Bougainvillea Bonsai, Part 2, The Bonsai Zone, Jan 2018

[@satanlovesmemoreable]

Youre the best. I picked up a very sad but still trying boug. Superstore had it for 30 in the reduced rack while it being 75% off everything plant. Girl said 15. Talked to the front count , she laughed and said you want that. Got it down to 5. Did my shopping , getting the plant from the counter, calls me back, gives me my money back , and says show me next year. Love knowing what plants can do. You teach a lot of people .

[@imeldasangma4358]

Hi Nigel. My name is Imelda. I'm from N.E. India. I used to have an interest in bonsai when I was a teenager. I have few ficus religiosa,samanea saman,...Well lots of plants but to collect more. It's a bit late but I am training my trees to bonsai. I'm a teacher by profession. But you're a very good teacher in bonsai world. You really have that patience when you explain every detail that even a beginner like me got inspired and learnt more from you. Thank you so much.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I hope your trees grow well as bonsai, thanks Imelda.

[@alaindavid2419]

Awesome pictures of winter on your surroundings. You inspired me to create an Avatar inspired bonsai tree on a fire tree I grow.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds good Alain, it should look great!

[@murdockqotsa]

Bought a bougainvillea at a nursery and this video has given me so much information on how to start. Total noob here that really appreciates the teaching. Ty so much.

[@omietopi]

These photos are absolutely stunning ! Thank you Nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks you, I must get out taking photos again, it's been a while!

[@CardThrone]

nothing better than waking up to a new video from Nigel!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you very much!

[@TheNatrjack965]

The videos I watch the more I get inspired .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I find my interest in bonsai just keeps increasing every year!

[@BonsaiJCan]

Great video! I like the switch up from working on the trees to your outdoor photos to mixing up soil. I really enjoyed watching you work on the " wild like" bougainvillea cuttings and transforming them into young trees. Can't wait to see part 3!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you bonsai J!

[@BonsaiJCan]

I forgot to mention, the thermal imaging with temperature was really something! And really cool how you put that Avatar tree in your video like holographics! I gotta figure that one out.

[@trcmustang]

Always like to see pruning, root pruning, and repotting videos. Thanks Nigel.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I have lots of trees that need re potting, lots more to come!

[@josepenalver652]

De très belles images, bravo Nigel. J'aime beaucoup ton travail méticuleux...

[@frankwilsonii7399]

So close to spring! I can't wait. Awesome as always, Nigel.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Frank, it felt like spring yesterday, but I'm sure the cold weather and snow will return! I'm actually enjoying the winter and it's giving me a good chance to work on my tropical trees to get them in good shape for summer. I hope I get them all done before spring and winter is already half over. I better get working!

[@m.k.9405]

So the best time to work on tropical trees is in the wintertime? What about deciduous trees and evergreens, like pines? When do you work on these? For some reason I can't remember this. By the way, that was another great video and your photographs are beautiful. You have a great appreciation for nature and wilderness Nigel.

[@BeTheCREATOR]

Waiting for next episode. and thanks for tha awesome slide show.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, I just finished it, it will be uploaded tomorrow!

[@lullabylullaby6226]

That must be spagnum moss at 14.9, beautiful! Loved all the photos from your morning walk

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The red image was actually a flower from a Staghorn Sumac. You can make a nice sweet tea from them!

[@patriciasholarfreund4964]

Enjoyed watching your work with these plants. Was intrigued that you were outdoors without a hat/coat. Guess you're used to it. The pics from your morning walk were great. Looking forward to the next bougainvillea installment.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Patricia, yes when it goes from -20 to above freezing. it feels like summer!

[@deploribusunum3894]

The thumbnail for this video is awesome.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@elmarmeurer4362]

Amazing pictures! Congratulations! I really liked this bougainvillea too.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Elmar, I spent about 4 hours in the forest that morning taking pictures, time flew by in an instant. I hated leaving the peace and quiet and heading back into the city!

[@blankizaki944]

Really interested about the avatar home tree project. It's will be amazing to see from a normal looking bougainvillea to such majestic look.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is growing well, it will take many many years, but I will enjoy the process of trying! I have several trees growing in the home tree style, stay tuned.

[@NYCOrchidQueen]

The thermal imaging was so cool! ♥

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I agree, my friend Peter has all the latest tech!

[@owen4225]

Always good to see you’re videos Nigel, keep up the good work!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Owen!

[@raydenzidane6]

Awesome stuff thanks! Lesson from a true Sensai!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Ray!

[@eduardoj.409]

Great video and great photos!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Eduardo!

[@D-Love2947]

Loving how much the channel has changed. Keep up the good work Nigel. :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I'll keep trying to make it better!

[@rovflor7997]

I'm just 17 and tries to start with my mom's bougainvillea hahaha thanks for this wonderfull video from ph

[@BonsaiJade]

Bel video come sempre ! Grande

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Grazie mille!

[@enriqueplopez6078]

Me encantan tus trabajos!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

¡Gracias, espero que crezcan bien en los próximos años y espero verlos florecer de nuevo!

[@ellyza24]

Love watching your videos, and those photos are so lovely!

[@j.p.7272]

Awesome Video as always!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you J.P.!

[@thebaddestradish9678]

Nigel will you ever do any plant giveaways?? I would love to win a cutting of one of your trees!!

[@アドリアン-y2h]

Hi, nice video! I really enjoyed the pictures that you took outside. I think they are some really nice wallpapers! :D

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I spent about 4 hours in the woods taking pictures, I hated leaving, I was having so much fun!

[@brandopecadizo2161]

Just subscribed now and thanks for this information coz I have a passion in bonsai making. We have different varieties of Bougainville in my hometown Philippines, Koronadal City. God Bless Sir..

[@clabiscom]

Hi Nigel, beautiful bouganvilleas, very interesting video, any update of them?

[@GraniteValleyDave]

Looking forward to part 3!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, it will be coming soon!

[@michellessard7047]

Hey Nigel , thank you for all the lessons , they are awesome ! I have some "Arbutus " seeds , Arbutus menziesii , a tree that grows on the West Coast in rocky terrain and salty air .I 'm in Big Valley ,Alberta and have started some seedlings very easily.I would gladly send you some seeds if you are interested in starting a arbutus bonsai ! Cheers ! 😊

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That would be wonderful! My email address is.... [e-mail] Thank you Michel

[@wiseoleowl5154]

I’ve for along time had a fascination with bonsai. Right now I’m playing around with adeniums or desert rose.

[@jackbrandt3776]

Love your videos

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you jack!

[@bonsaihunters]

Avitar flat top, that's rad! Go Bonsai!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Long way to go, but it's good to have a goal in mind!

[@VITALBONSAI]

*still a good video, a variety little used in France to make a Bonsai*

[@nazarkravchenko3551]

oh... Nigel, it is a sorbent. I think that you are using TORF and PERLITE... and in our region I checked every companies to find TORF like I saw in your video every time, but everything was unsuccessfully. TNX for this video, now I found all answers for me.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you! Good to hear.

[@virginiafabregas1065]

Hellow , very good video Nigel I liked very much because I love buganvileas. By by from Barcelona.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Virginia!

[@kilthsenarc]

Hey Nigel thank you for the videos I watch them all I was wondering if you where going to do a update in spring on your Norway maple /site. It's my first tree, grown from seed. 13 years now. So keen to see yours at some point peace ✌️

[@TheBonsaiZone]

My Norway maple is really liking the training box that I potted it in. I can see all the buds just ready to go this spring! I think it is ready for a good year of growth. I'll be sure to update the tree on a video.

[@iiTzDeVOUr]

Hey Nigel, what are your thought on making a video about the trees that have died and possibly tell us what you tried to do with the tree?

[@gaganjain5191]

What's the ratio of organic matter and inorganic matter for potting soil for bonsai bougainvillea Nigel

[@amateurschallenge]

Beautiful photos!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Joseph, I like the challenge of trying to get some nice pictures, no matter what the conditions!

[@georgethomas3373]

Hi Nigel, I notice that you don't wire the bonsais into their pots, just relying on the weight of the soil mix. Could you comment on this please?

[@gwenkilby]

I'm curious if you have any use for the dust that you sifted out?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The leftovers get mixed in with the garden soil as a soil conditioner. I have tried it as a soil for small trees or for starting cuttings, but I find the small particle size doesn't allow water to flow easily into the soil. I think the water surface tension doesn't allow it to seep through the small holes in-between the particles.

[@granlex]

Nigel. Why is it that when you mix your soil, you discard the fine or smaller particles????

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The roots like to grow between the larger particles in the moist pockets where they get water and oxygen! They need the spaces to breathe.

[@granlex]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Nigel. Not only you know but you seem to care. I bout a 2-3 gallon pot with two Tibouchina plants with beautiful trunks and they looked as if they had potential for bonsai. I attempted to separate and reduce the roots but i think it was too much stress for them because all the leaves dried out and wilted. I didn’t trim the branches first, i did the roots but i don’t know if i did wrong. Im still caring for them. Need some advise. I have pics but i don’t think i can show you through here. Thanks Alex

[@karissamercado8243]

I have a question tho, I get scared for the plant when you trim its roots. How do you know when to stop trimming?

[@jamesgavern2084]

When the plant says ouch. Lol

[@georgeeshun]

I loved the music you played when you were showing the photos from your walk, please who was the composer and which composition was it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Check the link in the description, it's music by Jo San

[@MrNosajwhitey]

Very productive dat room gets with tropical cuttings

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I just wish the sun would shine every day!

[@garymccarthy4994]

Have you given any thought to changing over from turface to diatomaceous earth? The diatomaceous earth is as inexpensive as the turface and a much better soil substrate.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I may give it a try this year as a soil ingredient. I find the turface works well, so I would have to do a comparison test.

[@Liisa3139]

I thought you would show your bonsais in infrared. They are warm? Meaning: alive (even if without leaves at the moment).

THANK YOUR VIDEOS!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you for watching them!

[@wiseoleowl5154]

Can tell me the ingredients for bonsai soil? I’m having a little trouble upstanding what you were saying on this video.

[@Shavenerd53119]

Hey Nigel, a boxwood would make a great home tree.

[@kro_nos__]

Wow, you have sun now, there in Canada ... I got so jealous, all we have in Poland are clouds

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Today we got the Polish weather, rain and clouds!

[@LayerJohn]

Hy Nigel, whats that tree at 14:18 please? Could it be a Ginkgo Biloba? I doubt it a bit, but could it be? Don't you have any Ginkgo trees yourself? Greetings from Berlin!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Those are Larch tree branches, the buds are long, very similar to Ginkgo!

[@LayerJohn]

ah you right :-) thanks

[@dalebrett7458]

What is the soil you use on your bougainvillea?

[@donabellahardeneravlogs790]

I like bougainvillea bonsai!

[@jmacninja]

hello, I'm a new fan but a big one. have you considered getting the big bags of, course perlight or medium, to avoid sifting. what would you use vermiculite for btw i've always wondered??

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think vermiculite works as a soil conditioner if you have a water loving plant. It holds more water than perlite and may be better for garden plants that don't get checked for water, as often as bonsai. Some people don't sift the ingredients for their soil, but I like to get all the fine particles and dust out, this keeps the air spaces in your soil from getting clogged up. It also gives me something to do on a cold day outdoors! Thanks Joel!

[@dr.sindhurapothineni3756]

New video from you is like a good news for me sir, Everytime 😁

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Sindhura, I'll keep them coming!

[@emilystubbs5650]

What soil mix do you use for your Bougies? Or is anyone else has a recommendations, please share 🙂

[@tomzifer927]

Couple of questions. What size mesh or hole size in your sieve? Do you use the same make x in all your trees? Thanks.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use regular nylon screening that is used for windows. You can buy a roll at your hardware store. I've never had a hole get clogged up with this finer mesh and I hope it helps keep insects from entering the drainage holes also! I use this on all my trees. I think the hole size is 1.2 mm.

[@tomzifer927]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thanks. I rewatched the video and see you keep the corse material and discard the fines. I recently made a stacked sieve system with various size mesh, 1”, 1/2”, 1/4” and window screen like yours. I thought you were saving and using the fines.

[@juliansotomil7778]

Hi Nigel, great video, where do you put your newly reposted bougainvilleas? Do you place it under the shade or in a full sun? Thanks

[@EuanEllery]

Did you ever use that rock in a landscape?

[@thegroke]

I have ficus benjamina which hasn't been repotted for 15 years (it wasn't mine so that's why it wasn't repoted for so long). Should I do it now or wait for the spring?

[@thegroke]

Jean-Simon Lavertu Yeah, I'm curious, too. I'm ipatient to repot my ficus but I don't want to hurt it.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I like to re pot the tropical trees mid summer if I can. The trees build up strength the first half of summer and then they have good weather to recover from re potting the second half of summer. If the tree hasn't been re potted for a long time, you will probably see some giant potato like roots in the pot! You may have to get out a saw and cut through the root base to get them in order. I do an operation similar to this in this video..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2m1kGmgm6p9a7c Here is the best website on ficus roots for reference..... www.sidiao.com/Ficus_e.htm With the right conditions, warmth, light and humidity, your ficus will survive almost any root operation you throw at it. If you let the new roots that are forming dry out before they grow down more deeply in the pot, the tree could die. Aftercare is the key to success!

[@thegroke]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Thank you very much! I will keep in mind the things you've said.

[@MrCatcher102]

Hi Nigel, when can the trees come out of the basement and on to the close-end porch? I live in northern New England.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I usually bring my trees outside when the weather starts to stay above freezing in the daytime and just drops briefly at night. It is very difficult to avoid the roots from freezing, unless you constantly bring your trees outside and then back in when the weather goes cold. I have done this for many years and it isn't much fun. Lately I have been leaving my trees outside for the entire winter on the benches under a layer of snow. So far it has been working for me. This winter will be a real test of this as we had a normal cold winter down to -22 C for over a week. I hope it isn't like Monty python....."Bring out your dead, bring out your dead" My problem with the trees in the basement, which isn't heated, is that the trees tend to come out into leaf a little early and when they do go outside, this indoor growth dies back and you have to rely on back budding to keep the branch alive. Seems no method is perfect!

[@erikzellers2925]

A ceiling fan should be enough to move that hot air down - just gotta make sure the blades are moving in the right direction.

[@SirDuckOLot]

do you use this soil type in all of your bonsai trees and do you put slow release fertilizer on top ?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes I use this soil on all my trees. I only fertilize when I water, I don't add any to the soil. Here is a video on this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@anahernandez29]

Quiero saber el nombre de los sustratos gracias por todo excelente trabajo saludos desde P.R. Bendiciones

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Eu uso 1/2 perlite e 1/2 turface. Vou adicionar 10 por cento de casca de pinheiro compostado à mistura, se eu tiver em mãos. A casca de pinheiro não parece fazer muita diferença.

[@loycemarch9603]

Question: does it hurt to cut or trim back thorns on bushes? I have large bougainvillea that gophers were getting to in ground now in pot to rescue.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

No. many people remove the thorns before working on the trees. The thorns can create a very bad reaction with some people. You can just remove the tips with a small set of pruners.

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

I got a young lemon tree with thorns. I pricked myself on them at least a dozend times until I decided to remove them. I had bloody wounds a couple of times and once I didnt notice it and contiued working in the garden and it got infected. Removing the thorns didnt seem to harm the tree. I dont think that it could harm a healthy tree.

[@kodoyama]

Hi Nigel, I have a Bougainvillea Glabra that I've been cultivating from nursery stock for about a year. It's coming along quite nicely, but the leaves are huge. I've not tried defoliation yet, but do you know if it's possible to reduce the leaf size on this particular variety?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I believe mine is a Glabra also. the leaves will reduce as you get more ramification and branch structure. They can be defoliated if they are healthy to get smaller leaves. I find the more leaves you get on the plant, the smaller the leaves grow. The leaves also will grow much smaller outdoors than inside.

[@kodoyama]

Thanks Nigel, good to know. Mine is the more common variety with the lovely bright magenta bracts as I couldn't find the Pink Pixie variety anywhere here in the UK, but I'm sure they all respond to bonsai techniques in a similar way.

[@bobmccarlie382]

Did you do any infrared images of your plant room from the outside? That would tell you where heat is escaping vs being retained.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

We'll try that next, good idea! Thanks Bob.

[@seth6700]

What size sifter is that Nigel?

[@rosemariehaas7143]

Nigel, do you ever bring some mixed soil to the meeting for sale?

[@vamanjoshi4053]

Hi Nigel I am Bangalore and have started some tropical plants. I also observed from other bonsai specialists that most of them are doing yemadoi as for as bogenvilia. I have bought some nursery stock and stared. Which one you recommended for. Thanks for update.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I hope your trees grow well, they are so nice in flower!

[@gaganjain5191]

Nice pics

[@InLakech_AlaKin]

The "International Space Station" is a fraud Nigel. I love your channel. Thank you for continuing to share your wealth of knowledge in the art of bonsai. Peace on the plane Earth.

[@HunterOfPoison]

How so?

[@Dethbass420]

He's a flat earther Hahaha ha idiots

[@Kattycha]

He's 4ight, they have hkaxed 5he world, by the way, the moon landing is also fake.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@Ownedhardtime]

If you buy a regular telescope you can look at the international space station with your own eyes, just in case you're being serious.

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

Are the bougainvillea hard to keep through the winter.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They just need a sunny window sill. They do loose all their leaves when you bring them from the outdoors to the indoors, but the leaves soon grow back!

[@munzer2006]

Dear Nigel, always look forward to new videos on your channel! And if a New video is delayed for more than 5-6 days, I start to panic))))))

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Don't panic, I'm hoping to reach season 50 if I can, 45 years to go!

[@SabirChdhry]

Good video Nigel Sir Waiting for 3rd part How much is the price of your knob cutter

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I bought it used at our club meeting for 20 dollars.

[@SabirChdhry]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Means 2nd hand How much is the price of new one in Canada or USA Waiting for your ficus religiosa video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A new one is about 50 dollars, but the better quality ones can cost even more, closer to 1 hundred dollars. I will be re potting a Ficus religiosa in part three!

[@SabirChdhry]

Thank you so much sir You are a great human being

[@dallasford5735]

:) thanks for sharing great video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you again!

[@zualteachhakchhuak8911]

Wow. Amaxing work. Love every sec of it. Btw. Do you reuse the soil. Mr. Expert...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I don't reuse the soil for bonsai, but it does all go into the garden or pre bonsai garden.

[@bibisombb1189]

Which kind of soil is best suitable for bougainvillea bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Bougainvillea do not like to have the roots too wet or they will start to rot. Any really good draining sol will work fine, make sure the soil begins to dry out a bit before giving it a good watering again. The plants like warmth and humidity and a greenhouse is an ideal location.

[@bibisombb1189]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thank u sir

[@bonniehyden962]

While I know I'm very new to your channel and to Bonsai, I don't think I've ever seen you prune the top of a tree while it's out of the pot. Is there a reason you did that or did it just seem like the thing to do at the time, Nigel?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think I had to get the cutting out of the pot to actually see the structure, the Schefflera cuttings were in the way. Normally I prune the tree first in the pot.

LIKE IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Very nice to hear, great channel you have, I subscribed! kzbin.info/door/Meoh4JMpUNMLlGtcuxzhJAvideos

[@martijncamps4187]

It would be interesting to see you do a avocado bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have had on in the past. It died after 5 years, one dark and cold winter. I will try another one!

[@itmaslanka]

Was that 1/4" or less on the screen?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The screens for the bottom of the pot are 1/8 inch nylon window screening.

[@martinlehtonen]

Quite harsh shadows in the video. Maybe a small lamp on the other side would help. Love the videos, keep em coming.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I have to get some lights, it got dark really fast that day. I'll try and get them for the next video,

[@trailboss7197]

What size holes are in the sifter?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think about 4 mm!

[@Lazarus-aap]

"I guess I'm fairly warm" hahaha 😂😂 Anyway, for some reason I thought about the tree that you're trying to grow on a piece of wood.. Is it still doing ok?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The infra red, reminds me of the movie Predator! Yes the Ficus that is on the wooden board is growing well, it was dormant for the first part of winter, but is showing signs of growth again now that the sun is getting stronger. The roots are still growing nicely and it should be ready to attach a flag to sway the tree in the wind this summer. I'll keep posting updates on the project Tom, thanks!

[@jewiesnew3786]

I think it would be cool to sometimes do a special intro where you feature some of your trees at the start of the season while playing a movement in Antonio Vivaldi's ''Four Seasons'' corresponding to that season.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I love the "Four seasons"! Great idea!

[@badmansagar]

plz, share potting mix.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I screen the soil to remove the dust and fine particles. I screen it to a 3 to 4 mm particle size or 1/8 inch.

[@georgeeshun]

Bougainvillea part two was the video posting.

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

Great video as always ; ) Your son is really adorable. May I ask how old he is?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

He is 12, thanks!

[@christinakeeling5588]

Is June to late to repot mine

[@TheBonsaiZone]

No, anytime in the summer is a good time! Just keep it watered and out of full sun for a week or two.

[@christinakeeling5588]

What is your soil mix recipe

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 turface and 1/2 perlite. I screen the soil to remove the fine dust and particles. Here is a video on watering and fertilizing this soil.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@rajeshbandishte8264]

Is it by design or coincidence that all your bonsai plants have a sloping trunk and none are upright?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think I actually have more upright trunks than slanting trunks in my collection. I'll have to count them and see! It is mostly determined by the initial root base that the tree started out with.

[@jimcook982]

Hi Nigel your bonsai zone is brill can you help me interested in bonsia forest. 3D print tray please thank

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Jim, if you send me an email, I can send you the files... [e-mail]

[@redmetalicrobotdemon6409]

Have you done a banyan?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have several Ficus trees trained in a banyan style, I don't have a Ficus benghalensis which is the true Banyan tree. I have never seen one here in Canada. If I do come across one. I'll definitely create a bonsai from it! Here is a tree grown in the banyan style.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ_GdJZtdpp4e5Y

[@sarahk4047]

Why do you sift it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sifting removes the fine particles, so there is an air space between the remaining larger ones. Roots need both water and oxygen to grow the tree. It also allows space for the roots to grow around the soil particles.