How to Make Lime Sulphur for Bonsai

[@Paul-sk7px]

This is easily the most chemistry-focused bonsai video I've ever seen and I loved it. Or maybe the most bonsai-focused chemistry video! Thank you!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great to see how things are made and a very well produced video!!!

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you very much Nigel!!

[@GrowingBonsai]

This guy is a star, and I do hope for you and him to start produceing some content together :)

[@boxCatalogue]

Breaking Badam McCallion

[@notionbonsai]

🧪👨‍🔬⚗

[@chrismarshall8321]

Great job Adam .

[@GrowingBonsai]

EXCELLENT video. Thank you so much.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Jelle! Thanks for watching!! 😊

[@NewWorldHoarder]

When I made a batch I used builders lime, same ratios as you used, but kept adding water to keep the lime dissolving as it was clumping at the start in a powdery skin. I boiled it for about 2 hours on low heat using a charcoal rocket stove because that’s all I had. The electric hob looks a better option. Mine came out beautifully dark amber and clear as glass. I filtered it using some coffee machine filters and it took bloody forever but the results are great.

[@wmarian5027]

Thanks for info. You might try seives used to make glazes for pottery, which have built in stirrers to scrape thru the mix and keep it moving thru the srrainer. These are larger seives that would sit on a second pot. And then filter thru the funnel into bottles. Well done vid!

[@notionbonsai]

You're welcome, and thank you for the suggestion! This is a great idea. It sounds like a practical solution to ensure a smooth and efficient straining process, especially when working with larger quantities. I appreciate your feedback and the helpful tip for improving the process!

[@Vaasth]

pretty straight forward procedure, though I would start with cold water as you said the reaction to form calcium hydroxide is quite exothermic and it is easier to control with cold water, or you could start with calcium hydroxide already made, it is quite easily accesable, it is used in house construction

[@notionbonsai]

This is a good point! Though when adding it 1 tablespoon at a time it does not react that much which is easily manageable for me 😊You are right! Starting with the Hydroxide is also a viable option and I've seen some recipes online with this one too!

[@marcelb4802]

If you start with calcium hydroxid in liquid form, you just add sulfur or you still need to heat it up? I found some liquid calcium hydroxid for aquaristic use.

[@Vaasth]

@@marcelb4802 I'm not sure, but I think so, otherwise the reaction would take too long, there might also be an issue with poor solubility with both calcium hydroxide and suphur

[@hansandersen100]

Perfect timing for this video HAHA I am currently researching how to get lime Sulphur in my country. I cant buy it anywhere but this tutorial helps a lot! gonna try to make this once spring starts over here.

[@maximumpt6292]

Would you be able to give us a recap on how your Japanese Maple seedlings are doing please? I've planted my seeds this year following your advice and guidance, and as you did I've had 2 sprout already 🙈

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! I will do an update on them come spring. Keep an eye on my instagram for other updates! 😀😀

[@maximumpt6292]

Thank you 😜👍

[@maximumpt6292]

P.s. thank you for the content, I really enjoy your videos.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks so much!! @@maximumpt6292

[@amrinfatema]

Love the ivy in the background

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks! (It is not real Ivy lol)

[@amrinfatema]

@@notionbonsai ❤️‍🩹 it’s not real. Very informative video!!!

[@susandominikovich7930]

This is great, thanks for the info Adam.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks for watching Susan!

[@casandraolund9006]

Great to see you again very interesting

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video interesting.😁😁

[@thenaturecreater8906]

Great video adam! Maybe you can filter it true a paint filter?

[@notionbonsai]

Ohh I havent thought of this. Might be a good one to try. Thanks! 😁

[@bonsaiglory5683]

Thanks for information

[@conorroche1113]

is there anywhere i can buy limesulphur in ireland

[@Bobius05]

What is the concentration of the final product?

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Ha ha - Professor Adam in da house (or garden 😂😂😂)

[@BlueJayBonsai]

I was thinking the same thing! Mad professor with the lab coat! 😆😂

[@notionbonsai]

It's the hair?? 😅😅 @TheBonsaiGarden @BlueJayBonsai

[@forrestcrabbe]

🤘🍻🤘

[@notionbonsai]

🤗🌳

[@Monte_1985]

Hello, well told and described, but I don't understand the background to the whole action. Different essences are needed, energy is consumed and you have to take care of your own health. But the whole procedure is just to make a product that I can buy for a few pounds. I'm a fan of making things myself, but it doesn't make much sense here. Best regards!

[@BlueJayBonsai]

Lime sulphur is readily available here in Canada for $15 for 1 Litre (~£9). So a fun experiment but most here won't bother. Harry Harrington said it was hard to find lime sulphur in the UK EXCEPT for at bonsai stores where it is usually marked up. Do you find this as well?

[@gayefanner731]

Hiya Jay! Yes it’s VERY expensive over here n anyway it’s great to see anything Adam produces 🤩 imo!! ✌️

[@BlueJayBonsai]

@@gayefanner731 I agree. If Adam made a video on watching paint dry it would be amazingly produced and I would love it! 😆

[@gayefanner731]

Haha, me too! I love him, been following him since his previous channel. Talking of channels, a’hem (clears throat nervously) well, you know, we’re always here!! God bless you Jay 🙏✝️. ✌️🇷🇺☮️🇺🇦✌️. ✌️🇮🇱🤍✌️

[@notionbonsai]

Oh wow Jay thats cheap over there!! I'll have to come to Canada soon @@BlueJayBonsai

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Thanks for the question! Lime Sulphur and bleach are distinct substances with specific applications in bonsai and horticulture. Lime sulphur, containing calcium polysulfide, is commonly employed in bonsai for fungicidal and insecticidal purposes. It has a unique role in altering the appearance of bark and deadwood, providing visual interest. On the other hand, bleach, primarily composed of sodium hypochlorite, is a household disinfectant. In bonsai, it finds use in controlling algae or moss and sterilizing tools. While both substances serve different purposes, it's essential to use them cautiously, adhering to recommended dilution ratios and safety guidelines to avoid potential harm to plants. 😀

[@TheMysticDeep]

It does not harm the tree 'that much', you say. How could it harm the tree?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey!😀 Lime sulphur and bleach, although both used in bonsai care, serve distinct purposes. Lime sulphur, derived from calcium polysulfide, is favoured for its fungicidal and insecticidal properties and is commonly employed in altering the appearance of bark and deadwood, providing a unique aesthetic. On the other hand, bleach, primarily containing sodium hypochlorite, is a household disinfectant used in bonsai for tasks such as controlling algae or moss, sterilizing tools, and cleaning containers. While both substances are applied in the context of bonsai, their specific applications, effects, and compositions differ, emphasizing the importance of careful and proper usage to avoid potential harm to plants.

[@TheMysticDeep]

@@notionbonsai but how exactly can it harm trees? What is careful and proper usage?

[@bonsaiuk]

While you enthusiasm to make videos on bonsai is commendable Adam, this one is IRRESPONSIBLE. Despite being outside, the fumes from cooking these chemicals are dangerous and just a few breaths can cause irreversible damage to a persons lungs. Calcium Oxide is a very dangerous chemical which can cause severe burns and blindness if splashed in the eyes. I would urge anyone thinking of copying you to leave it to professionals and buy it ready made. Sorry Adam but I had to say something because your warning were inadequate.

[@notionbonsai]

Hi Fred, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. Safety is paramount when working with any chemicals, and your reminder about the potential dangers of handling substances like Calcium Oxide is crucial. I want to assure you that I take safety seriously, and I appreciate your vigilance in bringing attention to the risks associated with the fumes and the handling of these chemicals. In my video, I stress the importance of responsible practices and only encourage those who are qualified and experienced to attempt such processes. Your suggestion to advise viewers who may not be comfortable or lack experience to opt for professional alternatives or ready-made solutions is an excellent addition. It's essential that everyone feels confident and secure in their actions when working with potentially hazardous materials. I value your input and am committed to fostering a community that prioritizes safety and responsible practices. 😊

[@gayefanner731]

Dear Adam. I applaud your courteous and full reply to Fred.In my opinion, as a mother and grandmother, your warning at the beginning of this video was clear and comprehensive and you even advised leaving this procedure to the experts! Well done and God bless you🙏✝️. ✌️🇷🇺☮️🇺🇦✌️.✌️🇮🇱🤍✌️

[@mattwall3267]

Just as reference, there should be no difference between using Calcium Oxide and Calcium Hydroxide as when Calcium Oxide reacts with water it forms Calcium Hydroxide, overall I think it’s probably just easier to use Calcium Hydroxide. Great video though!

[@naturgeist]

Very useful video! Thanks 🙏🏼✨

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks so much man! 🤩🤩

[@Akatsuki-En]

Not me realizing I work in a chemistry factory and my friend is in R&d.

[@Akatsuki-En]

I might have to make some for myself as I can’t find anyone near me that sells any other than the kind for pets

[@jkleczewski]

Nice ! Did you mention the shelf life?

[@Елена-щ5ъ2ж]

❤❤❤thank you so much🌠🌠🌠 🌿💖💖 9:24 ✨11:43💚🌱💚🤩

[@dermo1981]

Excellent. Thanks Adam. Great job👍

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks very much Dermo!! 😀😀

[@scowen5218]

Is it too late to do a winter wash?

[@raymondplodzien7459]

Always a pleasure to watch one of your videos Adam. Well done!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thank you so much Raymond!!

[@thebonsaiprojectkernow]

Awesome video Adam very instructive

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks man!!

[@ShotokhanDragon]

Thanks!

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you very much for your support Mike! ♥🌳🤗

[@jerryallen1405]

Thanks!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thank you so much for your support!!

[@irschn1671]

KOH?

[@notionbonsai]

This is not Potassium Hydroxide 🙂 It is Lime Sulphur. Funny enough LS is not represented by a simple chemical formula like many other compounds. It is a mixture primarily composed of calcium polysulfide, which does not have a straightforward chemical formula using elemental symbols. Instead, lime sulfur is a complex mixture of various sulfur-containing species dissolved in water. Calcium Polysulfide itself is CaSx.

[@zicada7661]

What's the difference between limesulfur and bleech ?

[@nerinat8371]

Excellent video, thanks

[@shuancook9005]

Don’t make any if your neighbours are in 👌😄😄🌳

[@notionbonsai]

The smell surprisingly was not as bad as I thought 😀

[@shuancook9005]

@@notionbonsai it looks a good result you should sell some🤙🌱

[@shuancook9005]

What are you going to do with ten bottles 😄🪴

[@clayeasy]

Great and informative video, Adam! Your calm and friendly way to explain all the details etc. makes it soo nice to watch. I better wait until the summer and boil my ovn batch, it’s too cold and too much snow here in Finland right now. Cheers!

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video informative and enjoyable to watch. What temperature are you getting in Finland right now? I hear that it is important to supplement vitamin D in winter because of the lack of sunlight.

[@clayeasy]

@@notionbonsai I took my vitamin D five minutes ago. The darkness is a bummer, but the summer nights are great! We have about -10 C to -25 C right now but the day light is getting five minutes longer every day. My so called Bonsais are under the snow, dug into the ground with pot and all. It’s always interesting to see how many survive the winter when the spring finally comes .

[@mandyhernon2238]

Very interesting Adam but you don't say how cost effective it is to make your own. Wether it works out much cheaper or not. Xx

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Mandy! Good to hear from you!! This is a good point! I would say that the more you make the cheaper it works out. For me in this batch it was way less... probably 50% cheaper!

[@jerryallen1405]

Like baking a cake. Always points out tools required and precautions to take.

[@notionbonsai]

😁

[@donnadornbusch6738]

Good job Adam

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Donna!!

[@scheers100]

Good that you have control over your channel back!

[@notionbonsai]

For sure!! It was scary being hacked!!

[@omeezy21]

How long after the deadwood is created should you wait until applying lime sulphur? And how often should it be applied afterwards?

[@jakesnelling8331]

A few days dry should do it. Slightly wetting the wood before applying the lime sulphur also helps.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Omar! Seen you at the end of the video premiere!! A common recommendation is to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after creating the deadwood before applying lime sulphur. This timeframe allows the deadwood to undergo initial weathering and ensures that the lime sulphur application adheres effectively. If you don't add any lime sulphur another thing can happen over the years called sublimation! Dan Robinson talks about this, you should check him out! His approach to Bonsai is so unique! As for the frequency of lime sulphur application afterward, it depends on various factors such as the tree species, local climate, and the desired effect. In some cases, a single application may be sufficient, while in others, periodic applications over the years may be necessary to maintain the desired colour and preserve the deadwood. Hope this helps!!

[@omeezy21]

@@notionbonsai thank you!!