Bougainvillea Bonsai, Part 1, The Bonsai Zone, Jan 2018

[@PapaOsmubal.OscarBalajadia]

Beautiful bougainvillea, Nigel. Thick trunk, looking healthy. Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I hope I can get the roots to grow more evenly this summer!

[@suzynelson7455]

Thanks so much for letting us peer over your shoulder as you work on your trees. I've learned so much! I really appreciate that you explain not only what you're doing, but why. I also appreciate your style, studying the real trees in order to achieve a miniature version of the trees we see in nature. Also, your Playlists are wonderful! Sometimes I think for sure that a tree will not survive it's root pruning, but then next time you repot, there it is, full of roots again!!! I'm totally inspired. Keep up the good work!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Suzy, if only I can learn to keep my hands out of the camera view, I start to concentrate and forget about the camera! Good to hear you are using the playlists to keep track of the trees progression (or regression).

[@darshanirawat6488]

Hi Nigel, it's very informative veidio about bonsai trees. Thanks u

[@TheBonsaiZone]

So nice of you!

[@BonsaiJCan]

Great to see the bougainvillea again. Amazing how the root system changed in that time.I look forward to part 2.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll have to keep a better eye on it this year! Hear is a link to Bonsai J's channel..... kzbin.info/door/Wq_lpKQUebbxI4QQnB5uSw

[@davidstokes925]

Really like what you’ve done to this tree!

[@patriciasholarfreund4964]

Nigel, I like what you did with that bougainvillea. Can't wait to see how it does in spring when you are able to put it back outdoors. Hope you will be able to show it next year. Thanks for the update.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I hope the roots grow more evenly this time!

[@dallasford5735]

very nice work! nice work and nice transformation, cuttings and pots! lots of awesome character they have! i learn something new every time watching!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Dallas Ford!

[@dallasford5735]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone :)

[@godisgod]

The tree also looks really good from the left and the back sides, Nigel. From those views, I like that you can see the branch structure that's developing. Great job getting it to look good from multiple angles.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Bezalel, I'll keep refining the tree to make it better each year!

[@BeTheCREATOR]

All your cuttings will root nicely I think, and the mother tree is going to be an asset for you. Again a good tutorial, Best wishes .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I'll be planting some of the older cuttings in the next video.

[@nikhilpatel7474]

great video. your videos always help us to maintain our trees and to learn more...!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Nikhil!

[@cloutqwerrty]

Your videos are really interesting I'm trying to grow my own bonsai and it's coming on really well Thanks Nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great to hear, happy growing!

[@cloutqwerrty]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thank you

[@jesusmcuevas4150]

Hi Nigel good looking trinitaria tree I live in the tropic got a few trinitaria bonsai and here they are blooming keep it up

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Jesus, I'm looking forward to the nice flowers again!

[@DZale7]

Good job Nigel!! You've take the best decision cutting that predominant root. I've goot some ficus and chinese elms with the same problem. The radial root system in early ages mut be checked every one or two years. Thanks for the video. Regards from Spain!

[@jamesaust3272]

I'm 24 and really enjoy your stuff mate, you started my love of Bonsai and now I have 5 trees and quite a few seedlings. Keep on keeping on!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you James, very nice to hear! All the best to you and your trees!

[@bdsatpathy5991]

Wow...very nice bonsai ..and nice to see u again Nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you BB!

[@donaldtrombly8837]

Wow. Great job and info. You have inspired me

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Donald, happy growing!

[@varunavirdi4640]

Hi Nigel, ur videos very informative for a newcomer like me and really helping to improve my bonsai skills. Thanks a lot sir...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Varuna, it's nice to hear, happy growing!

[@someirishfella1704]

I love your pot that the chinese elm cuttings are in , im really new to bonsai i was given a gift of an azalea bonsai tree and some sycamore seeds in a bonsai kit 3 years ago , the azalea is doing great and the one sycamore that survived is starting to get a pretty nice nebari on the end im having trouble putting any thickness on the trunk its still pretty thin from about half way up but im keeping it short im told that helps , ill definatly be checking out the rest of your videos because you dont rush through the steps like others do thats hard to keep up with for me

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Paul, I hope all goes well with your trees!

[@fernandoandrade-advogado13]

The best bonsai video ever! congratulation!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Fernando, the tree has grown well since the re potting!

[@fernandoandrade-advogado13]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone I live in Brazil and will start to breed some bouganvilleas. Your video help a lot. Do you know how to boost the flowers?

[@frankpagan1294]

Thanks Nigel, always very helpful information.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Frank!

[@muhammadkhairihanafi5135]

I love this update, little stick become great bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hopefully all will go well this year, I'll keep my eye on the roots!

[@Adelaida1234]

como siempre buen brabajo le quedo precioso felicidades

[@TheBonsaiZone]

¡Gracias mi amigo!

[@esteerimblas1860]

Enjoying your teachings. Could you please explain directional pruning and how Isn’t done.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Have a look at Graham Potter's video, it is one of the best (in my opinion)! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGTHq6CPftCEf8k

[@entyropy3262]

Really well done, I enjoyed watching your video as always.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I hope all goes well with the roots this time!

[@VaibhavSharma-sk2pp]

You are amazing Nigel. Wish I can come and learn all this from you face to face. If one day u start the course consider me in

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Vaibhav, a very kind comment!

[@ejroad]

Loved this video. Where are your tools from?

[@doctordomm97]

very clean

[@AntisocialPlus]

That is a lovely looking tree. I’ve been watching your videos religiously for about a week. I have recently potted a variegated ficus Benjamin’s (the one with the white and green leaves that look like watercolour) that was given to me as a cutting, I threw it in water and after a few months it shot out a bunch of roots. So far so good, thanks to your videos. I’m looking to start a bunch more! If you have any top tips, I’d love to hear them!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks and I hope your trees grow really well. I do like the variegated variety, they look like dabbled sunlight on the leaves to me, like the're in a forest.

[@empret7704]

I like the close up shots, thanks. Enjoy new grouwth :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you EP!

[@OdarAdrianson]

i am really high and german guy,but the way he say "POD" is kind of hypnotic and rebuk way,i just want to start working at my bonsai nonstop while i sit here 1 o`clock in the night watching your videos ,great !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Odar, have fun working on your trees, but be sure to get some sleep too!

[@dreamcatcher31]

I really love your videos..

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you very much!

[@daviddelrosarioc]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@amateurschallenge]

@16:10, is splitting the root along the middle one option. I don't know how Bougainvilleas respond to forced root dividing, but I've heard that it can be done on some bonsai trees. Nice work on the fine structural pruning! Good luck for the roots, and time to balance out!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That might be an option, I know it is done with Ficus trees, but I'm not sure with Bougainvillea's. Maybe someone out there has tried this?

[@owen4225]

Great video, as always Nigel !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Owen!

[@SyriusStarMultimedia]

I have a Southern Catalpa cutting I’m hoping will root.

[@quangvietphi9483]

The roots are so strong. Could you tell me the elements of the soil? Thank you!

[@urosknezevic3504]

If i understand from a several his videos that is perlit and some type of gravel.

[@trassl3celick304]

Perlite and turfus at least I think that's how you spell it out he also fertlises

[@nk3835]

Part 2 part 2 we want part 2 right now!!!!! Cmon Nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Part two will be coming soon, same place, same bat channel!

[@sandeepadhikari4318]

Beautiful very well done

[@jdsgotninelives]

I'm madly in love with that lazy susan :-)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Military grade, only the best!

[@jdsgotninelives]

I'd love to see some more info on it! (Maybe in one of your videos) ;-)

[@faustinae3927]

Beautiful instructions ❤

[@DavidSmith-lm3df]

Hi; another great video. I noticed holes in some leaves; what's the cause of this?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think it was that little slug that makes an appearance in the video! I didn't see it until I was editing. It's at the 43 second mark.

[@edrauen3982]

I want to add sedum in with my ficus tree but I am worried that watering the ficus daily will rot the sedum. But I do see that you do mix sedum in with your various trees

[@TheBonsaiZone]

With a good draining bonsai soil, the Sedum will grow well even with watering it three times a day!

[@debibaker2781]

can't you grow from the roots?

[@dibiodepaint]

nice video

[@donabellahardeneravlogs790]

Great job Sir 👍👏👏👏

[@amoghprabhudesai8305]

Hi Nigel.... Have been following you for quite a long now. Have watched all the videos on this tree. I just love this tree. Can you give dimensions of the tree and the pot? It is very difficult to judge through video, and knowing this would be very helpful to new learners. I would request you to do the same about all your trees.

[@Madran7]

It's about 20cm high and pot is probably something about 15x10x5 cm or so...I would guess according to Nigel's hand next to it...I might be a little wrong though :D

[@jeanniegriffin1692]

Exactly, also the tool size says a lot itself for comparison value in size of the tree and pot. I really love this tree.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Amogh, the tree in the pot is 24 cm high and the pot is 15 X 12 X 4.5 cm . Thanks, a good idea to show the height of the trees!

[@drrachnasgrowingtips2131]

what soil mixture you use for bonsai please tell its composition too..thanks

[@Pokeepogo]

Rachna Kapoor if you haven’t already found it he does have a few videos about his soil mix. I believe it’s equal parts turface and perlite

[@gguabes]

Hi nigel, what kind of soil mixture you used? And what ratio?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I sift the soil to remove the dust and fine particles.

[@yeyoswflrr]

New to bonsai. What's the best soil for Bougainvillea?

[@raikj1078]

A thin drainage layer of pebbles, then a substrate consisting of Lava rock, Pumice, and Akadama

[@kestscauldron]

Great vid as usual!! I have a question. Do you ever get a strange mildew smell from the foliage of any of your ficus micro carpa? I just added one to my collection and its foliage smells just awful! no sign of mold and the soil smells fine...but the leaves are smelly. I researched this and am going to try some home remedies/sprays for mildew...but was interested to see if you had any tried and true methods of your own. Thank you in advance!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I haven't noticed any smell from my ficus leaves. I do get a powdery mildew if the leaves have honey dew on them. The substance drips from aphids and scale insects. I wash the leaves with mild soap and water to remove it and the insects.

[@kestscauldron]

I will give it a go and hopefully it will solve the problem! I am also going to try to get some better air circulation in my small greenhouse. As always, I appreciate your help and the time you take to provide it! :)

[@patrickbowen5398]

Hello - Can you talk about acquiring a Bougainvillea bonsai, and how and where to grow it ? Indoors/Outdoors? etc.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll try and include some general information in my next Bougainvillea video, we don't get much choice of plants here in Canada. They are native to Brazil, the closer you get to that climate, the better.

[@patrickbowen5398]

@@TheBonsaiZone You have so many videos on Bougainvillea that I figured they were quite common where you live but did not know you were in Canada.

[@elizab6926]

I'm trying to grow some acer rubrum seeds, and one of them just recently sprouted, I've been keeping it In my closet because I don't have any where else to grow it, and I was wondering if I should give it some sun light or should I just keep it in there for a while? Nice videos by the way!🌳

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The seedling will definitely need sunlight or a bright grow light for survival! Some of the new LED lights are cheap to run and don't generate a lot of heat.

[@dedirukmadi145]

Is good mr zons

[@Irutss]

Hi! What soil mix are you using and what ration? Perlite and what else...? Thank you!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface.

[@MaximusPrime10278]

I LOVE IT!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, glad you liked the video!

[@mariobrianfernandes5637]

hi nigel try making bonsai of Sapodilla tree.. In my place which in (Goa)india which is very popular.. And I found the Bonsai book by DK. Useful... And also startd to make bonsai of my new plant Ficus starlight...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Looks like a really interesting tree to grow as a bonsai! I wish I had one! Here is a nice picture of a mature tree that I really like.... lilianausvat.blogspot.ca/2015/03/chewing-gum-tree.html#.Wm0YGq6nGUk Hope you send me pictures. I'd really like to see how it progresses. The ficus will be interesting also! The DK tree book has some really good worldwide species of trees in it. I'm going to order seeds this spring of some of the trees I'd like to have.

[@tobiasbackman1706]

I don't understand why you want air space by using large particles in your bonsai medium but then put sand above it. Doesn't that just fill the air spaces?

[@bababooboobumbum5197]

Air space beneath the surface of the medium supplies oxygen to the roots, where they in fact grow. A layer of sand on top simply attenuates surface evaporation, helping the medium retain water for longer.

[@deadeyeski]

You want to get rid of the fine dust and particles in the soil medium. The sand Nigel mentions he uses "washed" play sand. Whenever we fill our kid's sandbox with a few fresh bags, we flood it and let it flow over to wash off some of the finer bits. You don't your kid to breathe that in, and its probably not the best for trees either.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I was worried that the sand would slowly fill all the air spaces between the soil, but I have found that it just sits in the top layer and the soil beneath stays porous and airy. Even after many years the sand layer will stay on the surface.

[@tobiasbackman1706]

Okay, good to know, thanks for the answer!

[@jayman8543]

Great video as always.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Jayman!

[@charliebell5071]

another great teaching vid,what kind of potting mesh did you use please

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I just use ordinary plastic window screen. Thanks Charlie!

[@elmarmeurer4362]

Nigel, I observe you never use healing paste, even in major prunings. Could you comment about it in a future video? Best wishes!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That is a good topic to cover! Some people swear by it, others don't. Much of the scientific evidence points to not using it, but I'm sure it can be useful in some cases?

[@zolan4277]

In a similar vein, you also never seem to use rooting hormone for your cuttings. It would be interesting to know if there are certain criteria as to if you do or don't use rooting hormone. We need to be inside your mind Nigel. :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have just never bought rooting hormone, I think it is safe to use and I hope to try it this year to improve my success rate of cuttings.

[@venomiel]

cinnamon powder works great as a root hormone

[@sud6646]

Yes I read that cinnamon powder works too

[@victorkohnke1720]

Nigel, My Boug has long branch shoots that take off quickly. Is it healthy to continue to trim those branches every other month or not?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, if it is growing well, they can be safely pruned back monthly.

[@bryanwells4063]

do you ever apply cinnimon or root hormone for big cuts like that? I think its a good way to reduce the risk of infection and to increase the chance that your large root will actually grow out smaller shoots

[@christopherbrown1958]

How do you care for your bougainvilleas in winter - greenhouse or outside?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They come inside my plant room. I don't keep a heated greenhouse outside yet. I will when I get the new one installed.

[@tyrepressureitaly]

Thank you for sharing your passion

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Glad you enjoy the videos, I have fun making them also!

[@amgadmedhat6211]

At 5:23 the nibbling of the trunk lead to a coloured spot in the main trunk is that normal? Also I recently bought a rough bark bougainvillea and when I was pruning it to style I noticed a very distinct bright orange line in the branch fibers am really worried its a disease! Please Nigel tell me if u got any idea what's that all about

[@turtle2177]

Hi Nigel, regarding the cuttings where do you recommend placing them? I live in Sydney Australia and the summer temp is above 35 degrees celcius most days, but i know they need light to grow?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They need a humid location, a greenhouse or a mini greenhouse, even a clear plastic bag will work. I would keep them out of the direct afternoon sunlight and watch the temperature doesn't get too hot in the bag or the greenhouse. You should cut some holes in the bag for some ventilation also. I mist my cuttings a couple of times a day to keep them humid. If the leaves dry out, your success rate will be low.

[@sarahk4047]

Every time I've repotting a bougainvillea it looks horrible, loses it leaves, doesn't grow, takes ages to strengthen up again. I never have trouble with other plants. What small I doing wrong? 😔 Awesome job Nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think you need more humidity. Try putting a clear plastic bag around the tree and the pot to keep it nice and humid. You will want to put some air holes in the bag and keep it in a bright, but not direct sun until it starts to grow again. They like to be kept warm, so I would re pot in summer if possible.

[@ashutoshtiwary3311]

Hi,which fertilizer do you use usually in your bonsai trees:?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Here is my video on watering and fertilizing.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@louielegaspi7716]

how will it grow flowers if you always prune them? just asking cause i want to have a flower growing bonsai. pls reply

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You are right , you do have to let it grow to flower! I am hoping that if I stop pruning now, it will flower for the fall bonsai show. I have an update on this tree here.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnaaaaBsm7Kfeck

[@naveydavey]

May i ask what kind of root rake you have Nigel? It looks very nice, would like to get that one myself if possible!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I found it in a second hand store 25 years ago. It was part of a children's indoor gardening kit. I have searched everywhere, and cannot find another. I may try and 3D print one in the future.

[@naveydavey]

Ah Thanks anyway! My goal is to find one as pretty as yours!

[@mrbonsai8139]

Very nice video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you GO!

[@frankpagan1294]

Nigel love all your videos. I’m trying to develop a Bougainvillea bonsai, from nursery stock. Two questions. Do you ever defoliate entire plant, In order to get smaller leaves? Do you let it flower before trimming tips off. Thanks Nigel and keep videos coming.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I haven't defoliated the tree on purpose, it does go through periods where it losses almost all it's leaves. This happens when I move it indoors for the winter and also when I put it outside for the summer. I may try and defoliate it before a show some day. I try and keep the tree trimmed and then in mid summer I let it grow and it usually flowers for late summer. It's hard to keep the tree compact and have it flower. I'll have to keep working on my timing!

[@bryanl9769]

Nigel you should try to grow a chili bonsai !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I was sent seeds last year, but I just didn't get time and I ran out of room to plant them. Here is a great channel for Chili bonsai.... kzbin.info/door/UPnojoIz0Nrjet9XzGBD3Q

[@sophieschuster9781]

Great as always... I've planted a cutting last year and it's looking good so far. I've been told that bougainvillea needs a lot of food to develop correctly : for this one do you still use a pinch of 20 20 20 every time you water the tree or more ?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I water it using a very small amount 20-20-20 every time I water. I don't give it any special treatment Hopefully it will flower this year!.

[@browpetj]

Great video Nigel! Nice work with your new set up and themes too. From your perspective, is there a point at which the removal of all soil from the roots is unnecessary in the life of a tree? I have seen people repotting old trees without combing the roots out. These root balls looked very fine and full of soil. Surely they would not be as open for gas/nutrient/water exchange though and they should still be combed? Appreciated.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Peter, once the radial roots are formed at the base of the tree, there is less need to work on the roots closer to the trunk. I do always try and remove the old soil and inspect the roots. There are usually few fine feeder roots near the base of the trunk, so removing this soil is not a dangerous operation to the health of the tree. Pruning the roots without removing the soil and inspecting the roots is the equivalent of pruning the tree without looking at the branches, just a hedge type pruning all the time! Roots should be treated and pruned exactly as the branches in your tree, you prune for taper, direction and ramification. This will give you really nice bonsai roots. I like to remove all the old soil to be sure there are no insects or eggs hiding around the roots and as you say, the new soil is better for aeration and water flow throughout the soil within the pot. I am not convinced that mycorrhiza is good for a well fed bonsai tree. It can take up to 20 percent of the trees energy to feed the fungus and with chemical fertilizer, it is not needed to convert organic matter into chemicals the tree can use. A well fed tree just doesn't need the fungus. I think very few people are experienced in proper re potting and the practice of trimming the edges is more tradition than science based.

[@browpetj]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thanks for the reply! :) Great info on the mycorrhizza. Very good point that separates wild trees here. The fungus looks from the literature to be an insurance policy and nutrient transfer network for wild trees that have harsh growing conditions. A network of choice too whereby a strong tree can choose which weaker trees to support. Some bonsai enthusiasts seem to say that pines in particular need these fungi in prolific quantity in a pot. I guess the fungus will always be there to some degree, only takes a few spores to remain. Ground growing has some interesting characteristics that are difficult to replicate though. Maybe a result of the fungi, enhanced electrical grounding and of course the extension of the roots.

[@GraniteValleyDave]

Looks really nice Nigel! That large root was crazy! So satisfying to see it go. My neighbour has a huge bougainvillea tree/shrub - around 4m wide and 2m tall. It is variegated and looks really nice, but looks like a different variety of bougainvillea to yours. It has thorns at each leaf bud. Do you know anything about this variety and if it could grow into a nice bonsai?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Be careful of the thorns, some people have a bad reaction if punctured! I think any Bougainvillea can become a very nice bonsai. Some have larger leaves, but they can just become larger bonsai trees.

[@SyedSajjadAli]

With this kind of soil how could u tell if water is evaporated and when tree needs watering again?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The turface changes colour as it dries out, it also gets more crumbly looking.

[@jlet-ze3ui]

Hey Nigel, just noticed that i have never seen you use wire on your trees. Is there a reason for this, or do you use it in some cases? Thanks in advance!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I do wire occasionally, when I can't see another solution. I prefer to use clip and grow, but sometimes wiring is the best method for positioning a branch.

[@elisabethserrano8264]

Hi Nigel, were du you find those nice mister bottles ,thank you!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I get them at Canadian tire, in the gardening center. The dollar stores also sell them.

[@GusMD84]

What would be the best time to pot and wire a dwarf bougainvillea? I live in Australia, currently Autumn here...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The best time is after a period of vigorous growth when it's bushy and over grown. You can take it back hard, both the roots and the top and as long as you keep it warm and misted, it should recover well.

[@poormansbonsaipjpolo6364]

Sir I have some of bongainvillea but some are huge. I will make a video so u can see. maybe tomorrow can u make some advice. tnx

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm looking forward to your video! Here is a link to the KZbin channel.... kzbin.info/door/ganmBOM-jCmF-KTTm_rCHw

[@juls101301]

Hi how are you what is the soil using for the bougainvillea

[@MrKeitarotrain]

My bougainvillea needs a repot badly. I have been scared to do thinking i missed my chance in early fall. What is the temp like in your green house? My plants live outside on the wall. Its been -3 celcius at night to about 8 degrees celcius on a hot day. I had read winter is very dangerous to do anything to one of these since its a tropical tree.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes I would wait until you get nice warm temperatures to re pot your outdoor trees. Mine are inside the house in a sun room, so this time of year is good for my indoor trees.

[@MrKeitarotrain]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai ZoneThanks for the reply. Figured as much. There is alot of comments like repot late winter when new growth is showing. But I think that applies to warm areas. Early spring can be still icy in the mornings.

[@blaqfish]

Did you cut off all of the thorns...I don't see any? Thank you

[@TheBonsaiZone]

This species doesn't get any thorns!!!

[@samrahebi3638]

Hi Nigel, what kind of soil do you use for your bonsai trees, I'm new to this hobby and I find your channel very helpful and informational, great videos, so far I have a juniper bonsai tree, I'm planning to get my second bonsai once I get a bit more experienced and probably when I'm on summer break since I don't have much time because of school

[@abcxyz8300]

Hey Nigel. You didnt answer me that day. Pease tell me if I can make bonsai of golden shower tree or gulmohar tree?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A nice bonsai can be made from any tree! Here are some links.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnvPn4aQq9-cm80 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKjRen58nqhog9U

[@abcxyz8300]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Thank you, Nigel. Thank you very much.

[@BillsBayou]

Great video!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Bill, we're having some Florida weather here today, warm and raining! Hope your trees survived the cold spell well and I look forward to more of your videos!

[@benjaminholbert9267]

Off of your number one branch, why did you leave the small leave hanging from it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The small branch growing underneath the first branch may become a new branch leader some day. It allows me to cut the branch back hard to a new downward facing leader. This could re direct the branch to a more horizontal position. I may never do this, but I like to keep the option available.

[@franciscocarlosoliveirasan4]

Está faltando a tradução Pará o Português Brasil salvadorBa

[@orlando6914]

I always thought if you cut big root the plant will die

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Not always and hopefully not in this case! The tree was allowed to grow freely to gain lots of vigor, so it can grow new roots easily.

[@nickkellogg4155]

i know perlite is a great bonsai medium. but don't you feel it detracts from the overall natural look for display?

[@Madran7]

That's why Nigel puts almost every time a moss layer on it ;) Simulates natural grass around trees...

[@nickkellogg4155]

touch'e. I'm just a perlite hater.

[@deadeyeski]

Pretty sure there are videos of Nigel using tweezers to pick the perlite off the surface of the soil.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Ugly, but it works!

[@TokinWhiteKid]

Some of my trees grow in 100% perlite with a thin layer of crushed gravel on top followed by sphagnum to keep the perlite all weighed down and out of sight.

[@ivanv754]

Hi Nigel, why are there holes in the leaves on your first bougainvillea? O really like that tree, by the way. It’s nice to see its development over the years.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is from a tiny slug that was living in the moss. I put it outside on a warm day under some leaves. I'll keep my eye on the roots this summer!

[@ivanv754]

Excellent! I am looking forward to doing a Bougainvillea bonsai as my first ever bonsai. They are native to my country (Dominican Republic) and there’s a lot of variety in my city. They are used as bushes but some people let it grow wild.They come in many colors. My favorite one has a very strong purple or fucsia color. I hope mine develops as nicely as yours in the future. Best regards, Iván.

[@69Crimthann]

How do you ho from vine to bonsai?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Lots of pruning, you let it grow to gain vigor. length and thickness and then cut it back, let it grow again and cut it back a little less. keep repeating this and over time you will get a nice twisty tapered trunk and branches.

[@uriel13th11]

When will it bloom? I want to see.

[@TheRealSonder]

Where did you get your root rake? I've been looking for it and can't find.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It was found at a second hand store 25 years ago. It was part of a children's indoor gardening kit. I've never seen another, and I have looked on line and every where else!

[@juliansotomil7778]

Hi Nigel, live in zone 6. When is the best time to report?

[@josh0011-z4w]

I’m in South Africa 🇿🇦 and were in a drought, in April we’ll have no more water which means no more water for bonsai😭😢

[@jeremydurham6579]

Joshua Hawthorne yeah I'm in south Africa too planning to collect as much rain water as possible and I might distill sea water. Hopefully it doesn't come to that

[@jeremydurham6579]

James- already got one

[@jeremydurham6579]

But it's very dirty and it's got a metal in that rusts

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Water is always a problem, in winter I have to wait for a thaw that melts snow to fill my indoor rain barrel. In summer the rain can be very unpredictable. I store water in 7 big barrels and some years I run out. I have tap water as a last resort, but it's not so good for my bonsai, full of lime and minerals. If global warming gets worse, we might all have to switch to growing succulent bonsai.

[@jenniferthorpe1783]

There is no such thing as global warming.

[@muhammadjunaidill]

Plz make video on your soil mix which type of soil mix is that ??

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Muhammand, the soil is 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I sift the ingredients to remove the fine particles and get a size between 3 to 4 mm. Here is a video on watering and fertilizing this mix.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@muhammadjunaidill]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone many many thanks sir

[@blackfang1217]

Wait the cut pieces able to get roots?

[@sivin6537]

How we make Christmas bonsai tree

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Winter fun!