep a clear plastic bag over the top of the tree, like a mini greenhouse, until new growth begins. In the shade, it should stay a good temperature under the bag, but watch it if it gets sun. It could quickly climb in temperature and kill the tree. I hope it makes it!
I'm really liking all these citrus vids you've done. I've got a 2-3 year old lemon, and a pot of mandarin orange seedlings, so it's nice to see their potential future forms! Knowing myself, I'll probably end up with even more seedgrown citrus trees as the years go by, I just love saving the seeds from them!
I`m 30 and I started my first tree 3 month ago. Although it`s winter now, it is growing right from a seed. I think that bonsai teaches you that sometimes you have to ruin everything without any doubts for something new and better. Wish me good luck :)
i could watch your videos all day mate jason here your doing life correctly mate i know exactly how you feel with your words at the end sadly not many of us around we need more people like you mate hope your well merry christmas
thank you! my youtube page and instagram are all Nigel Saunders Bonsai. Any Suggested stores in the GTA to shop for great bonsai pots? also, can you make a video on the process you use to transplant cutting, it seems to me like the success rate in doing so is low. thanks have good day!
WOW I can't belief this tree is already 20 years! Still so small and young looking. Doesn't give me high hopes with my citrus trees that I started from seeds. ^^
love the slanting style there nigel. the rock may need to become a permanent feature when the fruit starts adding to the weight. i actually like the rock...it gives the pot some balance...
I think most citrus trees are prone to that, I've had orange and lemon trees bought from the nursery and within a couple of months they were infested and even with homemade spray and off the shelf products, they all eventually died.. now to have it for 20 years... wow.
I plan on making some 3D printed pots in the future, I'm going to 3D model up some nice ornate pots for small bonsai. I can send you one in the mail. When I make the video, send me an email to.... thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com and I'll get your address.
How many do you want? we call them bodock trees down here. The ranchers used them to make fencepost out of because they don't rot. Wish I had seen this video sooner, I would have proposed a trade for some green island cuttings. Can't find one down here. I'm tired of always looking at pointy leaves. Great looking tree, thanks.
Hello Eric, I never could find seeds for sale, so I still don't have any growing yet. Here is a good video on processing the apples for seeds. Do you think if you made a slurry and let it dry out it would work? th-cam.com/video/ZMJFcnuAFZQ/w-d-xo.html
Going back enjoying your playlists on citrus as I have three one year old seedlings of lemon or if it was blood orange lol😄. And I have (had?) a 22 year grapefruit-tree that seems to be dying 😢right now so gonna study all yer citrus videos to see how I can be more careful.
the fall is a good time to harvest the fruit. dont eat it. its not very good. but if you do wanna look for some yourself travel back roads and look along old fence lines, diamond pattern bark. back in the old days they used osage as a living fence bc it grows up with many trees coming from the same spot.
I have a few baby grapefruit starts that are about a year old, my dream is to turn them into a bonsai, not sure I’ll make it this far but this gives me hope that it is possible! Best wishes
Having a good location for your tree is a must, for you are the person the tree must trust. Check them for water a couple of times a day and with some luck, you'll be on your way!
Love your videos. I live in southern California and just purchased a kumquat from a nursery - app. 2 ft high in its nursery pot. What would be the best season to start working on it to make a bonsai. I guess I should start trimming and shaping. When would be a good time in our climate to repot it and start it in a bonsai pot?
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone if you would consider messaging me on Facebook just search my name. Send me your address and I will send one to you I have a couple sitting around with no home. Unless you would prefer to make your own
Hi Nigel. Do you have any experience with avocados as bonsai. I have grown two from seed and they are about one foot tall now. I've tried to get info on when to bonsai them but all I could find was how to start them from seed. Any tips on care and pruning would be much appreciated. Cheers , Mandie , South Australia
I have grown 2 Avocado bonsai, both trees did well for a few years, but my plant room got too cold for them, both died during the winter. I'll be trying another, I do love eating Avocados! I did get to the point where I pruned one that was about three feet tall, down to 6 inches. The tree started branching well. There are a few images on the internet, but not many. Here is a general guide... homeguides.sfgate.com/can-bonsai-avocado-plant-91711.html
Hey! I got a full grape fruit tree on my property and it needs some hard pruning its about 25 foot tall probably 35 years old. I was wondering if grape fruit trees would back bud. I have to gain control of the tree its wild and it has grown to a point where I have a hard time collecting the fruits.
well. u got me hooked....I have questions can I ask few. need ur advice. what do u feed them for nutrients and how often... next. after u do a prune and root cutting and re pot, how long do u wait until u repot or manage ur root base? please help
Hello Aussie, here is my video on watering and fertilization.... th-cam.com/video/gXIIpxUqxdY/w-d-xo.html I re pot my trees when the roots have filled the pot, this can be just one year with some trees and longer with others. A root bound tree becomes difficult to water and if left too long it makes re potting very difficult. I like to manage the roots and not let them get too tangled and thick.
awesome tree. we always called the other ones ground apples.(because we always see the fruit on the ground, I suppose) never new the real name till now. Osage oranges. I am lucky enough to have one of the fruit. my wife picked it up for me on one of her many bike excursions into the country. now I just have to learn how to collect the seeds from it.
+Nigel Saunders , I am going to ask my wife where she got the Osage at. if I can get more I will try to send some to you. (if I am successful at harvesting the seeds from them, that is.)
I've just started a little grapefruit plant that I hope to bonsai. Can you explain how the process works from sprouting to bonsai? I don't wanna let the roots go too deep/wide, but I'm also afraid it will die if I try to control it.
Brilliant idea of using a rock to stabilize the tree versus wire. I used wire for one of mine before watching this and I'm worried the wire will begin to dig into the trunk. I'll have to give your method a try. Thanks! By the way how long would you say it will take before the roots will be able to keep the tree stable?
are you able to make a video about your recommended time to prune/repot your bonsia and best soil mixure? does it hurt much to repot any time, or better to do only in early spring?
Much of the correct timing depends on the type of tree. Generally spring is best for re potting, just before the leaves come out. Mid summer is the best time for tropical trees. With the proper care and careful root pruning, a tree can be re potted any time, but the risk of failure increases! The best soil mixture depends on the weather, your watering and fertilizing, the tree and the pot. Any standard bonsai soil mix is a good starting point, after that you can start to change the mix based on your experience with your root development. Check with bonsai clubs in your area and ask experienced people what they use and how they water.
Hello Nigel, I really enjoyed watching your videos. and you have inspired me to try doing some Bonsai especially from seed. I was going to try some pawpaw and boom buckeye trees because they are native to my area in Ohio. Have you seen any done as Bonsai by you? Thank you again for the wonderful videos and best regards, Benjamin
I have seen some good Buckeye bonsai, never a Pawpaw. I do see one on google images, I think. They will make some fine unique trees as bonsai, good luck with them!
hello again, Nigel. do you happen to have a japonica pieris, aka an andromeda, I think. I recently bought a beautiful one and can't find any that have been made into a bonsai. I am still fairly new to ask this and do not want to ruin such a wonderful specimen. either way, thanks for all you share
There is a bonsai forum on them.... www.bonsaitreeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?168-Pieris-japonica Also google images shows some trees, they look really nice!
+Nigel Saunders, I give up. I can't register on that forum because I, apparently, am a robot. ha-ha. I tried and tried. every time I push the "I'm not a robot" button it booted me off. there was still some good information there tho. thanks a bunch!
I could mail you some Osage Orange tree seeds if you have not ordered them yet! I live in central Texas and we call them crab-apple trees (why we do is beyond me) and the fruit, crab apple, are everywhere and the trees produce so much that they just sit and rot. Also your tree is beautiful, and I especially love the bark like you mentioned.
Thank you Josh, can you send me an email to... thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com I haven't ordered seeds yet, I have another viewer that is going to send seeds, but it would be nice to get seeds from two locations and compare the growth and look of the two. I'll keep the seeds in the fridge and make a planting video late winter. Thanks again!
Wow Nigel, that root system is a work of art! Many of your trees have great roots, but this one has to be the best example yet. I noticed you have a red maple sapling popping up near your work table, I got about 12 of them this year that just popped up from keys landing in random pots...I want to make a forest planting with them. Is your large Red Maple from such a sapling?
Yes, many of my trees are from saplings that just grow in the yard. Your red maples should make a nice forest. I have a pot of silver maples from seed, they are two years old now and will begin the bonsai journey soon!
I really love your videos. Been subscribed for maybe 2 years now. That nebari is amazing. Is it feasible to scale down the leaves and build denser branching with this grapefruit?
Yes, as the tree progresses, I'll start to concentrate on finer and finer branching. As the tree gets more leaves, they will start to reduce in size and eventually make a good looking tree.
Hello Nigel and greetings from Sweden. I just recently came across your channel and was wondering if you ever tried growing a birch tree as a bonsai? Good luck with your trees!
Hay there in Canada! I have a few question for you, generally about forming bonsai from citrus trees: 1. Is the summer\autumn good term to cutting and rerooting citrus tree? 2. What is the ideal age of tree to start cutting roots and branches and forming into bonsai (talking about citrus trees) 3. What is the best mix of soil fo citrus trees, and what is "turfus"?
Yes, re potting in summer is a good time, just keep the tree in the shade for a week or two until new roots start to grow. Root pruning can start any time. Some people cut the tip off the very first root that the tree gets after the tree is a week old. This starts the root to divide into many roots. I generally wait until the tree is a year old before doing any root work. You can start pruning the top early on after the tree has enough leaves to give the tree some energy. Always let the tree grow and then cut back. It needs energy to generate the new leaves, too much pruning and pinching will leave the tree weak and it may die. I use a mixture of turface and perlite mixed 50 -50. To this I add some sifted compost or pine bark. All material need to be sifted to get an even particle size and to eliminate small particles. Turface is a fired clay particle, similar to kitty litter, but fired at a higher temperature. It is sold as a product that cleans up oil spills in garages or for use on baseball diamonds. I get mine at a farm supply store. Your citrus tree will need fertilizing in the summer when the weather is good, in winter here I don't fertilize much because the light levels are low and the trees are almost dormant.
Just had to say.. Came here for the grapefruit info.. but had to giggle about your Osage orange comments... I am lucky enough to live in an area where we have hundreds of Osage trees. I really love them. I have my eye on some for yamadori. Did you have any luck with your seeds?
Yes the seeds grew really well last summer. I have the seedlings in the basement for the winter and with luck, they can begin season no. 2 in spring! Lots of thorns on them, but they also have a nice size leaf!
Dear Nigel, I have a lemon bonsai tree grown from a seed for around 2 years inspired from your own lemon bonsai tree, In one of your gymnosperm forest video (I don't remember the name of the tree), I heard you saying that pruning should be done after the branches are almost mature and grown out but I have been pruning like twice or thrice a month without giving it time to grow thank you for your advice and I would follow that, but my lemon tree leaves were curling due to some insect attack or something, I removed the curled leaves and I guess it is doing fine now. It is monsoon(rainy season) here in southern India after the hot summer, my tree developed new buds and I am afraid the insect would attack again could you please recommend some solutions please, may be something natural or organic if you could. Thank you💛
the gain of the mircophone was too high, or the output into the video was too high... i hear a lot of unwanted audio distortion , just saying to help the channel :)
Hey Nigel, Over the many years you have been into bonsai, have you stayed living in the same home? I want to build a homestead and have a bonsai garden too! Nature is the Best!
Thought I would mention that I don't think this tree is going to flower. Citrus need to reach a specific node count and if it is always pruned this is not possible. You need to take a cutting from a mature flowering tree and root it in order to get a flowering bonsai. Don't mean to be a party pooper but I thought it would be worth bringing to your attention.
Thanks, I do intend on growing the tree out some day when the structure is closer to the final shape. Maybe when I'm an old, old man, I'll let it flower!
please do, had one of these for along wile till a 3 month trip the care taker killd it they can be rather fickle with water either to much or to little kill them fast but the fruits it produced where so robust used t o cut them in half and use it to sweeten hibiscus tea :))
Yo uso un 50 por ciento y 50 por ciento turface perlita . Si el árbol está al aire libre en el banco , voy a añadir de 10 a 20 por ciento de material orgánico al suelo. Yo suelo usar corteza de pino compostada o compost casero. Todos los materiales se tamizaron para eliminar las partículas finas .
Just google translator at work, the first ingredient is turface. Turface is a fired clay particle, similar to cat litter, but fired at a higher temperature. They sell it to garages for cleaning up oil spills and it is also used on baseball diamonds.
I have a Juniper bonsai and I put moss on the soil. The Juniper needs sun and the moss does not. It turned yellow. I presume it's dead. Is there a way both can live harmoniously? All suggestions are appreciated.
You need to find a moss that is growing in full sun. Keep your bonsai soil very porous so it needs watering often. This will keep both the moss and the tree happy!
I've been growing fruit and pepper bearing plants plants for a couple of years now. I'm getting interested in bonsai. Why do you prune roots? How does it affect your bonsai or any other plant? I've never seen this done before.
I always let the trees gain strength and vigor before root pruning. I also keep the trees in a humid environment until they recover, usually my plant room or the greenhouse. Before I had my greenhouse I just kept the newly pruned roots deep in the pot until they recovered and then the next re potting I would slowly begin to expose them.
Nigel, I was wondering when you first trunk chopped this tree and how often since? I have a grapefruit tree that is a couple of years old and still very healthy, but I would like to encourage it to branch out and at the same time concerned that I might be premature. It is about 7 inches high at this point. Should I wait or not. I would love some feed back.
This tree has been more of removing branches and leaders rather than heavy trunk chops. The curve section of the trunk is intact from the original seedling, all the cuts have been above that point. With your grapefruit tree, I would wait fro new growth to begin and then pinch the new growth back to the first set of outward facing leaves. This should be done before the new growth extends fully. I pinch them back as soon as I can see the leaves and they are just big enough to pinch or prune. The tree will still have lots of energy and should put out new branches fairly quickly after pruning. After this, I would let the tree grow for a while, maybe 6 months to recharge it's energy levels. After this keep repeating the process. Any branches you don't like can be removed. If you want to wire the tree, it should be done while the branches are young. They will toughen up very quickly. Hope it turns into a wonderful tree!
Regular potting soil can work fine if you really watch the watering carefully and have a tall, good draining pot. The roots won't sub-divide into as fine a root system in regular soil, as they don't have all those nice airy spaces to run their roots through like they do in bonsai soil. Regular potting soil can work, but the tree will be more healthy and vigorous in bonsai soil.
hi Nigel. I just found your Channel lovin it! (I'd) I would like to ask you a question, I planted what is to my knowledge an orange or lemon seed it is now been growing for more than 4 months it's about an inch/ 1.5 inches tall with the most precious teeny tiny leaves. I'm thinking that I've happened upon starting a Bonsai but I don't know and I don't know how to upload a photograph of it to this messages textarea. Help thank you Wayne
They are a really good bonsai tree, they will shed branches, so your styling should be more of a natural style so if you loose a branch the tree will still look good. They have great fall colours and nice fine foliage. They are a invasive species and can be freely collected in many states.(with permission)
:D I was jsut wondering what type of plants you keep and how would you winter them if you do? Winter is especially harsh in canada. Thankfully it is not as harsh here in toronto. But it still hinders me from keeping certain plants.
I leave it grow and then prune it back. This process stops the formation of flower buds. When the tree gets closer to it's final shape, I'll let it grow to allow the flowers and fruit to form.
I have never had them fruit yet. I'm always pruning them and the flowers never develop. Later as the tree gets closer to the final design, I'll let them flower and fruit. I'm looking forward to seeing this!
Keep the tree in full sun in summer, then in winter keep it in as bright a spot as possible. Water the tree only when it needs it. You must allow the soil to go almost dry before watering again. Good bonsai soil will keep the roots in good shape so they don't stay wet too long. Roots need oxygen and water. Check your tree twice every day to see if it needs water.
The tree will slowly get larger over time, but I want to develop the trunk size and the overall size together. I think it would look best as a large bonsai in the end, but I don't think I'll be around to see it that size. Hopefully in my lifetime, I can get it to be a nice mature looking tree.
I have a dwarf Satsuma that I was going to toss that I've been growing in turface. I just might try using it as a bonsai. It has some interesting roots. Is it acceptable to have anything grafted to root stock in bonsai. Or does that look unnatural?
Some grafting can look good as the tree gets older, but with many, the root stock grows at a different rate than the grafted upper stock. This difference continues to get more apparent as the tree gets older. The bark can also be different in the root stock vs. the grafted section.
What is the downside (if any) by planting a tree in a large pot? I have a medium sized Azalea that is going into a fairly large pot. Would it affect the health of tree?
A large pot can hold too much moisture in the soil. A pot that is just slightly larger than the root spread allows for good root growth for a year or two. In this time the roots will fill the pot and use up all the water in the pot within a reasonable amount of time. This should allow you to water once or twice a day. This watering brings in fresh air as the water level drains through the pot. This gives the roots and the soil lots of new air daily. A pot that is too large will stay wet for too long and root growth will be slower. Fresh air won't reach the roots and your tree may begin to suffer. A tree in a larger pot can be left without re potting for longer, but growth may not be very quick or healthy, until the tree and roots grow to fill the pot. Roots should not be left without pruning and correction for too long a time or they will become a tangled mess. You may end up cutting off many of the bad roots and find yourself starting over to create a good radial root base. A good root base is important for the health and growth of the tree, the more fine growing tips, the stronger the tree will be. It is best to grow a large tree slowly, increasing the pot size every couple of years. This will keep your tree and your roots growing strongly.
Very valuable information, thanks. I will try to send you a photo of the pot and the plant, which hasn't been potted yet. Should I buy a larger plant to be able to use that particular pot?
I use 20-20-20, it is a powdered fertilizer that I add a pinch to my watering can, every time I water. I use this on all my trees. Fertilizer is a subject, just like soil, that you can research and get very scientific about. I just like to keep things simple. The 20-20-20 works well for me.
Thanks for the back story, so cool to hear about the long term commitment that goes into so many of your trees.
I did the same thing. I ate a grapefruit, planted the seed, and its been about 7 months now. I am growing it also as a Bonsai, and I am so glad I came across this video Thank you for sharing.
I hope it grows well for you! It's nice to have a story about your tree!
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone question. if I plant it in a bonsai pot, how do I keep it short from growing to tall? do I have to cut the top down. should I wait a few years when it's taller? still new to bonsai.
I also have a grapefruit, 3 years old - started from seed, that I am growing as a bonsai. I love that you have a tree this old. Thank you for your videos, keep it going!
Thanks, and good luck with your Grapefruit trees!
Mr. Saunders,
I was introduced to your channel yesterday. I am 53 yr. old and never started Bonsia even though I love every aspect of Bonsia. I'm a hands on person as I've been a welder and woodworker all of my life. I've not h ad much off an opportunity to express my artistic side with my craft, and at my age now I am very interested in learning more about my artistic self. your channel has given me another nudge towards that. Thank you, and I'm looking forward to becoming a regular student of yours...
Thank you Brady, you'll have to try making some wooden framed pots for your trees! You can see them in this video, I just use an ordinary seed tray and create an Oak frame around it....
th-cam.com/video/UH5o1u7_PM0/w-d-xo.html
Good luck in your bonsai adventures, it is a very rewarding hobby!
Do it Brady! I'm 53 and started this year. Seek out a nursery/club in your area. Maybe consider a Ficus as they grow like crazy and you can bring them in if you are in the white north. And not surprisingly Mr. Saunders is a fountain of knowledge for them. I must say though his grapefruit did kind of remind me of when my full sized ones uprooted with huricane Charlie lol.
Hi Nigel,
Cool Bonsai again!
your works are just inviting and joy to watch.İ have been watching your videos,since two years,and i always decided to leave a note ;but to be honest,i just left for another day.Every time,i watch i am inspired.Your simplicity and your devotion for what you do makes you different from others.Keep your steps going...
Regards from Turkey.
Thank for writing in Demir! Lots more to come in the future. Turkey is a beautiful country, my mother visited once and really enjoyed it.
Who would have thought that breakfast at work would lead to such a nice tree...Thanks for sharing...
I think it'd help us newbies out if you made a video on which and how fertilizers you use and how you mix up your soil. Great channel! I always look forward to watching your latest videos! Thanks
Thank you, I'll be making one on fertilizing soon.
Nigel, I have to tell you. I have been following your videos for alot of time now. I allways look forward to every video you post. I like them A LOT!! I don't comment on them, except for one time a couple of years ago when I complained on how you shooter the videos. Since then, you have been shooting your videos wonderfully. Thank you. And thank you for your recommendations at the end of your videos, to go out and do something green. Regards from Sweden. Claudio
That's incredible! And to watch over the years, knowing it came from the lone little seed you found is so cool. It's lovely.
Thank you, I'm looking forward to working on it again soon!
Great video, Nigel! Love all of your works! I can't thank you enough for all of the great information you provide for beginners, like me! I recently acquired a 20 year old Japanese Red Maple and re-potted it with very bad luck in the drainage of the soil and pot, but I watched your bonsai soil video and followed your recipe and now I believe the tree will definitely be living on for man years to come! Thanks again, Nigel!
Thanks, good to hear and good luck with your maple.
Also, If you don't mind, I do have a question about my Maple tree. After I re-potted the tree, (which, due to the poor drainage and hard root pruning, took about 3 hours) I noticed that all of the leaves were becoming crispy and shriveled, but all of the branches are still green under the bark when I scratch them with my nail. I am hoping this is just the tree going into shock and realizing that the root system now cannot support the canopy so it is dropping its leaves in response, but I am not sure. What, if anything, may be the problem and what can/needs to be done if there is one?
Keep your tree in the shade and mist the leaves to help stop them drying out. Hard root pruning should be done in spring just before the leaves start to come out, but your tree will hopefully survive. Keep it warm and water it to keep the soil moist at all times. You may want to keep a clear plastic bag over the top of the tree, like a mini greenhouse, until new growth begins. In the shade, it should stay a good temperature under the bag, but watch it if it gets sun. It could quickly climb in temperature and kill the tree. I hope it makes it!
I built a small structure out of wood and burlap so it is shaded at all times! Thanks so much for all of your advice and have a great day!
Looks great!!!! I really appreciate your diligence with the root systems of your trees!!
I'm really liking all these citrus vids you've done. I've got a 2-3 year old lemon, and a pot of mandarin orange seedlings, so it's nice to see their potential future forms! Knowing myself, I'll probably end up with even more seedgrown citrus trees as the years go by, I just love saving the seeds from them!
I like the sound of that! I'll be doing some citrus update videos soon, they are all growing and are doing well.
Cool! Lookin' forward to that. :3
It's incredible how much of Bonsai is about training roots! :)
You are nailing it with your root work Nigel, I haven't dared to as far as you do.
I`m 30 and I started my first tree 3 month ago. Although it`s winter now, it is growing right from a seed. I think that bonsai teaches you that sometimes you have to ruin everything without any doubts for something new and better. Wish me good luck :)
All the best Michael and happy growing this season!
once again.... great demo. especially liked the focus on the rootbase
i could watch your videos all day mate jason here your doing life correctly mate i know exactly how you feel with your words at the end sadly not many of us around we need more people like you mate hope your well merry christmas
Thanks Jason, have a good holiday season and a green new year!
Thanks Nigel, you always manage to inspire ;)
Thanks, Nigel! Taking a look at the stuff from the past! Looking good!
Thanks Dakota, lots more to come!
That wound on the surface roots actually looks cool as hell I think
this is so awesome, I have a similar story. My grapefruit tree is about 4 years old and I love it!
Good to hear, it will only get better!
thank you! my youtube page and instagram are all Nigel Saunders Bonsai.
Any Suggested stores in the GTA to shop for great bonsai pots? also, can you make a video on the process you use to transplant cutting, it seems to me like the success rate in doing so is low.
thanks have good day!
Its s great video Nigel ! I was actually looking for the information about roots and you have explained in such a nice manner. Thanks a lot.
WOW I can't belief this tree is already 20 years! Still so small and young looking. Doesn't give me high hopes with my citrus trees that I started from seeds. ^^
I don't even know how I found your channel but I love it, thinking about starting my own bonsai adventures.
Thank you, I think you will find it very enjoyable!
Nigel, I like your closing Environmental tips on your posts!
Thanks Michael, cheers.
That is a very lovely looking plant. And I really learnt about pruning roots
Thank you, it's all about the base!
love the slanting style there nigel. the rock may need to become a permanent feature when the fruit starts adding to the weight. i actually like the rock...it gives the pot some balance...
Please upload new video of your grapefruite bonsai... big fan here in Philippines & trying to grow grapefruite here
I have an update here at 20:45.....
th-cam.com/video/wct0uNxRVD8/w-d-xo.html
great Video Nigel I had a Grapefruit bonsai I grew from seed but it was a bug magnet especially mealy bugs
I think most citrus trees are prone to that, I've had orange and lemon trees bought from the nursery and within a couple of months they were infested and even with homemade spray and off the shelf products, they all eventually died.. now to have it for 20 years... wow.
Mine have stayed free of most insects, just scale occasionally. Hopefully they will make it another 20 years!
Nigel Sir , nice video & beautiful nebari , this tree looking Indian
lemon tree :)
I wish I had a bonsi pot , autographed by Nigel,
I plan on making some 3D printed pots in the future, I'm going to 3D model up some nice ornate pots for small bonsai. I can send you one in the mail. When I make the video, send me an email to....
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
and I'll get your address.
It's a nice video of the bonsai
I also watches your video sir☺️
How many do you want? we call them bodock trees down here. The ranchers used them to make fencepost out of because they don't rot. Wish I had seen this video sooner, I would have proposed a trade for some green island cuttings. Can't find one down here. I'm tired of always looking at pointy leaves. Great looking tree, thanks.
Hello Eric, I never could find seeds for sale, so I still don't have any growing yet. Here is a good video on processing the apples for seeds. Do you think if you made a slurry and let it dry out it would work?
th-cam.com/video/ZMJFcnuAFZQ/w-d-xo.html
we got tons of osage oranges in Chicago. Used to call the fruit Martian brains and step on them
They do look like brains! I'm looking for seeds if you ever collect some.
Nigel Saunders I'll keep yah in mind!
Going back enjoying your playlists on citrus as I have three one year old seedlings of lemon or if it was blood orange lol😄.
And I have (had?) a 22 year grapefruit-tree that seems to be dying 😢right now so gonna study all yer citrus videos to see how I can be more careful.
osage are great trees they twist and turn and branch all out. they got milky sticky sap but they are awesome.
I still don't have one yet, I will keep looking! They are such a beautiful tree!
the fall is a good time to harvest the fruit. dont eat it. its not very good. but if you do wanna look for some yourself travel back roads and look along old fence lines, diamond pattern bark. back in the old days they used osage as a living fence bc it grows up with many trees coming from the same spot.
What do you do with tropical trees from your greenhouse during winter?
Gracias Nigel, saludos
I have a few baby grapefruit starts that are about a year old, my dream is to turn them into a bonsai, not sure I’ll make it this far but this gives me hope that it is possible! Best wishes
Awesome, it's fun watching them grow!
Beautiful! Question, why did you use dirt for this instead of your normal soil? Thanks
You've really inspired me to try getting into bonsai again, Nigel! Any advice for growing trees for bonsai from seed?
Having a good location for your tree is a must, for you are the person the tree must trust. Check them for water a couple of times a day and with some luck, you'll be on your way!
You fooled me with those tats. I was going to comment :)
Love your video very interesting.
Thank you Thanh!
Love your videos. I live in southern California and just purchased a kumquat from a nursery - app. 2 ft high in its nursery pot. What would be the best season to start working on it to make a bonsai. I guess I should start trimming and shaping. When would be a good time in our climate to repot it and start it in a bonsai pot?
I know it’s only temporary but I love the inuckshuck I learned about them recently and have been making them for people👍
I would like to put a small stone one in one of my bonsai forests some day!
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone if you would consider messaging me on Facebook just search my name. Send me your address and I will send one to you I have a couple sitting around with no home. Unless you would prefer to make your own
Hi Nigel. Do you have any experience with avocados as bonsai. I have grown two from seed and they are about one foot tall now. I've tried to get info on when to bonsai them but all I could find was how to start them from seed. Any tips on care and pruning would be much appreciated. Cheers , Mandie , South Australia
I have grown 2 Avocado bonsai, both trees did well for a few years, but my plant room got too cold for them, both died during the winter. I'll be trying another, I do love eating Avocados! I did get to the point where I pruned one that was about three feet tall, down to 6 inches. The tree started branching well. There are a few images on the internet, but not many. Here is a general guide...
homeguides.sfgate.com/can-bonsai-avocado-plant-91711.html
Hey! I got a full grape fruit tree on my property and it needs some hard pruning its about 25 foot tall probably 35 years old.
I was wondering if grape fruit trees would back bud. I have to gain control of the tree its wild and it has grown to a point where I have a hard time collecting the fruits.
well. u got me hooked....I have questions can I ask few. need ur advice. what do u feed them for nutrients and how often... next. after u do a prune and root cutting and re pot, how long do u wait until u repot or manage ur root base? please help
Hello Aussie, here is my video on watering and fertilization....
th-cam.com/video/gXIIpxUqxdY/w-d-xo.html
I re pot my trees when the roots have filled the pot, this can be just one year with some trees and longer with others. A root bound tree becomes difficult to water and if left too long it makes re potting very difficult. I like to manage the roots and not let them get too tangled and thick.
awesome tree. we always called the other ones ground apples.(because we always see the fruit on the ground, I suppose) never new the real name till now. Osage oranges. I am lucky enough to have one of the fruit. my wife picked it up for me on one of her many bike excursions into the country. now I just have to learn how to collect the seeds from it.
"Ground Apple" means potato in farsi ;)
+Farid Sattari- makes sense, I've also heard them called hedge apples (the Osage, not the potato, ha ha.)
Hi Frank, could you send me an email to
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
about the seeds? Thanks!
+Nigel Saunders , I am going to ask my wife where she got the Osage at. if I can get more I will try to send some to you. (if I am successful at harvesting the seeds from them, that is.)
I've just started a little grapefruit plant that I hope to bonsai. Can you explain how the process works from sprouting to bonsai?
I don't wanna let the roots go too deep/wide, but I'm also afraid it will die if I try to control it.
Brilliant idea of using a rock to stabilize the tree versus wire. I used wire for one of mine before watching this and I'm worried the wire will begin to dig into the trunk. I'll have to give your method a try. Thanks! By the way how long would you say it will take before the roots will be able to keep the tree stable?
I leave the rocks on for a month at least. After a month the tree is rock solid in the pot.
Great, thanks for the response :) Learning a lot from your channel :)
are you able to make a video about your recommended time to prune/repot your bonsia and best soil mixure? does it hurt much to repot any time, or better to do only in early spring?
Much of the correct timing depends on the type of tree. Generally spring is best for re potting, just before the leaves come out. Mid summer is the best time for tropical trees. With the proper care and careful root pruning, a tree can be re potted any time, but the risk of failure increases! The best soil mixture depends on the weather, your watering and fertilizing, the tree and the pot. Any standard bonsai soil mix is a good starting point, after that you can start to change the mix based on your experience with your root development. Check with bonsai clubs in your area and ask experienced people what they use and how they water.
Hello Nigel,
I really enjoyed watching your videos. and you have inspired me to try doing some Bonsai especially from seed. I was going to try some pawpaw and boom buckeye trees because they are native to my area in Ohio. Have you seen any done as Bonsai by you?
Thank you again for the wonderful videos and best regards,
Benjamin
I have seen some good Buckeye bonsai, never a Pawpaw. I do see one on google images, I think. They will make some fine unique trees as bonsai, good luck with them!
hello again, Nigel. do you happen to have a japonica pieris, aka an andromeda, I think. I recently bought a beautiful one and can't find any that have been made into a bonsai. I am still fairly new to ask this and do not want to ruin such a wonderful specimen. either way, thanks for all you share
There is a bonsai forum on them....
www.bonsaitreeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?168-Pieris-japonica
Also google images shows some trees, they look really nice!
+Nigel Saunders, I give up. I can't register on that forum because I, apparently, am a robot. ha-ha. I tried and tried. every time I push the "I'm not a robot" button it booted me off. there was still some good information there tho. thanks a bunch!
I could mail you some Osage Orange tree seeds if you have not ordered them yet! I live in central Texas and we call them crab-apple trees (why we do is beyond me) and the fruit, crab apple, are everywhere and the trees produce so much that they just sit and rot. Also your tree is beautiful, and I especially love the bark like you mentioned.
Thank you Josh, can you send me an email to...
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
I haven't ordered seeds yet, I have another viewer that is going to send seeds, but it would be nice to get seeds from two locations and compare the growth and look of the two. I'll keep the seeds in the fridge and make a planting video late winter. Thanks again!
Wow Nigel, that root system is a work of art! Many of your trees have great roots, but this one has to be the best example yet.
I noticed you have a red maple sapling popping up near your work table, I got about 12 of them this year that just popped up from keys landing in random pots...I want to make a forest planting with them. Is your large Red Maple from such a sapling?
Yes, many of my trees are from saplings that just grow in the yard. Your red maples should make a nice forest. I have a pot of silver maples from seed, they are two years old now and will begin the bonsai journey soon!
I really love your videos. Been subscribed for maybe 2 years now. That nebari is amazing. Is it feasible to scale down the leaves and build denser branching with this grapefruit?
Yes, as the tree progresses, I'll start to concentrate on finer and finer branching. As the tree gets more leaves, they will start to reduce in size and eventually make a good looking tree.
I will try that I have some young lemons and orange trees .
Hello Nigel and greetings from Sweden. I just recently came across your channel and was wondering if you ever tried growing a birch tree as a bonsai? Good luck with your trees!
great video! really enjoyed it!
Hay there in Canada! I have a few question for you, generally about forming bonsai from citrus trees:
1. Is the summer\autumn good term to cutting and rerooting citrus tree? 2. What is the ideal age of tree to start cutting roots and branches and forming into bonsai (talking about citrus trees) 3. What is the best mix of soil fo citrus trees, and what is "turfus"?
Yes, re potting in summer is a good time, just keep the tree in the shade for a week or two until new roots start to grow. Root pruning can start any time. Some people cut the tip off the very first root that the tree gets after the tree is a week old. This starts the root to divide into many roots. I generally wait until the tree is a year old before doing any root work. You can start pruning the top early on after the tree has enough leaves to give the tree some energy. Always let the tree grow and then cut back. It needs energy to generate the new leaves, too much pruning and pinching will leave the tree weak and it may die. I use a mixture of turface and perlite mixed 50 -50. To this I add some sifted compost or pine bark. All material need to be sifted to get an even particle size and to eliminate small particles. Turface is a fired clay particle, similar to kitty litter, but fired at a higher temperature. It is sold as a product that cleans up oil spills in garages or for use on baseball diamonds. I get mine at a farm supply store. Your citrus tree will need fertilizing in the summer when the weather is good, in winter here I don't fertilize much because the light levels are low and the trees are almost dormant.
I use lemon tree leaves for cooking . No need to thrown that lovely fragrance away?
I think I'll try making a tea from them next time, I had always thought they were poisonous, but I looked it up and they are quite safe! Thanks!
God I hope I age as gracefully as Nigel.
Just had to say.. Came here for the grapefruit info.. but had to giggle about your Osage orange comments... I am lucky enough to live in an area where we have hundreds of Osage trees. I really love them. I have my eye on some for yamadori. Did you have any luck with your seeds?
Yes the seeds grew really well last summer. I have the seedlings in the basement for the winter and with luck, they can begin season no. 2 in spring! Lots of thorns on them, but they also have a nice size leaf!
Do you have any grapes bonsai? Wine grape. I started from cutting . Just repotted the rooted cutting. I donno what to do next.
I don't and I've always wanted to grow one! Maybe in the future with the new greenhouse!
I see. Thanx any ways. I will gather some ideas by watching your videos. I am sure i will figure out with your help. Thanx so much Nigel. 😊😊
Dear Nigel, I have a lemon bonsai tree grown from a seed for around 2 years inspired from your own lemon bonsai tree, In one of your gymnosperm forest video (I don't remember the name of the tree), I heard you saying that pruning should be done after the branches are almost mature and grown out but I have been pruning like twice or thrice a month without giving it time to grow thank you for your advice and I would follow that, but my lemon tree leaves were curling due to some insect attack or something, I removed the curled leaves and I guess it is doing fine now. It is monsoon(rainy season) here in southern India after the hot summer, my tree developed new buds and I am afraid the insect would attack again could you please recommend some solutions please, may be something natural or organic if you could.
Thank you💛
Hello Nigel. I just got a Fukien Tea a few weeks ago. If you ows such a tree could you make a video of it? Best wishes from Romania
Hello Andrei, that's one great bonsai tree I don't have in my collection. If I get one, I'll make a video.
the gain of the mircophone was too high, or the output into the video was too high... i hear a lot of unwanted audio distortion , just saying to help the channel :)
The in camera mic is the only one I have. Thanks, maybe some day I can get better equipment.
Hey Nigel, Over the many years you have been into bonsai, have you stayed living in the same home? I want to build a homestead and have a bonsai garden too! Nature is the Best!
I have moved 3 times, but I have been at this house for the last 20 years. We bought this house, mostly for the large backyard!
Thought I would mention that I don't think this tree is going to flower. Citrus need to reach a specific node count and if it is always pruned this is not possible. You need to take a cutting from a mature flowering tree and root it in order to get a flowering bonsai. Don't mean to be a party pooper but I thought it would be worth bringing to your attention.
Thanks, I do intend on growing the tree out some day when the structure is closer to the final shape. Maybe when I'm an old, old man, I'll let it flower!
please do, had one of these for along wile till a 3 month trip the care taker killd it they can be rather fickle with water either to much or to little kill them fast but the fruits it produced where so robust used t o cut them in half and use it to sweeten hibiscus tea :))
Hola Nigel, saludos desde Guatemala, que sustrato usas para tus plantas?
Yo uso un 50 por ciento y 50 por ciento turface perlita . Si el árbol está al aire libre en el banco , voy a añadir de 10 a 20 por ciento de material orgánico al suelo. Yo suelo usar corteza de pino compostada o compost casero. Todos los materiales se tamizaron para eliminar las partículas finas .
What? You speak Spanish? That's perfect Spanish by the way. You only forgot to tell us what the first 50% is. ;-P
Just google translator at work, the first ingredient is turface. Turface is a fired clay particle, similar to cat litter, but fired at a higher temperature. They sell it to garages for cleaning up oil spills and it is also used on baseball diamonds.
I have a Juniper bonsai and I put moss on the soil. The Juniper needs sun and the moss does not. It turned yellow. I presume it's dead. Is there a way both can live harmoniously? All suggestions are appreciated.
You need to find a moss that is growing in full sun. Keep your bonsai soil very porous so it needs watering often. This will keep both the moss and the tree happy!
Did you ever make a video of uncovering the roots?
Yes, here is the playlist, it is the first video!
th-cam.com/play/PLQouTWwmTQowNFW8QMa67z0Wc26SjMziR.html
Thank you!
Hello Nigel,
Any tips for rooting hardwood birch cuttings?
I have never done any hardwood cuttings, but I will someday! Best to check youtube for tips. Good luck.
I've been growing fruit and pepper bearing plants plants for a couple of years now. I'm getting interested in bonsai. Why do you prune roots? How does it affect your bonsai or any other plant? I've never seen this done before.
Hello James, here is a video about this, if you have more questions, I'm here!
th-cam.com/video/AcSu8SUQ0kE/w-d-xo.html
How the ... You get away with trimming so much roots???
Plssss some tell me!
I always let the trees gain strength and vigor before root pruning. I also keep the trees in a humid environment until they recover, usually my plant room or the greenhouse. Before I had my greenhouse I just kept the newly pruned roots deep in the pot until they recovered and then the next re potting I would slowly begin to expose them.
Nigel, I was wondering when you first trunk chopped this tree and how often since? I have a grapefruit tree that is a couple of years old and still very healthy, but I would like to encourage it to branch out and at the same time concerned that I might be premature. It is about 7 inches high at this point. Should I wait or not. I would love some feed back.
This tree has been more of removing branches and leaders rather than heavy trunk chops. The curve section of the trunk is intact from the original seedling, all the cuts have been above that point.
With your grapefruit tree, I would wait fro new growth to begin and then pinch the new growth back to the first set of outward facing leaves. This should be done before the new growth extends fully. I pinch them back as soon as I can see the leaves and they are just big enough to pinch or prune. The tree will still have lots of energy and should put out new branches fairly quickly after pruning. After this, I would let the tree grow for a while, maybe 6 months to recharge it's energy levels. After this keep repeating the process. Any branches you don't like can be removed. If you want to wire the tree, it should be done while the branches are young. They will toughen up very quickly. Hope it turns into a wonderful tree!
Thank you very much, that was very helpful. One more side question. Where did you get the curved scissors you use fro fine timing of benches and moss?
They are surgical scissors from a surplus store.
why you cut off some parts of trees always?
That is to keep the tree small and compact. It also gives taper to the branches and creates that miniature look to the tree.
If you re-potted this tree in regular potting soil, how would that affect the tree and roots?
Regular potting soil can work fine if you really watch the watering carefully and have a tall, good draining pot. The roots won't sub-divide into as fine a root system in regular soil, as they don't have all those nice airy spaces to run their roots through like they do in bonsai soil. Regular potting soil can work, but the tree will be more healthy and vigorous in bonsai soil.
hi Nigel.
I just found your Channel lovin it!
(I'd) I would like to ask you a question, I planted what is to my knowledge an orange or lemon seed it is now been growing for more than 4 months it's about an inch/ 1.5 inches tall with the most precious teeny tiny leaves. I'm thinking that I've happened upon starting a Bonsai but I don't know and I don't know how to upload a photograph of it to this messages textarea.
Help thank you Wayne
You can email me at...
thekwbonsaisociety@gmail.com
I'd be happy to have a look!
Nigel Saunders Thanks
For this tree do you use the 20-20-20 fertilizer or do you use a specialized type?
I use ...
www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/plant-prod-all-purpose-20-20-20-fertilizer-1-kg-0592306p.html
Nice bonsai 👍
Just bought a Tamarind tree today at the nursery.. Wish me luck.
They are a really good bonsai tree, they will shed branches, so your styling should be more of a natural style so if you loose a branch the tree will still look good. They have great fall colours and nice fine foliage. They are a invasive species and can be freely collected in many states.(with permission)
Thanks.. Has a nice looking trunk and I actually saw one of the trees which fruited actual sized Tamarind..
Didnt know you live in ontario! So cool!
Ontariariario!
:D I was jsut wondering what type of plants you keep and how would you winter them if you do? Winter is especially harsh in canada. Thankfully it is not as harsh here in toronto. But it still hinders me from keeping certain plants.
20 Years and didn't flower yet??
I leave it grow and then prune it back. This process stops the formation of flower buds. When the tree gets closer to it's final shape, I'll let it grow to allow the flowers and fruit to form.
hi there nigel, do you let these fruiting trees fruit in its bonsai form or do u pick them of to allow the tree to grow?
I have never had them fruit yet. I'm always pruning them and the flowers never develop. Later as the tree gets closer to the final design, I'll let them flower and fruit. I'm looking forward to seeing this!
I'm currently working on one of these from seed. I have my doubts about its survival though.. Any advice?
Keep the tree in full sun in summer, then in winter keep it in as bright a spot as possible. Water the tree only when it needs it. You must allow the soil to go almost dry before watering again. Good bonsai soil will keep the roots in good shape so they don't stay wet too long. Roots need oxygen and water. Check your tree twice every day to see if it needs water.
+Nigel Saunders oh ok is in full sun. And it doesn't get too much water, I should be in the clear. I'll update you on it if convenient
Do you think the height you've settled on will be right for the size of the leaves?
The tree will slowly get larger over time, but I want to develop the trunk size and the overall size together. I think it would look best as a large bonsai in the end, but I don't think I'll be around to see it that size. Hopefully in my lifetime, I can get it to be a nice mature looking tree.
Nigel Saunders
Beautiful!
I have a dwarf Satsuma that I was going to toss that I've been growing in turface. I just might try using it as a bonsai. It has some interesting roots. Is it acceptable to have anything grafted to root stock in bonsai. Or does that look unnatural?
Some grafting can look good as the tree gets older, but with many, the root stock grows at a different rate than the grafted upper stock. This difference continues to get more apparent as the tree gets older. The bark can also be different in the root stock vs. the grafted section.
What is the bonsai soil mixture
Any plans to let this grow ten feet high to let it thicken a little?
It is growing wild at the moment, I'll let it grow large,but not too big, it has to go inside for the winter.
savage how you treat the roots o.O
It does help the tree stay healthy in a pot for many years.
Is it really a grape fruit? It looks like a calamansi.
Where did all that water suddenly come from? 6:33
It was in the root base, when you tip it up the water has more pressure so it pours out!
"Looking back here, we're still high" .. How many weeds did you take?
Funny!
Nigel, I have planted the seed of Mandarin.
Tell me, can I get the fruit from this tree?
I believe so. I don't think citrus trees need a male and female tree.
OK. I'll wait for it))) And your new video about the grapefruit!
What is the downside (if any) by planting a tree in a large pot? I have a medium sized Azalea that is going into a fairly large pot. Would it affect the health of tree?
A large pot can hold too much moisture in the soil. A pot that is just slightly larger than the root spread allows for good root growth for a year or two. In this time the roots will fill the pot and use up all the water in the pot within a reasonable amount of time. This should allow you to water once or twice a day. This watering brings in fresh air as the water level drains through the pot. This gives the roots and the soil lots of new air daily. A pot that is too large will stay wet for too long and root growth will be slower. Fresh air won't reach the roots and your tree may begin to suffer. A tree in a larger pot can be left without re potting for longer, but growth may not be very quick or healthy, until the tree and roots grow to fill the pot. Roots should not be left without pruning and correction for too long a time or they will become a tangled mess. You may end up cutting off many of the bad roots and find yourself starting over to create a good radial root base. A good root base is important for the health and growth of the tree, the more fine growing tips, the stronger the tree will be. It is best to grow a large tree slowly, increasing the pot size every couple of years. This will keep your tree and your roots growing strongly.
Very valuable information, thanks. I will try to send you a photo of the pot and the plant, which hasn't been potted yet. Should I buy a larger plant to be able to use that particular pot?
Nigel, what kind of fertilizer you use for citrus?
I use 20-20-20, it is a powdered fertilizer that I add a pinch to my watering can, every time I water. I use this on all my trees. Fertilizer is a subject, just like soil, that you can research and get very scientific about. I just like to keep things simple. The 20-20-20 works well for me.
Hey, I see your'e from Ontario as well! Any recommendations when looking to buy a Bonsai in Ottawa?
I would check out the Ottawa bonsai society.....
ottawabonsai.org/
They will get you going in the right direction, I hear it is a very good club!
Those are called horse apple where im from
They do grow around my area, but it is the Northern limit. Very rare here. I've never seen one yet.
I know them as monkey brains here