From Large Jade Plant to Bonsai (Crassula Ovata)

[@n8tyler]

The newly infected/inspired Bonsai enthusiast, well characterized...I thought maybe you had watching over my shoulder as I began my journey last year with the purchase of my first Mugo pine...But the a wonderful thing happened when I stumbled onto your channel...I patiently watched your videos and listened to your thoughtful instructions prior to my first Port procurement...I must say, after a few dozen more purchases and under your remote tutelage all my little projects are doing very well...Just goes to show that patience is a virtue and that great coaching is a must...Thank you Tom for your instruction, patience and inspiration which have been key to my own, blossoming, Bonsai journey...

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Thanks of much Nathan of the kind words - I am enjoying how KZbin has connected me with other folks that are also so dedicated to the bonsai life shall we say? It really is hard for those that aren't so charmed by trees to understand.

[@ebbceramics7877]

MI piace moltissimo il Tuo modo di trattare i bonsai. BRAVO Tom! I totally agree with the above mentioned 'Magna cum laude'...... My jade trees and portulacarias are always outside as I live in a very mild climate place.

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Sounds like heaven!! I would love to have them outdoors year round - they are so happy growing there. I just recently brought about half of them in and now the long road to spring begins for me! They do well for the most part, but more issues with insects, wrinkled leaves, and watering problems in general. ❤️🌲 Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@bwusstsein4023]

just wow, thank you ❤🪴✨

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@michaelmason4206]

Love it. Will certainly look forward to follow ups on this particular plant. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

You bet! I will have a playlist for this one as soon as its second video is published. You probably will not see it again until mid winter when it will no doubt need a pruning - they grow like crazy under lights in my unheated chiller area.

[@dkstott29]

Same as you, I avoid larger jades due to space constraints... metal chopsticks are my favorite tool when repotting

[@MamaJArk]

I like your pot choice very much.

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Thank you! 😊. I find it always helps to choose among three different options.

[@dkstott29]

My current process of planting jade cuttings is the same as yours. I've tried rooting hormone, putting them in water, etc....Never noticed any difference..I have been putting cinnamon on the ends of larger cuttings, it seems to reduce the chance of rot or infections below the soil. Especially if it's fall or winter when planting them..

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

I'll try the cinnamon. I was quite concerned about the large root wound on this one, but it seems to have worked out. Thanks for the comment and tip!

[@thunderlennert6]

Nice video!

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Thanks Lennert! By the way, don’t miss this Thursdays video - very exciting. ❤️🌲

[@thunderlennert6]

@@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom looking forward to it!!

[@peteryelko2129]

would love to see some content regarding crab apple trees! my parents have a super old crab apple tree in their yard, I really want to grow a bonsai from it. I have been unsuccessful in propagating from it unfortunately.

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Sounds good! We’ll see perhaps at some point. I’ve for so many succulents I’ve got no room for anything else! 🤣

[@Lees_Trees]

When you're out running errands, stop by a thrift store or yard sale and buy a used blender for grinding your bark or whatever.

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Excellent tip and it’s now in my list! ❤️🌲 Thanks 🙏 Lee.

[@terrysavage5816]

I love crassulla. Mine is really old and has dark grey bark. Anyway have you ever defoliated? I have a couple times. The leaves start to come out way smaller. Mine take years to get big and have never been that big. Great video.

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

I have not yet tried that, but it is on my list to do so! They grow so aggressively that I feel confident experimenting with them. I have another large jade (not yet done a video on it) that is amazing, but the leaves are quite big at the moment so it could be a good candidate to try defoliation.

[@dkstott29]

​@@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom I've seen Nigel defoliate jades, but I just haven't worked up the courage to do it to mine yet. 😅

[@n8tyler]

Magna Cum laude graduate of the Nigel Saunders school of pruning...Wow, six trees for the price of one...

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

Haha - what's the saying, spare the pruners / spoil the tree? Nigels root pruning skills are unmatched - he is just amazing. I could have used his help on this one for sure! :)

[@paulnguyen2425]

😎👏🏻

[@that1juggalo_m2c42]

What is the name of the store you got that. I’d love to visit it

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

👋. I got them on Facebook Marketplace. If you search on Jade in the Seattle area then his post comes up. You will not find a better deal anywhere that I can promise you. He has the plants nicely displayed in his yard. You select one and then slip the money into a slot in his front door - sort of an honor system. He’s a great guy and completely into jades - I’ve had the good fortune to have spoke with him several times. Best of luck. 🤞 and thanks for watching. ❤️🌲

[@user-nc8se9in8o]

Where do you get your lava?

[@CoffeeandBonsaiwithTom]

I’ve got red lava from ages ago writing my first 15 year bonsai obsession - many bags of it. I buy the black on Etsy and it’s pretty reasonable. They also have red. It really helps to avoid overwatering.