Bonsai Work in the March Break, Part 3, The Bonsai Zone, March 2018

[@tqhex2861]

I am amazed with the idea of making custom rocks from a sponge and cement.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, it seems to work well, it may also work for fiber glass rocks.

[@KeraDawn]

You asked if anyone would grow twisted roots on purpose, obviously the answer is yes and who is Mother Nature!!! I've noticed that every time She throws you an oddball root or branch you remove it. They can be some of the most interesting features of any plant!

[@guyford5226]

I have quite a few favorite bonsai artists and you are by far my favorite one to watch, I wish I could visit with you and all your trees,!!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, who knows, maybe some day we will meet! I will try and make it to the US national show one of these years!

[@maryshoemaker1437]

Nigel... you are so creative and go that extra mile to share your imagination... I’ve been binging on your videos. They are so amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@maryshoemaker1437]

Hi Nigel... I just want to say ... I love your work!! The first planting... I love the look of the back too... can’t wait to see the future of this tree!!

[@BonsaiandGardening1]

Its just so beautiful will b waiting for updates of these plants..

[@GraniteValleyDave]

Wow Nigel, pretty major root carving! Can't wait to see how the tree looks in a few years!

[@dr.zoidberg5096]

Nigel. You got me pumped to make rocks. My mind is blown, those look absolutely amazing. I’m so ready to make some just to make em haha.

[@amitbandopadhyay177]

Great as always. Love your VDOs. Always lots of learning with clarity.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Amit!

[@peaveawwii1]

Nigel you are the man, love your work,

[@MRMIKEYGB]

Hello Nigel. Thats a great job you did on the root splitting, both plantings look astonishing.

[@monkeygraborange]

I wasn't sure where you were going to go with those rather funny little Vietnamese pots, but I have to say these has really turned out to be lovely, and I'm sure will be truly elegant in a few years.

[@herrawormie2203]

I really like the tree over rock you planted. You could even leave it like that. A mossy hill with the rock beside tree

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It does look balanced. The trees are growing in their leaves and the moss is a nice bright green!

[@azerdp9647]

Hi. What an amazing work! I'm amazed by the way you create really artworks. Greetings from México

[@xboxandswitchgaming8085]

another great video nigel, well done like the work with the chisel on the ficus roots

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I'm hoping it will look good in the years to come!

[@xboxandswitchgaming8085]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone I am sure it will m8, you have being a great inspiration on me, and I thank you for that and keep up the good work

[@OutdoorsAndBotanical]

Your bonsai work and channel is very creative and inspiring! I love it! Thanks for doing this!

[@BonsaiJCan]

Awesome job, they look great! I liked what you did with the bulbous roots, was a great idea.

[@pattik172]

hey Nigel I would have liked to see that rock you didn't like as the base for this tree but you have already done it , so be it. looks good anyway. nice to see yu having fun. Wow you have been busy with violin making and bonsai pots too. plus you have your son doing a video wow again.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Patti, I am supposed to be easing into retirement, but I seem to just keep getting busier! But it is all fun and enjoyable!

[@elementalbonsai]

Good idea with the sponge rocks Nigel they look so real great job👍! And was glad to see you pick the ginseng ficus for your Vietnamese pot I have a similar ginseng ficus as yours. Very interesting root carving after seeing that I'm thinking of doing the same in the future.Can't wait to see what it looks like in a few years. Excellent job Nigel !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Carmie, I hope your tree grows well! Mine are starting to get their new leaves and the moss has greened up nicely!

[@joysmith1213]

I love your voice, Nigel, and your hair, love to see if you've had a haircut or not :-) You're cute whatever you do with it

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Bonsai hair!

[@PapaOsmubal.OscarBalajadia]

I am very excited to see these new trees in a few months' time. Beautiful, Nigel. When do you think we're getting an update on these ones?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I try and make a video, every time I do work on the trees. They are already growing well, so hopefully soon!

[@wardkni1129]

Hey Nigel, great video and I cant wait for the lemon bonsai update

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It's in the middle of a growing phase at the moment, but an update will be coming this spring!

[@empret7704]

19:40 looks like something laying on its back with its arm on the tummy ...imagination world... looking good cant wait to see it growing ... :)

[@salfarruggello6357]

Beautiful! Couldn't wait to see it completed.. Great job!

[@wolvilataniere]

Wow! Great work, they both look amazing!

[@vrindabandishte5166]

Hello, l had been waiting since last video to see which bonsais will grow in them. Perfect choice and planting, as usual. I hope you can show the follow up soon -- all new leaves and roots clinging to the rock.

[@julianchiarella7421]

The first tree shoud be called "Mammoth rest". I really enjoyed the application of the moss and the appearance it gives to the whole.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Julian, a great name for the tree!

[@CyrilViXP]

Amazing work!

[@matijadejanovic2027]

Hello Mr. Saunders, Interesting work on the Ginseg roots there, can't wait to see how they will look like in future as I have one myself, and could do the same with them 'cause they really look to big and weird like this. Keep up that great work! Cheers!

[@t3hw4ff13]

Came for bonsai, found a new technique for Warhammer bases and terrain

[@jeanniegriffin1692]

Wow, great outcomes- love'M, Nigel.

[@TokinWhiteKid]

I'll admit, I've never been a big fan of these Microcarpa with the ginseng style bulbous roots but I like this method of breaking them up a bit with carving. I'm curious to see how this develops. Maybe it will change my mind on them. I prefer the natural look of ficus like your Benjamina that have very robust root bases. Another great and informational video! Thanks Nigel!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Geoff, I'll keep updating the tree and we'll see how it progresses! It is getting it's leaves back now and the moss is a nice green!

[@sirkov3887]

Really not what i expected, but as always good work. You are inspiring.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Always expect the unexpected! (Monty Python) Thanks Sirkov!

[@patsfreund9164]

Like what you did with these two trees. Honestly, I think the rock that you put against the ficus looks really "right" there. I would be tempted to leave it there in the composition instead of removing it at a later date. Always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for them.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, I'll have to keep that in mind, I may replace the cement rock with a real one some day, if I can find a good one!

[@groovygranny5565]

Love your "mountain" rock. I think it looks like the rocks and islands off the coasts of Ireland and Scotland. In that case, the white wouldn't be snow but more like bird guano. ;)

[@thealimirjalili]

These videos are getting better and better every time. The foist zone is getting more and more competitive too.

[@vamanjoshi4053]

Hi there Come up very nicely. Hope they do well under your observation.

[@jeffincharlestonsc]

Great idea for the rocks, will try this, living on the coast rocks are hard to come by, lots of sand tho!

[@BrandonTran]

Nicely done! They turned out great. The rock you let go wasn’t my favorite either. Can’t wait to see the update months from now.

[@addy9515]

Wow! It’s snowing in Canada while here in Southern California people are already swimming in their pools! I was swimming just yesterday

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Our last frost of the winter can sometimes be as late as early June! Swimming usually starts in July to Sept and that's it! We have a very short outdoor growing season for the tropical trees, that's why I usually just let them grow all summer.

[@themotivatedgardenergarden7822]

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM ! There looking exactly what you see in Vietnam and Thailand also...South East Asia comes too the Bonsai zone.Super

[@maryshoemaker1437]

I’ve never seen anyone thin the roots... good to know!!!

[@chandrakantthakare3787]

Very nice video and information sir

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Chandrakant!

[@vildotcom]

superb rockwork.

[@kaveenjayawardane2690]

Good job, keep up the great work. 😄

[@markpersaud5768]

Good work bro

[@hollymunfordbloe4744]

LOVE those trees

[@geoffcurtis9221]

All that work to make the rock and you covered it up....

[@geoffcurtis9221]

Yes I understand it will come to light as the tree grows.

[@giraffebecky]

The first tree (on the left in the end) looks like the head and neck of a moose trying to lick (or bite) its' back! At first I thought it looked like a dinosaur, but it looks more mammalian. Really cool trunk!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, the tree is doing really well and will need pruning soon!

[@maryshoemaker1437]

Nigel ... Its amazing how creative you are... I’m so glad I found your page and have seen almost all your vids!!! Thanks for sharing all your adventures with us!!!! Does Canada do Happy New Years ? Well if not celebrate with us!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Mary and happy new year to you, stay tuned for season 6 coming up!

[@geoffcurtis9221]

Looks like it is still very cold Nigel.

[@maciejszkudlarek5340]

Good morning Nigel!

[@deejjohn5279]

Really interested to see the ginseng ficus develop! I got one for my birthday and it has the big roots too (as well as an obvious graft unfortunately). I'm hiding the graft with some foliage and branching so it's not super obvious. But the big roots are clear as day haha. So maybe I'll try the carving strategy! Anyways, Good video :)

[@quanrusk9993]

You might get your ribbon stlye roots with that carving

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That is a possibility, it will be interesting to see what happens with this tree!

[@nikolaus2688]

I think the mountain rock in this pot would look great as a suiseki, maybe with strategically placed lichen and/or moss.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Nikolaus, I'm sure I'll be using that rock somewhere this year!

[@josecouto1957]

Ok.. saludos

[@peters7413]

Hi Nigel. I have a CR 10, 3d printer and is also for Bonsai like you, can I find the 3d files for the nice pots you've printed somewhere? thanks for the nice long videos they always make me happy. Best regards Peter from Denmark

[@frankpagan1294]

Hi Nigel, I’m really enjoying this series. I’d like to ask what the proper name for that type of moss that you are using. I’d like to see if it is available online. I’m in California and have no way of harvesting any. If you know of any online sites for purchase, I’d appreciate the link. Thanks for all the great videos and your time.

[@wildwill3336]

Love those fake rocks I'm going to try that .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A fun project!

[@chithraarul7029]

What to say, u r a genius Sir. Eagerly waiting to c the updates. U vlogs r well planned n it's always been a stress buster for me to watch Ur videos. Love u 😍😍😍. God bless u Sir .....

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Chithra, it's been snowing really hard here the last few days, spring is on hold here!

[@hollymunfordbloe4744]

First rock looks ok

[@jonahbloomfield6444]

The rock ended up looking like a really nice hill, I'm excited to see how it goes. Do you have any tips on growing moss?

[@bellabogado2920]

i just watch it till part 3 hows the plant now ? please keep an updates on us . thanks !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The Ficus trees are doing great, updates will be coming over the winter!

[@melaniegereitzig2814]

Is there an update on the two trees? I couldn't find anything.

[@user-fb3pu3qx3t]

Could you put rooting hormone on the cuts to help with root development?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, it does seem to help!

[@adriennedraper575]

Hi, Nigel, I have been watching you show since I have become recently interested in Bonsai. Have you ever tried Kokedama style bonsais?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I haven't, but it does look very interesting! Here is a link..... www.kusamonochoe.com/kokedama/

[@chrishuynh6915]

Hi Nigel, nice work. I'm wondering where do you get a shallow rectangular pot.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I would always recommend buying a mica pot for use outdoors with hardy trees. They can be ordered on line and won't break in shipping or in winter. It is hard to find shallow pots, I buy most of mine used at bonsai shows. Clay pots can also be found on eBay, but there is a danger of them breaking in shipping.

[@ToWatchMusic]

Some say the crazier his hair gets the more he becomes one with the bonsai zone

[@paulbyland]

Dude, he had a pretty decent afro going on back in his older videos. Lol, he's the Bob Ross of bonsai.

[@ToWatchMusic]

[@mrscotchguy]

ToWatchMusic #supersaiyan

[@hyrummitchell6416]

Hey Nigel, do you think it would be possible to grow a bonsai out of broccoli? I would love yo see you give it a go - even if it's just for a laugh

[@Teshy-yd2is]

'That looks... pretty good!..... pretty.... pretty.... pretty good' - Larry David

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Larry!

[@BeTheCREATOR]

Marvelous work !!! You don't put soil under the ginseng tree , is it to maintain the soil level or for any other reason?

[@shvshvhkv8608]

Big operation on small plant...but 👌👌👌...!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It will be interesting to see the results!

[@shvshvhkv8608]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Yes ... i m waiting for results...!!!

[@CardThrone]

will the roots not dry out when carved like this? im assuming you will mist frequently

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The living part of the root stays alive because it is getting moisture from below the soil. The exposed parts of the root that I carved away, will dry out and become dead wood. Eventually the this dead wood starts to get soft and new roots from the surrounding area will start to grow into the dead rotting wood and will eventually replace it with living tissue.

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

I like a couple of weeds strategically placed to help with excess water and miniature companion plants. A weed is just a plant you don't want.

[@bonniehyden962]

I have watched the video where you talk about your thoughts and preferences concerning wiring, but I would like to know if you think that's still a skill that someone new to Bonsai should cultivate. I just realized today that you are my first and major source of Bonsai education, although I have subscribed to Johan's Channel, and since you rarely wire a tree I have little to know knowledge of wiring.. In fact, I've not ever seen you wire a tree's branches. Johan does wire trees, from the few videos I've seen, as do other Bonsai artists. So, do you think this a skill of which at least a working knowledge is needed if I'm going to continue in Bonsai?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Wiring is a skill that can be picked up quite easily, and is a good skill to learn. I have found that you can wire a tree up and do a good job after only a few trees. Making the wiring job look really good, takes a little more practice, but I think anyone can wire a tree successfully. You can start to wire the trees anytime after starting bonsai, but I like people to learn the basic skills of watering, re potting , pruning and keeping your tree alive first. Wiring is a technique, but not the only technique! It is often over used and used for the wrong reasons. I think wiring should only be taught once the basic skills are mastered.

[@DJ_Z_2004]

I have a tree I recently bought, and it has crossing surface roots like on your tiger bark, but much larger. It was a collected tree. Removing one of them would leave a massive scar. What would you recommend I do?

[@owen4225]

Hi Nigel, I have a ginseng ficus and would like to do the same thing, chopping the roots off, to get it shorter as it’s very tall. How do I go about rooting it and cutting it? Thanks. Owen.

[@gauthamganesh9810]

Hi , How to control pest in bonsai trees and here very hot summer, temperature upto 33 degree how to save tree by drying up any solutions to it

[@TheBonsaiZone]

There are several solutions to growing trees in hot climates. You can insulate the pots to keep the soil temperature lower. You can place tin foil heat shields on top of the soil and pots. You can keep the trees in a location where they don't get any direct afternoon sun. Lastly, you will need to water and mist the trees often to keep them cool. Placing a tray of water under the pot can supply the tree with water for the day if you can't be there to water it.

[@gauthamganesh9810]

Thankyou sir

[@dominikczekman3714]

Hi Nigel, the second ficus you planted, did you put any soil underneath or will it grow fine without having to do that? Need to do some drastic rootwork to mine so I wanna learn as much as possible before going for it. Love your videos, the only guy who educates properly on youtube. Feel like all the big professionals hold back on their knowledge. Thanks for all your work man!

[@TokinWhiteKid]

dominik czékmán he works the soil in between the roots and fills in that empty space as he probes the soil with the back end of his root comb

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I wanted to get the tree as low as possible in the pot, so it is sitting on the bottom. Normally I have a small layer of soil between the tree roots and the pot, but in this case I don't. The roots will grow in normally along the bottom of the pot with no problems.

[@Fierdre]

Hi! :D great vid as always, and those trees look fabulous! I wonder, why didnt you put soil under the second tree before planting it? or maybe i just didnt see it? will the roots have enough soil to grow in? i also noticed you dont have bonsais of my faved tree, the white birch, isthere a reason for that? like, is it hard to work with, or maybe it just didnt happen yet? ^^ i enjoyed alot the making of the rocks, you're the bonsai Bob Ross hahaha my faved parts are when you comb the roots, i cant explain why x)

[@ps2421]

U didn't use any cut paste like always, don't you worry about fungus? How u manage to deal wth them?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Most scientific advice recommends not using cut paste, but many people swear by it! I don't know what is best!

[@MrDanero2004]

Can you share the templates for 3D bonsai pots ? Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can send me an email [e-mail] I'll send you the stl files.

[@casperjakobsen423]

would it be ok? to just have big and deep pots, an still grow small trees?

[@srip4403]

Hi Nigel.. do we need to defoliate also while giving a severe root pruning to a plant ?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

No it isn't necessary, the leaves will provide additional energy to the tree as the roots are healing and beginning to grow again. Without the leaves, the tree is relying on stored energy to grow both the roots and the leaves. It is always best to leave some leaves on the tree when re potting if possible. Too many leaves on the tree, will cause some of them to dry up and fall off, this is fine as the tree will normally find a balance and just keep the leaves that it can keep hydrated. You can use partial defoliation also. Total defoliation will get you smaller leaves on the tree, but it is very stressful to the tree.

[@srip4403]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Ok Thank you for a detailed reply.. Please make a video on 1. growing roots on cuttings 2. Dwarf ( or Buddha )Bamboo bonsai I got inspired by your videos and am trying to grow plants in my balcony the bonsai way 😊

[@cheshirehomestead3574]

Hi Nigel i am wondering where I could get my self a serissa bonsai?

[@ashwarirai]

Awsom sir u r a creater..

[@srh9893]

So you painted the rock but you can't see it? Are there plans to remove the top of the soil to expose the rock at all?

[@BonsaiAmador]

muinto bom mesmo

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Muito obrigado!

[@何德成-u5o]

anyone knows what soil that Nigel use?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface, here is how I water and fertilize.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@何德成-u5o]

Thank you so much Nigel. Thanks♪(･ω･)ﾉ

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

👍🏆 Did you 3d print them yourself, or did you buy them somewhere?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A company called Spectra 3D in the US printed a sample set for me. The others I print at our local library.

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thank you very much 👍

[@yashsultania9391]

Are the rock is original

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Yash!

[@m.k.9405]

Dr Nigel performing root surgery. The first patient turned out to have a case of major roots crossing, which required a double root amputation. Under Dr Nigel's care, the patient is expected to make full recovery.

[@bluerivercamping]

You need to spend time in Florida the ficus roots grow in all directions from the larger trees their not elite there manly trees.

[@callummcdonogh3098]

That tree looks like the whomping willow from Harry Potter

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes it does, the tree is growing really well, I'll have to have a closer look and see what's going on with the roots over the fake rock.

[@hollymunfordbloe4744]

Second rock looks like COSTA RICA

[@tatinomichin]

Hello Nigel, Nice pots and I think the other rock is still usable for something else, maybe a pine or a Chinese elm.. I would like to ask you, what type of soil is that? It's just inorganic, right? Pumice, gravel rock, lava rock? Thank you

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I may use the rock for something in the future, yes the soil is just perlite and turface, mixed 50/50.

[@hollymunfordbloe4744]

Volcanic JURASSIC PARK