A lot of the bonsai masters, seem to not want to reveal their ‘secrets’, but you are the exception to that generalization- thank you so much for sharing your bonsai ‘secrets’ with the rest of us!
Yeah that's one of the things that's always kinda bugged me about how much ancient technology/art (bonsai, woodcarving, forging...) that's been lost because the last master never got around to passing on what he knew.
Nigel, just want you to know that you have all the attributes of a great teacher. You are deliberate, clear, offer very good explanation for why you do things. I have learned a lot from you and most of all you give me courage and encouragement as I work w plants in my yard.
Thank you from the bottom of my tiny wee pots. Watching these methods have given me the confidence to continue doing exactly what you've just showcased. I'm glad to know I'm on the right track and can rely on you for any troubleshooting and expert advice. Happy Mame and already looking forward to your next video! Cheers Mandie
I can listen to you talk and watch you prune all day long. When I showed my dad and told him I thought you reminded me of a plant artist Bob Ross he definitely agree !! Thank you for being a little positive in my day, on so many days, it is a joy to watch you work !
Nigel you are truly a root whisperer you have scared me to death with how much you trim at times. This next spring you have given me courage to prune like crazy and take the next step in my previous bonsai trees
I learned a TON about the rooting system and how growth happens! From a new into growing life, this has been VERY insightful! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
For some reason, this question has stumped me for a while now and no amount of internet digging has answered it. This video explained it better than any other resource I've found and answered my question within the first 5 minutes. Thank you Nigel
Thanks Nigel. It's always so relaxing watching you maintain your trees. I enjoy showing your techniques to my friends. Great video. Stay warm and safe. :)
As someone who is just starting out on her bonsai journey, I'm so grateful for such a clear explanation of how to properly prune to keep bonsai small AND how to properly repot a small tree. Many thanks!
Thanks for the reply, as I live in Spain and it is now early summer conditions) I will try pruning now. The bonsai in question has become very leggy. Keep up the good work and interesting videos.
I though about bonsai after receiving an old brass shallow pot from my father from his military days, after watching 100+ hours of bonsai channels on youtube i can clearly see who the winners are, this channel reveals the most important lessons in bonsai i.e. why and how to do something and the thinking behind it. Another great channel i found was an Indian channel in Hindi language but with english subtitles called Bonsai tricks and a lot more. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for all your inspiring videos and helpful advice. Thank you for caring so much for the wellbeing of all creatures and making a stand for those without voices. Blessings to New Years Eve for you and your family and of course for all the green Projekts under your care
thank you for making a great video for us that is simple and comprehensive. I have 2 mangoes and one ackee fruit seedlings that I intend to bonsai, and this video answered all of my beginner questions.
Brand new to bonsai and also in the KW area so your videos are of particular interest to me. Thank you for making this so easy to understand and not over-complicating things! I really wish I had discovered bonsai earlier in my life so I had some strong trees to work with!
The tree relies on energy stored in the roots, trunk and branches to grow new foliage on the tree. It is similar to generating the new leaves on deciduous trees in spring. This does drain the tree of energy, so it should only be done on a really healthy vigorous tree. The new leaves should be allowed to grow and replace the lost energy stores in the tree.
I have watched many Bonsai videos on TH-cam & of course other sort of videos. The differnce is the depth you explain. I have cleard many doubts after watching this video because you explain why you do it(scientifically). Most importantly you do not begging for likes, shares or subscribe. In that sense you are a real teacher. Kudos !!!
They can, but generally a healthy plant will seal and repair itself without any problems. Some people claim a sealing paste is good to apply, others say it is not! Here is what Walter Pall says... walter-pall-bonsai.blogspot.ca/2009/01/about-sealing-wounds-on-trees.html
Hello, Nigel. This is Edwin from Colombia. Big fan. I have learned a lot from your videos, but this one has been the most educational one I've watched so far, and though I haven't watched all of your posts, I've watched a lot of them. I also have ficus religiosa and microcarpa bonsai and I'm planning on growing mini bonsai of both species and what I've learned from this video will be very useful. Thanks a lot!
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Thanks Nigel. After posting this question I found another of your videos on soil mixes 😀 It's all starting to make sense.
This would be an excellent video. We've seen the tree benches covered in a think layer of snow but never had a discussion or explanation of how he winterizes. Although, as much snow as they get up there you have to remember that type of snow basically acts like an insulator. The trees under that pile of snow are kept close to 32F because the really cold air can't get to them.
I bought a shelf green house on eBay for $35 . It keeps my tropical trees warm and humid during Australian winters (which are no where near as cold as Canada’s obviously but we still get frost etc)
Nigel did you ever make that video? Where I live we barely have a winter so my interest is curiosity but I think there are others who it would be a great practical help. And we miss you during your winter.
Its very easy to understand as u show three different plants step by step very cute as they are remarkably small thanks a lot being a beginner tips are very helpful
The soil is 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. It is really good for root growth and keeping the trees healthy. You do need to add fertilizer to your water, like hydroponics.
So even right after repotting you use fertilised water? Wouldn't that burn freshly cut roots? I understand that your mix is poor in nutrients but great for root growth. I use premixed bonsai soil with akadama on top and bottom, would that still work after such hard root pruning? Cause now I really have a dilemma :D Thanks, love your videos!
Nigel s., I am watching from my home Canada. I always fond of making Bonsai but couldn't making, after watching your step by step demonstration feel like can do it. I love to see your more tutorials to make Bonsai, your description is clear and meticulous. Some people they put, wear,net etc. Those are not very clear to me. Subscribing your channel more. Zeenat.
CyniuxD if it is a tropical you need to do it before summer or after summer (I think but I'm sure you can do it any time of the year depending on the tree and just baby it). if it is a tree that goes dormant then you can cut most of the roots off and most of the top off as well before spring. I found a maple and I cut it to have 2 small roots and 3 inches of trunk and when it grew it was fine. im not sure about ever greens.
Is that a cannabis bonsai in the background? Lol I'm sure it's a money tree or some other imposter. But sure did make me laugh lol. Love your work. I have recently gotten into bonsai and you have helped me more than anything.
Thank you very much for your videos! I recently purchased 2 Japanese maples trees and did not know what to do with them. I have been looking for information, which I have seen plenty of information that did not help me much. However, your videos are very helpful they helped me understand a bit better. You give such a clearer picture and understanding on how to care for them, keep them healthy and small. Again thank you
Hi Mr.Saunders I would like to ask you some questions: 1. Is it okay to start reducing the planet in December or in late January. 2. Taking much of roots wasn't dangerous on planet. 3. What's the kind of your soil is?? Lastly am a big fan of you and your amazing bonsai I hope you could help me am still new
hi. he is reducing the plant in late december. i don't think theres a big difference weather you do it then or in january - depending on plant ofc. he has videos on bonsai soil
The Bob Ross of bonsai? 😊😬 This is wonderful, thank you for the informative and very pleasant video. Lovely to watch and listen, and I’ve learned a thing or two!
I just can't get use to you calling rocks "soil" lol. I understand that rocks are what you commonly use on Bonsais, but to call them soil...it's very odd.
@@TheBonsaiZone so what are they ? They look like pebbles and I was wondering the same. Doesn't the tree need soil ? I mean yeah, ficus grows everywhere around here, be it in wall cracks etc.
@@PaperBarrack They look like pebbles, which they are. But they are NOT pebbles of rock, which are non-absorbent. They are pebbles of "Akadama" and "Turface", which are both types clay. Clay pebbles are absorbant, but also hold their shape, to allow for drainage of water, and circulation of air. What you don't see in those pebbles are included coarse sand, and Frit, to aid in drainage and minerals. This mix is typical for DECIDUOUS TREES, as opposed to conifers, which prefer a more organic, mulchy type of soil. You and others may wonder where the brown stuff is. Thats dirt. Different thing. Doesn't work on this small scale because it doesn't drain quickly, it turns to mud. These trees he's working on, you can do a 50/50 deciduous(pebble)/conifer(mulch) mix. It would be a littler more "dirtier".
I planted eight "quercus petraea" seed and, this morning, two of this grow!!! one of my best success because I think they are not easy to grow!! hello from Italy! P.S. sorry if I write this comment one Years late! happy new years!
Happy holidays from Australia! I found your video about starting Bonsai when I was starting out and have been watching ever since, they're so helpful and relaxing. I Look forward to seeing your videos into the new year :)
On a less serious note, I keep hearing an undertone of Michael from The Office in your voice. That is not to detract from your value by providing such useful information, sir. I believe that because you are a bonsai person you will be happy and 'chill' enough to understand my intention is pure. Lol. Great video. I am a newcomer to bonsai but am so appreciative of the effect it has on my emotional state. Have a great day, Nigel. Keep up the good work.
glad I stumbled on to this video. just got a new small elm tree and tea tree in the tiny bonsai pots your tree is in, they have a 1 inch thick trunk and want to keep them small. now I know what to do
Thank you very much for this detailed video on bonsai. I was very nervous about root pruning until watching your video. I'm starting a rosemary bonsai and hope it will survive.
I am just starting with 4 tree types, this is great what you have here. The 4 I have are Pinus Thunbergii, Jacaranda Mimosiolia, Pinus Aristata, and Picea Marina. They are just sprouting less than 1 inch for each . So excited to start this journey.
Thanks Enezeuvie, I find them very exciting also! Large trees are awesome too, but sometimes the well done small ones amaze me more. I remember a show I went to once, and the best tree in the show was a small tree about 6 inches tall. It looked larger than any other tree in the show in including some that were almost a meter tall. This experience taught me, it's not about size of the bonsai, but the quality and attention to detail.
I've been watching most of your videos. THANK YOU!! for sharing. For being so educational. Calm. And nice =o))) yo sound super humble and actually inspired us to start our own bonsai trees. Best Wishes and your "panther" cat is the cutest
Hi Nigel, I am in bonsai just a bit too late as I am very old. So I decided to start with keep bonsai small or small bonsai. Question : is the root cleaning work for any type of plants for mini or small bonsai re-poting? And what mix is the soil you are using in this video? Thank you very much.
I am using a 50/50 mix of perlite and turface. I get the turface at the farm store, it's used for cleaning up oil spills. I screen the soil to remove the dust and fine particles to get a 3 to 4 mm particle size (1/8") Root pruning is important for any potted plant that you want to keep small. Here is a video on root pruning.... th-cam.com/video/AcSu8SUQ0kE/w-d-xo.html
I just found your channel and watched this video. You explained everything nicely, demonstrated how to do it etc. The best instructional video I've seen thus far. Thank you so much. I do have a question. I recently bought my second bonsai but am having problems identifying it. Do you have a video on that?
Hey Nigel, it's the first time I'm trying to make a bonsai.. I choose a neem, rose and small leaf guava (so called chinese guava) for the task. First thing I want to know how old a plant should be for soft pruning branches and should I really wait for January (Late winter here) to hard prune tall branches... also should I really care about the 1/3 rule? I mean how can I make a tiny bonsai if I really care about the 1/3 rule and wait till January? Sorry for silly questions but really love bonsai plants and it's the first time I decided to try my hands.
Yo nigel, I just got a very nice ficus microcarpa because I loved yours so much. Now I have a microcarpa bonsai, 2 ficus Benjamina "too little", and a ficus salicifolia/ nerifolia! Next up on the list of bonsai to add is a ficus religiosa!
What do you use for soil at 16:28 I see you using little stones instead of dirt, can you explain why and what those rocks are? Or how do you make sure the tree has enough nutrients to grow?
This is intriguing. I rent a room in someone else's house, so I have little space and no outside yard. I wonder if this method could allow me to grow tiny fruit trees and berry bushes and everything else I no longer have room for. Thank you for sharing this video with us! You are a good teacher. I am subscribing and will follow to learn more.
I have a green pepper plant that I keep trimmed like a bonsai tree and I got about 5 peppers off of it last fall. I think the bonsai techniques can be applied to most garden plants to keep them small and compact.
Gday nice sir! i'm a big fan of your channel (seen all of your single videos at least 2 times :D) and just started some bonsai trees myself too so i am a complete beginner .. your advices are priceless and I do have a question if I may - at 5:17, you cut that quite thick Jade's branch - What was the purpose of growing it if you ended up removing it ? was it initially part of the tree's design and you changed your mind in the meantime or did you grow it for a different reason ? thank you in advance!
It was grown to help fatten up the trunk below. I will be repeating this operation several times in the trees life, to improve the taper of the trunk. This is the hard part of building a trunk, you let all these nice branches grow, and then you prune it back to a short single trunk again. Eventually you get a nice old looking trunk. After the trunk is formed you can start to grow the actual branches you will use. If you don't prune it back like this, your branches will be the same thickness as the trunk.
How do you keep the trunk small? I understand you can control the “height” of it by pruning and it’ll sprout beaches sideways and they’ll eventually start going up but you stop them from going in that direction but the trunk will keep growing won’t it? The only other thing I’ve seen is someone do is air layer the trunk from the half way point and then once those new roots grew big enough, he cut off the bottom and replanted it so that’s how it was kept smaller.
Keeping the roots restricted in a small pot helps slow the growth down to a crawl. This Ficus is over 20 years old now and it hasn't thickened up much from when it was first started. The trunk will always grow in diameter, but in a small bonsai pot, it will grow very little each year.
A lot of the bonsai masters, seem to not want to reveal their ‘secrets’, but you are the exception to that generalization- thank you so much for sharing your bonsai ‘secrets’ with the rest of us!
Thank you Larry!
Really thankyou nigel.
Yeah that's one of the things that's always kinda bugged me about how much ancient technology/art (bonsai, woodcarving, forging...) that's been lost because the last master never got around to passing on what he knew.
So silly with secrets lol that’s not caring that’s not sharing
ssssshhhh, keep it quiet, you want people to know they're paying 300% more than they should for a bonsai tree?
I have less than five hours before I have to get up for work, and I'm hypnotized by this.
Thanks, no get some sleep!
Nigel, just want you to know that you have all the attributes of a great teacher. You are deliberate, clear, offer very good explanation for why you do things. I have learned a lot from you and most of all you give me courage and encouragement as I work w plants in my yard.
I wanted to say, your videos have inspired me to get into bonsai, and now I have my own olive bonsai tree and it is beautiful!!!!
is it alive
Olive bonsai? Great idea!
Good
Wow I didn’t know you could bonsai olive trees
@@NMW80 I think olive/oil trees are a classic when it comes to Bosai
of all the videos on TH-cam nobody makes it look easier and more capable than you. thank you.
and yet so many questions
Four years later and still an evergreen video! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you from the bottom of my tiny wee pots. Watching these methods have given me the confidence to continue doing exactly what you've just showcased. I'm glad to know I'm on the right track and can rely on you for any troubleshooting and expert advice. Happy Mame and already looking forward to your next video! Cheers Mandie
Thanks for the video suggestion! Your ash trees are doing well, the first set of leaves have emerged from the soil. Very exciting!
I can listen to you talk and watch you prune all day long. When I showed my dad and told him I thought you reminded me of a plant artist Bob Ross he definitely agree !! Thank you for being a little positive in my day, on so many days, it is a joy to watch you work !
Thank you Shae, lots more videos coming soon! Stay positive!
Can't wait to start my bonsai journey! Of all bonsai youtubers you are the most inspirational to me! thank you
Thanks Jay, it's a long hard journey but it's worth it!
I must agree and say yes.. it's been a long journey but IT IS worth it indeed!
Mickey mouse
JayScore I feel the same way!! it's a long journey but with experienced people on TH-cam will help us along the way!
JayScore me to
Nigel you are truly a root whisperer you have scared me to death with how much you trim at times. This next spring you have given me courage to prune like crazy and take the next step in my previous bonsai trees
I scare myself sometimes also! Thanks and good luck in spring.
You have become my favourite 'teacher' in this bonsai information place! Thanks for being easy to understand and listen to. 👍🏻😊
Thank you Marilyn, I am honored!
I learned a TON about the rooting system and how growth happens! From a new into growing life, this has been VERY insightful! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
Always my pleasure, thanks!
Thanks Nigel, very well explained. Great advice for newbies.
Thank you Annette!
This video is deeper than gold on some soul food for reals. You cant find info on mame style trees hardly anywhere. Ty for this
Thanks Justin!
Did my first bonsai trim today ! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge !
For some reason, this question has stumped me for a while now and no amount of internet digging has answered it. This video explained it better than any other resource I've found and answered my question within the first 5 minutes. Thank you Nigel
Thank you M C!
Thanks Nigel. It's always so relaxing watching you maintain your trees. I enjoy showing your techniques to my friends. Great video. Stay warm and safe. :)
As someone who is just starting out on her bonsai journey, I'm so grateful for such a clear explanation of how to properly prune to keep bonsai small AND how to properly repot a small tree. Many thanks!
Glad it was helpful Chelsea!
Thanks for the reply, as I live in Spain and it is now early summer conditions) I will try pruning now. The bonsai in question has become very leggy. Keep up the good work and interesting videos.
I though about bonsai after receiving an old brass shallow pot from my father from his military days, after watching 100+ hours of bonsai channels on youtube i can clearly see who the winners are, this channel reveals the most important lessons in bonsai i.e. why and how to do something and the thinking behind it. Another great channel i found was an Indian channel in Hindi language but with english subtitles called Bonsai tricks and a lot more.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much Keita! Ayan from Bonsai Tricks and a Lot More is a friend of mine and he is great at bonsai!
Thank you for all your inspiring videos and helpful advice. Thank you for caring so much for the wellbeing of all creatures and making a stand for those without voices. Blessings to New Years Eve for you and your family and of course for all the green Projekts under your care
Thanks Karin for a lovely new years message, Nigel
This is just the thing I wanted to see. So well explained. And the suggestion to understand the problems was uplifting!
Hi Nigel, thank you very much for this video! It really helped me to understand it all a lot better... I have a clearer picture of trees now
You're welcome!
New to Bonsai and want to say thank you for your very informative but simple videos. Definitely giving me confidence to work on my own collection.
would you mind publishing a list of essential tools for working with bonsai, as wells as their soil management?
thank you for making a great video for us that is simple and comprehensive. I have 2 mangoes and one ackee fruit seedlings that I intend to bonsai, and this video answered all of my beginner questions.
Hi Nigel, happy new year. Once again thank you for your thoughtful approach to maintaining our trees.
Brand new to bonsai and also in the KW area so your videos are of particular interest to me. Thank you for making this so easy to understand and not over-complicating things! I really wish I had discovered bonsai earlier in my life so I had some strong trees to work with!
When cutting all the leaves off, how does the tree survive without photosynthesis? Should this only be done in certain seasons?
The tree relies on energy stored in the roots, trunk and branches to grow new foliage on the tree. It is similar to generating the new leaves on deciduous trees in spring. This does drain the tree of energy, so it should only be done on a really healthy vigorous tree. The new leaves should be allowed to grow and replace the lost energy stores in the tree.
I have watched many Bonsai videos on TH-cam & of course other sort of videos. The differnce is the depth you explain. I have cleard many doubts after watching this video because you explain why you do it(scientifically). Most importantly you do not begging for likes, shares or subscribe. In that sense you are a real teacher. Kudos !!!
Wow!!! That is what i'm going to learn, do, and share the rest of my life...
Good to hear, it a great hobby that you can do for the rest of your life!
Nigel, very good video! I'm exploring also your older recordings and learning a lot! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Thank you Elmar!
Can the plant become infected from the open wounds? Do you have to do anything to prevent infection?
They can, but generally a healthy plant will seal and repair itself without any problems. Some people claim a sealing paste is good to apply, others say it is not! Here is what Walter Pall says...
walter-pall-bonsai.blogspot.ca/2009/01/about-sealing-wounds-on-trees.html
Hello, Nigel. This is Edwin from Colombia. Big fan. I have learned a lot from your videos, but this one has been the most educational one I've watched so far, and though I haven't watched all of your posts, I've watched a lot of them. I also have ficus religiosa and microcarpa bonsai and I'm planning on growing mini bonsai of both species and what I've learned from this video will be very useful. Thanks a lot!
Thanks very much and I hope your mini trees grow well!
Great video. But why do you call those white pebbles "soil" when re-potting that little tree.
Soil can have many ingredients and many different size particles. I call it soil because that is my potting medium.
Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Thanks Nigel. After posting this question I found another of your videos on soil mixes 😀 It's all starting to make sense.
I agree with most of your watchers This was totally enjoyable and greatly educational. We enjoyed it immensely. Thank you!
Thank you Nancy!
9:45 "I'm just gonna push up my drainage hole''.
That didn't sound too good!
Have to admit I giggled a bit!
@@TheBonsaiZone:
I heard sounding's pretty good for some.
lmao
I have seen some videos on bonsai which are about as brief as ‘take a tree and trim it.’. This video is super helpful in comparison. Thankyou.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos and looking forward to them :)
Thank you David!
I'm from KW as well! Great video. I just planted some silk tree, oak, and elm tree seeds. So far so good! Thanks for helping me along.
Nice to hear Josh, happy growing!
Hi Nigel - Great submission. If I could make a request- Can you talk about your greenhouse setup and some winterizing tips for Canadian weather? Thx
This would be an excellent video. We've seen the tree benches covered in a think layer of snow but never had a discussion or explanation of how he winterizes. Although, as much snow as they get up there you have to remember that type of snow basically acts like an insulator. The trees under that pile of snow are kept close to 32F because the really cold air can't get to them.
Anurag Sinha n
I bought a shelf green house on eBay for $35 . It keeps my tropical trees warm and humid during Australian winters (which are no where near as cold as Canada’s obviously but we still get frost etc)
Nigel did you ever make that video? Where I live we barely have a winter so my interest is curiosity but I think there are others who it would be a great practical help. And we miss you during your winter.
Its very easy to understand as u show three different plants step by step very cute as they are remarkably small thanks a lot being a beginner tips are very helpful
You are calling the potting material soil, but to me it looks like rocks? What is the actual material?
The soil is 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. It is really good for root growth and keeping the trees healthy. You do need to add fertilizer to your water, like hydroponics.
So even right after repotting you use fertilised water? Wouldn't that burn freshly cut roots? I understand that your mix is poor in nutrients but great for root growth. I use premixed bonsai soil with akadama on top and bottom, would that still work after such hard root pruning? Cause now I really have a dilemma :D Thanks, love your videos!
You have the best videos, your teaching method is top notch. Thank you so much.
Nigel s., I am watching from my home Canada. I always fond of making Bonsai but couldn't making, after watching your step by step demonstration feel like can do it. I love to see your more tutorials to make Bonsai, your description is clear and meticulous. Some people they put, wear,net etc. Those are not very clear to me. Subscribing your channel more. Zeenat.
Thank you Zeenat, good to see you in the bonsai zone!
Thank you so very much! This video has cleared up a mystery for me about my 30 year old bonsai!!! Thank you!🙏🏻☺️🙏🏻
You're most welcome!
Does the tree even stay alive after pruning roots that hard? : O
CyniuxD if it is a tropical you need to do it before summer or after summer (I think but I'm sure you can do it any time of the year depending on the tree and just baby it). if it is a tree that goes dormant then you can cut most of the roots off and most of the top off as well before spring. I found a maple and I cut it to have 2 small roots and 3 inches of trunk and when it grew it was fine. im not sure about ever greens.
you forgot to fly away captain!
Is that a cannabis bonsai in the background? Lol I'm sure it's a money tree or some other imposter. But sure did make me laugh lol. Love your work. I have recently gotten into bonsai and you have helped me more than anything.
No he does all this so it will die. Forgive my sarcasm.
Thank you very much for your videos! I recently purchased 2 Japanese maples trees and did not know what to do with them. I have been looking for information, which I have seen plenty of information that did not help me much. However, your videos are very helpful they helped me understand a bit better. You give such a clearer picture and understanding on how to care for them, keep them healthy and small. Again thank you
Hi Mr.Saunders
I would like to ask you some questions:
1. Is it okay to start reducing the planet in December or in late January.
2. Taking much of roots wasn't dangerous on planet.
3. What's the kind of your soil is??
Lastly am a big fan of you and your amazing bonsai I hope you could help me am still new
hi. he is reducing the plant in late december. i don't think theres a big difference weather you do it then or in january - depending on plant ofc.
he has videos on bonsai soil
A Sea Please do not reduce the planet...we already have limited space and too many people.
ZFKStudio49 was waiting for a comment like this
Faraaz Khan lol
Faraaz Khan good thing Earth isn't a planet then.
The Bob Ross of bonsai? 😊😬
This is wonderful, thank you for the informative and very pleasant video. Lovely to watch and listen, and I’ve learned a thing or two!
Thanks Amber Tom! Glad you enjoyed the video!
great explanation sir...thanks a lot.
Thanks!
I really enjoy your video styles. Thank you for explaining so many useful methods.
i want a tiny tree so cute!
They are nice and they don't take up much space!
This is easily my favorite channel on youtube.
And I don't even 'bonsai'....
...(yet!...)
I just can't get use to you calling rocks "soil" lol. I understand that rocks are what you commonly use on Bonsais, but to call them soil...it's very odd.
Some people can it the "medium".
What kind of soil or medium it is? What do we call it if i have to buy it from near by nursury?
sNstRchaOs it’s called soil. Soil particles can be much bigger than that.
@@TheBonsaiZone so what are they ? They look like pebbles and I was wondering the same. Doesn't the tree need soil ? I mean yeah, ficus grows everywhere around here, be it in wall cracks etc.
@@PaperBarrack They look like pebbles, which they are. But they are NOT pebbles of rock, which are non-absorbent. They are pebbles of "Akadama" and "Turface", which are both types clay. Clay pebbles are absorbant, but also hold their shape, to allow for drainage of water, and circulation of air. What you don't see in those pebbles are included coarse sand, and Frit, to aid in drainage and minerals. This mix is typical for DECIDUOUS TREES, as opposed to conifers, which prefer a more organic, mulchy type of soil.
You and others may wonder where the brown stuff is. Thats dirt. Different thing. Doesn't work on this small scale because it doesn't drain quickly, it turns to mud.
These trees he's working on, you can do a 50/50 deciduous(pebble)/conifer(mulch) mix. It would be a littler more "dirtier".
This video is chock full of so many nuggets of good information and tips. Thank you!
This really helped me a lot. Love the video Nigel. I have an Indian Laurel. It's beautiful and I'm trying my best to grow it.
Merry Christmas Nigel. Been great watching your videos, I find them both informative and relaxing. Look forward to many more and following the journey
I'll be sure to keep updates on the small trees!
Hey man love your channel. Thanks for helping newbies who are just getting started.
Thanks Douglas!!
I planted eight "quercus petraea" seed and, this morning, two of this grow!!! one of my best success because I think they are not easy to grow!!
hello from Italy!
P.S. sorry if I write this comment one Years late!
happy new years!
A long journey ahead to a mighty little Oak tree. Nice to have some success with the seeds!
Have a great new year also!
Happy holidays from Australia! I found your video about starting Bonsai when I was starting out and have been watching ever since, they're so helpful and relaxing. I Look forward to seeing your videos into the new year :)
G'day Michelle, greetings from the great white north! Have a great green new year!
On a less serious note, I keep hearing an undertone of Michael from The Office in your voice.
That is not to detract from your value by providing such useful information, sir. I believe that because you are a bonsai person you will be happy and 'chill' enough to understand my intention is pure. Lol.
Great video. I am a newcomer to bonsai but am so appreciative of the effect it has on my emotional state. Have a great day, Nigel. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, a good show!
glad I stumbled on to this video. just got a new small elm tree and tea tree in the tiny bonsai pots your tree is in, they have a 1 inch thick trunk and want to keep them small. now I know what to do
Sounds great!
Thank you very much for this detailed video on bonsai. I was very nervous about root pruning until watching your video. I'm starting a rosemary bonsai and hope it will survive.
Love watching the old movies Nigel
My most favourite channel
I love bonsai but can't start cause i have school
But now soon I will!!
Thanks this video really helped, I didn’t realise how much attention and care they really need.
Thank you Yeety!
Thank you so much for sharing your bonsai secrets ….. 👍
Such good technique to follow….🙂
Thanks Nigel! Happy growing from the UK!
Thanks Luke, lots of great bonsai in the UK!
Very inspiring, i tried growing bonsai many times but never successful so I just grow my Jade tree the way they want.
I am just starting with 4 tree types, this is great what you have here. The 4 I have are Pinus Thunbergii, Jacaranda Mimosiolia, Pinus Aristata, and Picea Marina. They are just sprouting less than 1 inch for each . So excited to start this journey.
It's so fun watching them grow!
@@TheBonsaiZone , it sure is. I am growing them at an Army base in Afghanistan. Mostly indoors with daily trips outside for sunshine.
Small trees amazes me and beats my imagination but after this video I felt excited and more amazed...
Thanks Enezeuvie, I find them very exciting also! Large trees are awesome too, but sometimes the well done small ones amaze me more. I remember a show I went to once, and the best tree in the show was a small tree about 6 inches tall. It looked larger than any other tree in the show in including some that were almost a meter tall. This experience taught me, it's not about size of the bonsai, but the quality and attention to detail.
trees look great, your speaking style is nice to listen to!
Thank you Jimi!
Excellent video Nigel, as always excellent quality, very informative and interesting!! Thanks a lot! Regards from Costa Rica.
Thank you, the rain forests of Costa Rica inspire me!
@@TheBonsaiZone 😉😁☺️ me too
Really great video, thanks for all the effort, very educational
Thank you somuch Nigel, Love your work💞👍👍
I just watched the video for your awesome style of video and your soothing voice ! Otherwise I exactly know how In-display fingerprint works.
Thank you Yash!
Great video Nigel and love the camera work.
I've been watching most of your videos. THANK YOU!! for sharing. For being so educational. Calm. And nice =o))) yo sound super humble and actually inspired us to start our own bonsai trees. Best Wishes and your "panther" cat is the cutest
Thank you Meine Wanderlust, happy growing!
I learned so much about trees from you...you are amazing
Thank you, more to come your way!
Happy new year to you, your family and all your tree's!!!!!
Thanks, I'm hoping for a good year ahead, let's do this!
Hi Nigel, I am in bonsai just a bit too late as I am very old. So I decided to start with keep bonsai small or small bonsai. Question : is the root cleaning work for any type of plants for mini or small bonsai re-poting? And what mix is the soil you are using in this video? Thank you very much.
I am using a 50/50 mix of perlite and turface. I get the turface at the farm store, it's used for cleaning up oil spills.
I screen the soil to remove the dust and fine particles to get a 3 to 4 mm particle size (1/8")
Root pruning is important for any potted plant that you want to keep small. Here is a video on root pruning....
th-cam.com/video/AcSu8SUQ0kE/w-d-xo.html
I just found your channel and watched this video. You explained everything nicely, demonstrated how to do it etc. The best instructional video I've seen thus far. Thank you so much. I do have a question. I recently bought my second bonsai but am having problems identifying it. Do you have a video on that?
Thanks Samuel, sorry I don't have a video on plant identification. There is an app you can get for your phone that can do this!
Love your instructional style posts, thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you!
Great information! As someone new to this, I find all of this very helpful, especially about the roots!!
Thanks Michael, I hope you enjoy your trees!
I can watch these videos all day
Thank you!
Hey Nigel, it's the first time I'm trying to make a bonsai.. I choose a neem, rose and small leaf guava (so called chinese guava) for the task. First thing I want to know how old a plant should be for soft pruning branches and should I really wait for January (Late winter here) to hard prune tall branches... also should I really care about the 1/3 rule? I mean how can I make a tiny bonsai if I really care about the 1/3 rule and wait till January? Sorry for silly questions but really love bonsai plants and it's the first time I decided to try my hands.
Yo nigel, I just got a very nice ficus microcarpa because I loved yours so much. Now I have a microcarpa bonsai, 2 ficus Benjamina "too little", and a ficus salicifolia/ nerifolia! Next up on the list of bonsai to add is a ficus religiosa!
Nice, the more Ficus the better!!!
What do you use for soil at 16:28 I see you using little stones instead of dirt, can you explain why and what those rocks are? Or how do you make sure the tree has enough nutrients to grow?
awesome explanation n guidance! bit slagging after root pruning, thumbs up!
Thank you Tuhin!
This is intriguing. I rent a room in someone else's house, so I have little space and no outside yard. I wonder if this method could allow me to grow tiny fruit trees and berry bushes and everything else I no longer have room for. Thank you for sharing this video with us! You are a good teacher. I am subscribing and will follow to learn more.
I have a green pepper plant that I keep trimmed like a bonsai tree and I got about 5 peppers off of it last fall. I think the bonsai techniques can be applied to most garden plants to keep them small and compact.
Best Bonsai Teacher of TH-cam ❤️
Thank you Muhammad, happy growing!
Thank you for going into detail on this video. Enjoy all of yours.
Thank you Betty!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, comprehensive video.
Gday nice sir! i'm a big fan of your channel (seen all of your single videos at least 2 times :D) and just started some bonsai trees myself too so i am a complete beginner .. your advices are priceless and I do have a question if I may - at 5:17, you cut that quite thick Jade's branch - What was the purpose of growing it if you ended up removing it ? was it initially part of the tree's design and you changed your mind in the meantime or did you grow it for a different reason ? thank you in advance!
It was grown to help fatten up the trunk below. I will be repeating this operation several times in the trees life, to improve the taper of the trunk. This is the hard part of building a trunk, you let all these nice branches grow, and then you prune it back to a short single trunk again. Eventually you get a nice old looking trunk. After the trunk is formed you can start to grow the actual branches you will use. If you don't prune it back like this, your branches will be the same thickness as the trunk.
Very nice and cute bonsai,love it😍
Do we have update of this video?
How do you keep the trunk small? I understand you can control the “height” of it by pruning and it’ll sprout beaches sideways and they’ll eventually start going up but you stop them from going in that direction but the trunk will keep growing won’t it? The only other thing I’ve seen is someone do is air layer the trunk from the half way point and then once those new roots grew big enough, he cut off the bottom and replanted it so that’s how it was kept smaller.
Keeping the roots restricted in a small pot helps slow the growth down to a crawl. This Ficus is over 20 years old now and it hasn't thickened up much from when it was first started. The trunk will always grow in diameter, but in a small bonsai pot, it will grow very little each year.
How did you thicken the trunk of your small bonsai? Thank you so much for this video!!!
I really was wondering how to keep the roots without protruding out. Thank you.