Lemon Tree Bonsai and More!, The Bonsai Zone, Sept 2018

[@NamasteBeautiful]

Hi Nigel, I’d love to see what this lemon bonsai looks like now :) could you maybe do another video with this tree in particular?

[@alexischitwood2272]

Yes please. Update on Lemmon bonsai

[@marysoldeeley2218]

Home from work on a Friday. Perfect way to relax before bed. Thank you Nigel. I used to love growing orange trees from seeds I found while eating. Back in grade school. I often set up a box with a garbage bag in it, filled with soil from outside, with my seedlings. I had a blue plastic bag pond, with ducks, rabbits, etc that my Mom got from craft and cake decorating stores. Not sure what happened to them. My mother never brought them when we moved to Thunder Bay. One of my teachers in high school had tried to grow Orange trees, with no success. He had a nervous breakdown one year cause of what some of the other less respectful students. He was small, like me. A bunch of us went to his house to make sure he was ok, with permission of his wife of course. He was rebuilding an old tractor. We brought him oranges and Maria cookies he loved. He found a seed in his Orange and the topic came up about his difficulty and interest in growing them. I taught him how I had grown them, successfully. That next year when he came back to teach, he had 9 trees growing and a new seedling every week or so. I could see the joy and pride in his face. Something so simple. It helped to "fix" him. His wife took the time to write me a letter to thank me. Not sure why I had to tell that story, but I did. Sorry Nigel. :P

[@denisethasder8193]

You and your friends are good people. It’s the smaller gestures that can make all the difference

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That is a great story! My daughter is in Thunder Bay now, for her second year of University. I think she is growing an Aloe, hopefully it won't stress her out! There is something about growing a tree from a seed, I think it reminds you that we are part of nature and how fragile life can be.

[@marysoldeeley2218]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone I will be hauling salt out of Thunder Bay to all the different highway MTO domes as far as Longlac, Geralton, Marathon, Sunshine and all the in between ones. If she needs anything I am able to help with, let me know. I only live an hour outside the city. I also know many people in and around the city.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, nice to know, it's so great to have such a nice group of viewers on the channel, I am lucky!

[@lorettamaeder7219]

Thank you for sharing that, great how bonsai brings the best out in everyone.

[@nmhansen]

Love seeing the citrus bonsai. Some of my favorite.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I hope they become really nice large bonsai trees some day into the far future! Thanks Nicholas!

[@CyaneInkArt]

Best start to my mornings, new bonsai video!

[@240Sil]

right!

[@pansepot1490]

When life gives you lemons... you pick out the seeds and grow lemon tree bonsai.

[@plants_before_people5329]

@Rhys’s Lowlux I mean that's exactly what I'm doing right now. Unless the seed that was in the lemon and germinated after I planted is is not a lemon tree, but that seems even stranger doesn't it?

[@jimthejam6668]

We created the lemon tree good sir

[@gunnykido7213]

@@plants_before_people5329 hope your not expecting fruit, they have a good chance of being real nasty, lol

[@plants_before_people5329]

@@gunnykido7213 actually I heard in a video from a horticulturist that with citrus there's a pretty high change of the tree being true to type unlike other fruit trees. But then again, it'll take a whole lot of years before I'm even able to find out. Right now I can still use the leaves since they smell great and can be used in dishes

[@kyranoboyle]

It’s gotten even more beautiful from last time, great work Nigel.

[@wayneharishun4242]

Hi Nigel, must say that your videos are super inspiring and interesting. After watching several of your videos, particularly on my off days and before bed, it has ignited my bonsai journey. Im a huge fan! Keep up the mind blowing work!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Wayne, all the best with your long journey in bonsai! Lots more to come!

[@surya.6283]

This guy got pretty good bonsai growing on his head. lol. I love your videos man.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Surya, lots more coming in 2020!

[@tharinduprabodha1575]

@@TheBonsaiZone u look much better with short hair

[@patriciakelly2798]

hey Nigel you are my inspiration of all time. Just wanted to say that , I know you have a great time enjoying the hobby and it shows.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Patricia, some people say, the person with the best tree wins, I say the person that gets the most enjoyment wins!

[@BonsaiJCan]

Really nice surface roots! Thanks for your advice and detailed pruning techniques, and thanks for braving the mosquitos for us.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks J, I went to bed very itchy that night! The citrus trees will be a long term project, but some day, I hope they will be majestic bonsai trees!

[@louisacarlson215]

I’m hoping to start my first bonsai soon (a lemon tree) and I haven’t had a very green thumb before but I think the motivation to get mine as nice as yours will keep it alive for a very long time. Keep up the awesome bonsai-ing!

[@zuilok]

You may want to get started with something a bit easier than a citrus if you dont have a lot of experience. It took me a year to figure out the correct soil and fertilizer composition for my kumquat.

[@bonsai-r-usliveinharmony5691]

I have a nuersy just for bonsai. And i have about 20 lemons left. I sell them on ebay

[@jackiedismore1535]

I am a new subscriber. And I absolutely love this channel. He needs more views. What a gentle soul.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Jackie, each tree has a playlist located under the playlist tab on the channel home page. You can follow the progression of each tree easily this way. Have a great day!

[@jackiedismore1535]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone I spent about two hours cooking supper last night for my family and listening to your advice and tips for bonsai care. I have several indoor succulents that I have my eye for a future a bonsai project. I have several jade plants that would be perfect for my own bonsai forest. Thank you for the videos you also have a great day!

[@alainapickering487]

"...and the rooster agrees" Love your videos, you've inspired my love for Bonsai!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It really is a great hobby! Happy growing Alaina!

[@danutashayler34]

I enjoyed watching how you approached each citrus and the cuts. I am fond of the striated kind bark on some of the trunks on these; they're attractive. For me, nine of nine peeled seeds sprouted. Of these 5 survived to grow last summer and they looked really promising. Now I have three thin branch like baby trees but I am not sure if they survived outdoors this past very cold winter on s.w. coast. I sheltered them as well as I could. Great class Nigel

[@flamingtarantula]

Every day I check to see if you've made a new video. Ain't nothing better to come from work to one of your videos. Keep 'em coming Nigel! ❤️🌲

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I love making them!

[@gardeningtv8032]

Watching your videos gives me inspiration to respect our nature. Thank you sir !!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, nature can always use a helping hand!

[@toddsanford4694]

Nigel, you are the king man.......Thank-you for these awesome videos. They are by far my favorite Bansia videos ever. In fact I didn't even make it to work today because I watched your videos all night. I'm glad my boss (my wife) likes trees. My mother in law and I couldn't help but notice you trim your hair similar to your trees.. lol I actually do the same thing which is why I noticed. lol Anyhow you really have inspired me to go away from exotic trees to more domestic. I am going to go get a lemon tree and see how I do. I also heard the cherry trees look super cool as well,. If I have good luck with the lemon I will try the Cherry too. but you are the best teacher I have found on the internet. Thank again for the best videos ever !!

[@akashmondal4945]

sir , you are a very very good teacher....I am one of your big fan and I follow your all update...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Akash, lots more videos coming your way!

[@chinmaysangoram]

3:04 It's amazing how the moss lifts right off.. Like it were a well laid out green carpet.. 👌🏻👍🏻

[@sherridavis5744]

How old were u when u first started bonsai

[@wumbology3109]

Well, his grape fruit bonsai starter 22 years ago.. As he said

[@lary90210]

You're the bob ross of plants. Thank you for that

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@PapaOsmubal.OscarBalajadia]

I love the way how that grapefruit's trunk bent. I thought that is a beautiful grapefruit bonsai, Nigel. Thanks for the video.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, the tree grew that way, so I went with it!

[@seamseams]

I loved this video! I have some orange, mandarin, lemon, lime and grapefruit seedlings growing. They seem to be extremely easy to propagate, so they are fun to experiment with. I hope some of them will end up as nice looking bonsai trees in the future.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have seen some really good citrus bonsai, it does take time, but they make a really nice tree, especially with the nice striped trunks!

[@taleandclawrock2606]

I like your ponytail, it suits you. Youve inspired me to getback into bonsai...i have a lemon tree seedling from seed growing on my windowsill....

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That sounds like a great way to get back into bonsai! Citrus trees are so nice as bonsai, if your not worried about getting a typical bonsai tree!

[@a.l.alexander3668]

Hello Nigel, I'm a newbie to this subject and completely addicted. I've been collecting needed items to turn my outdoor space into a Zen experience. Love your videos. Peace!

[@maximusowo]

always been a fan of bonsai then saw your lemon vid from 1 year ago and now this, you make me want to start with it :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Excellent, I hope you give bonsai a try! Go Lemon trees!

[@josephto6096]

Hi Nigel, I would love to see how this lemon bonsai looks like now, its amazing to see everyday plant in bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll be updating the Citrus trees as soon as I get the plant room done! Coming soon I hope!

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

Just what I needed for a lovely start in the morning. Thank you, Sir ^^,

[@Audovauld]

Nigel your videos are always a 20 minute vacation for me.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Glad to hear that, I always worry that my videos might be too long! I'll try and mix it up, some short and some long.

[@MsOSheDidIt]

Ok now you gone and done it! I have to get more citrus trees. Sheez you just had to twist my arm. Love your citrus trees, thanks!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I like them too, they get really nice bark as they get old!

[@drewbarnes9243]

The grapefruit bonsai is amazing I love the slanted trunk.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Drew!

[@drewbarnes9243]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone Youre very welcome! I grow plants hydroponically and started to have a passion for bonsai so I am starting my first bonsai lemon tree. Very excited

[@markmondrinos7721]

Fun batch of trees. To my eye, your original lemon tree has matured a lot since the early videos - perhaps its easier to appreciate only seeing the tree once in a while. The root system on the grapefruit is a work of art. Wonderful form to the tree as well, it could be something truly unique in 10 or 20 years. Have fun maximizing the last gasps of summer!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes indeed, fall is approaching fast, I'm working on my plant room, getting it ready. I leave the trees outside until the first chance of frost, this is usually mid October, but it can come much earlier! I hope the citrus will make good bonsai, but as you say, it will take many, many years!

[@markmondrinos7721]

Great to hear from you, Nigel - your channel has grown so fast it must be hard to keep up with all the comments and emails. I said "10 or 20 years" because you say that all the time!! It is already a fine bonsai just from the root base alone.

[@nagolfish]

All your plants look so good and healthy 👌

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you! It's always a battle, me vs. the insects!

[@AndrewKachaniwsky]

This is my favourite video of yours thus far. I have ~9 calamondin bonsai and one meyer lemon growing here in Toronto and just love watching your videos, very informative!

[@dk2614]

Hey Nigel, can I suggest something you are well aware of. I started cutting my citrus trees leaves in half because the size of the leaves casts so much shade in the interior of the canopy. Trimming the leaves as allowed the buds at the leaf axles to sprout causing it to ramify.

[@SamDoeckeAussiebonsaibloke]

Wow you sure do have some citrus trees mate. Well done and great video 😁

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They are a bit of a challenge growing them here, but it can be done, but very slowly!

[@srip4403]

Hi Nigel, what will you do with all the pruned branches? Some are really thick. If you grow them again, please make a video how to develop roots for those branches.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They are in water right now, If they grow roots, I'll plant them in a future video. It is near the end of summer, so it might be hard to get them to grow.

[@angelosvass1001]

@@TheBonsaiZone Did they grow roots?

[@joseosorio7478]

Great video as always Nigel, and i love the grapefruit tree it looks amazing.

[@notflanders4967]

The bark on the trunks of these trees looks great

[@sergiyradonezhsky634]

man, that lemon tree though. wow. you're doing just a fantastic work with it. I just recently found your channel, but really enjoying the content so far, it's kind of a dream of mine to plant some bonsai some day.

[@Itspopponio]

These vids are inspirational and calming

[@noeljrbade3133]

I love it. Hoping for more trees update. Keep it up Mr. Nigel im always excited to see your new video when notification popsup.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, more to come!

[@LANolan]

I love the way your first lemon tree's trunk looks! It reminds me of London Plane trees I had in my neighborhood growing up that were always chopped back and continued to grow. As a matter of fact, a few years back I bought a Meyer lemon and was having issues with it indoors and found one of your videos on your lemon tree. THAT video got me interested in bonsai. I am actually going to record some footage of my bonsai now to put on my channel. I haven't uploaded in like a year, but I've been recording the footage - just gotta edit and release them. Always great to see updates on that tree! I want all my tree's trunks to look as cool as that lemon tree! I currently have some Meiwa kumquats I started from seed and hopefully in another 18.5 years I get a tree like yours! My kumquats are already growing fruit!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds great, nice to hear your seedlings are doing well and happy growing as your bonsai adventures continue!

[@jonathanbailey5896]

I even think the chickens did not like the back Branch on the dwarf Orange Tree. Love you vidios thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Jonathan, those chickens always get the last word!

[@Sherrallea]

Nigel, I am renovating a Very overgrown forest type garden this fall. Though the techniques vary somewhat from Bonsai, Your Close-up Video Demonstrations are excellent. Helping decide how to Carefully proceed.

[@bonsaitherapy1468]

I was hoping you would keep the lower branch on the grapefruit tree. I think it looks really nice there.

[@famoslyritch1]

I admire you, for I am too cowardly to prune that many branches.

[@brandyD33]

Can you give me a breakdown of your soil composition? I need to make my own but I've received such a diverse range of advice that I'm not sure what's best. Your soil appears not to actually have dirt at all, am I correct? That's crazy! The main plant I need to create a good soil for is my gardenia bonsai tree, it was given to me six months ago and I still have yet to repot it since I received it. Thanks for any tips you can give me. This follow up video is amazing! I was shocked and horrified watching this lemon tree come within an inch of its life. I knew it would come back twice as beautiful, but WOW. Still breathtaking to see. Well done.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Brandy, my soil is a 50/50 mix of perlite and turface. (by Volume) Here is how I water and fertilize the trees..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs I sift the soil to get a 3 to 4 mm particle size (1/8") I buy the turface as "SafetySorb" and the Perlite from Miracle Grow.

[@Spudzmckenzie1]

Nigel how do you get so much grow over a single growing season. I have 3 separate lemon trees, just inching along... Jeff from Kansas, USA.

[@MrElektrikBoy]

YES! I was waiting for this one!! Thank you Nigel! Cheers from Portugal :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Marco, I think I have them on the right track!

[@coreartalex6708]

The Grape fruit tree has heal the base scar almost 100% and look amazing!! Also now you have a lot of citrus leafs to make a good Anti Flu Tea n.n

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I had some nice blackberry tea the other day, made from the leaves! I'll keep growing the citrus trees and see how they develop!

[@wycliffegift6180]

The Grapefruit Bonsai Was The King...The Trunk and Exposed Root Network Looks Epic

[@alwayspositive999]

Great video -do you get lemons on your bonsai plants or it's grown only for bonsai decoration purposes ? Would love to see a bonsai with fruits on it too. Thanks

[@selfpeace9539]

Hi Nigel, a serious student of yours here with a question. At 5:15, does the new trunk being quite a bit younger than the one to the left of it make a design difference? The young one also has much less movement. I'm just trying to understand your thought process. Thanks!

[@hazelnutt999]

Wait... Lemon trees are thorny?! What a wonderful little tree!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, most Citrus trees have killer thorns! Thanks Hazel!

[@vaibhavchawla262]

Nigel where do you get your pots? The nurseries close to where I am - Delta, BC don't have much and neither does home Depot. Also any ideas for my first bonsai? Looking for something instantly rewarding so I don't get disheartened...

[@emmas7552]

Try thrift stores

[@mrbaya2191]

Nigel, can we see that lemon bonsai roots?

[@mirhammendoza]

This video makes me want to bonsai a lemon three that I've grown. Right now it's about 2-3months old groing pretty well, I water it with water and rust. Do you have any tutorial on how to grow a bonsai from start?

[@chemicalmike646]

Question- Lets say you want ALL the branches to grow in a certain direction. Can you swap containers (keeping drainage in mind) and turn it on its side, and then use a light to force growth direction? I'm not a grower of Bansai btw, but it would still be nice to learn. Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, this is a good technique to encourage branches to grow in the direction that you want them to. I often place the side of the tree that I want the branches to grow, near the window in the winter, to balance the growth on the tree.

[@tatianaphoenix8735]

Do any of these produce fruit ?

[@bones1026]

My meyer lemon bonsai is producing fruit

[@klm20079]

@@bones1026 how?

[@240Sil]

always cool to see unique bonsai.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Sil!

[@therevelation19]

Do You use the cuttings in any way if You are pruning Your bonsais?

[@kro_nos__]

Glad to see your citrus trees once again. I didn't know you have so many lemon trees, they all are beautiful! Mein are growing quite short for a long time now and I don't know why. Could it be something wrong with soil? I repotted them half a year ago

[@njw1383]

What soil are you using?

[@kro_nos__]

I use universal soil and I add perlite and a little bit of dust with charcoal

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

Have you tried using citrus fertilizer? I think there is more iron in it than in universal fertilizer. I got two year old citrus trees and they werent really "responding" to spring this time, and the leaves were quite pale. After I used the fertilizer a couple of times they did a lot better. Maybe try a new position or move them inside/outside if possible. A way to "cheat" about the hight is to place them under a overhang so they want to grow around it. They grow tall faster, but they may end up asymmatrical, skinny and not very straight.

[@kro_nos__]

Yes, I do use citrus fertilizer and they are kinda growing, creating new shoots, maybe time will show, if it will solve the problem

[@TheRogueRockhound]

Are the blackish brown spots on the grapefruit tree a fungus, mold , or dirt? I had a lemon tree offered to me that had something similar on it and I was afraid to accept it.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is usually scale insects, they form a hard shelled blister and live inside sucking the sap from the leaves. It is best to get a tree without them as they can spread quickly. Soap and water will kill the crawling insects, but the ones in the blisters need something stronger!

[@sillybanshee]

Cheers Nigel, I had a meyer lemon tree as well and am struggling to make it happy. I moved a month ago, and I believe the change in lighting shocked the tree and it was dropping leaves like crazy. I wonder if it would appreciate soil mixtures like yours. At the moment it is citrus tree potting soil by MiracleGro. Any true suggestions? The tips on the majority of the leaves have a tinge of brown.

[@quinsopher]

Love your work! I'm sure there's a good reason but why would you not prune the leader when it starts shooting and promote the lateral growth earlier? Seems like the plant is wasting a lot of energy

[@Elvirashouse]

Nigel, I'd love to hear your opinion on wound pastes. Love your channel and your videos. Besides being very educational and inspiring, they are also very calming. Thanks for sharing your passion with us!

[@njw1383]

I agree. These videos are really calming to watch. Wound pastes are optional in Bonsai. If you want a tree wound to heal over nicely you use a wound paste. Alternatively you could just leave it as is and create a deadwood feature. The live bark around the wound would eventually roll over the edge of the wound and look really nice.

[@bones1026]

I have a lemon bonsai, and it is severely leaning to one side. It has unripe lemons growing on the leaning branch, should I trim the lemons off to balance the tree or leave them on?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

If you want to keep the lemons, I would tie the branch to a support, either a stake in the ground or a trellis of some sort. If you are just developing the tree and don't care so much about the fruit, then you can trim them off.

[@cucumberhoney6243]

Is a lemon tree bonsai that size still big enough to make lemons? Just curious.

[@TheTopseat]

Would love to see an update in 2019! Great job. I've started my citrus bonsai in my aerogarden. I'm going to try to bonsai it in the system. It gives me access to the roots any time. I've read that citrus roots do not like to sit in water. I'm 90 days in and the tree is doing really well. When should I begin pruning the branches? How young can we begin shaping the citrus branches?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

You can begin to prune and shape branches anytime, but you have to make sure the plant has enough strength to recover from the operation. As long as the tree isn't weak and you have good conditions for recovery, it should be fine to start the bonsai process at a very early stage.

[@marksoprano007]

You truly do amazing work. Any chance you might be selling any citrus bonsai?

[@backbudbonsai]

How many flushes, or how many times, do u generally prune ur healthy lemon bonsai in one yr?

[@andysconstandinides9223]

sir i watch your videos and i found them all perfect for me!! I love your work. I have a baby pomegranate tree in a normal big plastic pot. How do i re pot it in a smaller "bonsai" style pot?, I slowly slowly re pot it to the size i want?, i do not know if i can share photos with you. please tell me.Thank you. Good day from the island of Cyprus!

[@kroghm]

You should try to start a mango bonsai. It's easy to plant from seed if you take its outer shell off. I think it would be a fun and challenging tree to bonsai 🌱

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

I think the big leaves might be a "problem". I thought about turning my avocado tree into a bonai but realised soon that the leaves were far too big (some bigger than an A3 sheet). A friend of mine has a small mango tree and the leaves are pretty big too. In addition to that all the branches seem to be pretty big (the smallest were like a pencil).

[@kroghm]

@@centrifugedestroyer2579 I see what you mean. But i think if you make the bonsai a bit higher than standards, it might work, because you get a better ratio between size of leaf and height of the tree. I think Nigel has some good techniques on making leaves smaller though and it would be fun to see if he actually could make it work 😄

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They will be coming soon! Both can make an interesting bonsai and they are easy to start!

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

@@TheBonsaiZone Great, I'm really looking forward for this. What do you think about a chestnut bonsai (the edible species with the long spikes on the shell)? Thats my favorite kind of tree. My neighbors have a really gorgeous huge one that is so old it is under conservation. I tried to make bosai out some smaller trees multiple times but they didnt make it. I would love to see what you can do with this species ; )

[@salfarruggello6357]

Nice work on those cider trees! I have so far 3 lemon trees and 2 Mandarin trees all grown from a seed and I'm looking forward to see them grow that much! Question: I recently picked 2 maple trees from an area that was going to be cleaned up, so I "saved" these 2 trees. I defoliated them as the leaves were all eaten by bugs and now they have new shoots. The root system is not quite strong at this point.. I wonder if I should bring them in over the winter and skip the dormancy or should I just leave them outside? I live on Long Island so winter is cold also down here.. please help! :) thanks Nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They will go dormant and loose their leaves even if you bring them inside. It is a biological thing! I would protect them in the winter, keep them just above freezing if possible and this will help them get through the winter. A garage is ideal.

[@salfarruggello6357]

@@TheBonsaiZone ok thanks!! Problem is I live in apt. So it's either outside at -30 or inside at 30C ☹ it's really challenging

[@Eye_see_all83]

The wounds on the citrus have healed quite nicely, what do you use as a wound sealer.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I didn't use a sealer, just natural air drying.

[@2987master]

Hi Nigel, it was a great learning to all of us with your videos. I have a question for you, I have grown a lemon plant from seed. From past 2 months it is not showing any growth. Height is same from past 2 months. Do I need to provide any fertiliser or something. Just to inform you that my lemon plant is 4 month old.

[@shadkaamahmed9931]

I have a lemon tree which has got many Yellow leaves. There must be water logging in there somewhere; should I do a repotting now? The days are warmer and sunny now, maybe I could get away with a quick slip repotting?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, I think that would be a good idea!

[@shadkaamahmed9931]

Thanks 😄

[@jiggajames4623]

Been waiting for this!!! feels like forever

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Just one year, years seem so short to me, I must be getting old!

[@andrewfiller3097]

Would love an update on this lemon. Also how old is it? I have 3 growing from seed I am starting now. Thanks!!

[@screamoXable]

Hey Nigel, I attended my local Bonsai Club's monthly meeting (was my first) and the tree I was told was a Dawn Redwood is actually a Yew! I knew it wasn't a Dawn Redwood but couldn't give it any other name. Also they've started doing an annual auction, your club may already do it but if not it was a fun way to both get some plants and pots and help the club financially, all auction material was donated by club members. Your club should look into it.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

We do have a silent auction once a year, it's a very dangerous place for me and my wallet! But one more tree won't hurt.......

[@michalsafarik1603]

Wow Nice, i have one question, Can lemons be at winter in average Room temperature? (Cca 20 - 22°C)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They can, but ideally they like a rest period. If they don't get the cool rest, it's unlikely they will flower.

[@michalsafarik1603]

@@TheBonsaiZone thanks

[@MrTributes]

citrus are a challenge. whats something we should keep in mind when trying to work with them?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I would say that keeping the tree healthy is the first priority and then shaping it, is secondary!

[@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632]

Rooting the cuttings?

[@robertguzewicz8157]

Another enjoyable video ! Thanks you.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Robert!

[@joeg579]

I've seen bends and twists done on bonsai trees with long, pliable stems/trunks. Would this work well on the long leader removed from this lemon bonsai?

[@judahrex]

Please update on South African Acacia Rubra. It's a beautiful tree and it reminds me of home.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Unfortunately the Red Oak died over the winter, I will try and grow another. We had a really cold winter last year getting down to -24 C

[@dineshkumara7478]

Can we use wood dust as a bonsai soil mix? Also can small aquarium stones be used for the mix? Just curious whether these can be added with garden soil, brick particles, cow dung patrticle with sand? Basic is to have a well ventilated mix know..

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I wouldn't use wood dust, it will clog up the spaces between the soil particles. It is important to keep lots of air in the soil for the health of the roots. Aquarium stones can be used, but they are usually a smooth type rock and they don't hold much moisture or fertilizer in the crevices on the surface. It is better to use a crushed type stone with a more rough porous surface.

[@rexfest]

Hi Nigel, love your videos. I have a question- how do you know (aside from being expierenced) what kind of bonsai mix is optimal for these citris trees? I have a beautiful one that I plan on begining on training which is potted in a catcus soil potting mix, but I am unsure of how to go about creating a good bonsai mix for the repot transition.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Any general bonsai mix will work well, the important feature of bonsai soil is that it drains well and has lots of air spaces between the particles. This creates tiny humid spaces between the soil particles for the roots to get oxygen and a place for the roots to grow. An inorganic soil will last longer without the soil particles breaking down into finer particles, but the tree will rely on fertilizer for the basic NPK requirements.A organic soil relies on micro bacterial action to break down organic matter into a form the tree can use. It is dependent on temperature humidity and the make up of your soil. You can also use a mix of both types of soil, organic and inorganic. The organic soils tend to hold more water and could require less watering, this can be a good or a bad thing. Every time you are watering, you are flushing the stale air out of the soil and replacing it with fresh air. As the water level lowers in your soil, it is drawing fresh air in from the top of the soil, this keeps the soil well oxygenated! I don't know the perfect soil mix, but for me the perlite and turface combination is keeping my trees alive and healthy for my climate and watering techniques. This article has some information on container grown Lemon trees..... homeguides.sfgate.com/soil-lemon-tree-plant-60135.html

[@jcismybud]

Will citrus bonsai trees eventually produce fruit ?

[@PapaOsmubal.OscarBalajadia]

A question for you, Nigel. Do you sharpen your own bonsai pruners and scissors? They look sharp. Seems like they don't go blunt.

[@emmas7552]

He's made a video on this

[@MrTributes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ3GdGBmib6dec0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/emjElWOHf5KNmZo these are some of nigels tool sharpening videos.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll be making another video on sharpening my stainless steel medical scissors this winter, here is the link to sharpening my bypass pruners and a link to Hong sharpening his tools also.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ3GdGBmib6dec0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/emjElWOHf5KNmZo

[@sofssu4851]

Oh my goodness, it breaks my heart to see you make your trees so bare. It takes courage to do that.. I don't really have it... Atleast not with my bonsai trees. :0

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The trees are in their early stages as a bonsai, getting the trunk lines and style set is the hardest part, after that, they will have an easier life!

[@dismian7]

I'm not a fan of wiring and like the natural look of non-wired trees. However, I feel like you could have used guy-wires for some of the trees. I use it to prevent branches from crossing over one another. They can be used, not just to pull a branch down, but also to pull it left or right without pulling it down to much (I like the upwards growth of main branches).

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think as the tree grows, I'll get more choices and I can get all the problem areas worked out. Hopefully the clip and grow trees will start to look better, far into the future! Thanks.

[@thomascoder3668]

Hey Nigel, I have a grapefruit tree and it’s not growing well and I think it’s because of the soil. Could you give a link where you got it or how to make it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. You can substitute the turface with lava rock or pumice. I sift the soil to remove the dust and fine particles to get a finished size of 3 to 4 mm (1/8"). Here is a video on how I water and fertilize.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs Here is my soil video.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmaVY3SPltyahas

[@ig8623]

Dear Nigel! I have bought a lemon from the shop in a pot, I pruned the roots and top of the tree, leaving just a bit of leaves on top and put it in bonsai soil. Apparently in a months time all the leaves died off and dried out so I removed all of them. Is there any chance free will recover? It’s about 3 weeks now since it has no leaves at all, and nothing new is growing yet :(

[@TheBonsaiZone]

If the trunk and branches are still alive, there is a chance. You can test this by scratching a branch to see if it has moisture in it. If the branches and the trunk are dry, then it is probably dead. You can help the tree recover by placing a clear plastic bag over the top of the tree and the pot. Make sure it has some air holes in it. Keep the tree misted, warm and in good light and it should recover.

[@Mad-i134]

Interesting, I have an avocado tree about 24 inches tall from a seed. It's got several small unique branches. Thoughts?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll be making a video on my Avocado tree soon, it too is is about the same size. I have had one in the past and I had let it grow tall and then cut it back to about 6 inches in height. It grew lots of branches and was looking good. It didn't make it through the winter, i think it was too dark and cool in my plant room that year.

[@paulfahn]

I recently bought a young Meyer lemon tree I'd like to turn into a bonsai. But instead of new shoots, it's putting out clusters of flowers! Should I clip off the flowers?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

If you are after new growth on the tree, clipping the flowers off will help re direct energy to new growth instead of putting it into flowers and fruit. I'd enjoy the flowers and then prune it back!

[@kilthsenarc]

Great video as usual, a question i live in Scotland and have no plant room. Would you then wait for spring before pruning citrus eg cherry

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, unless you have a nice south facing window to place them in. It is better to keep them strong through the dark days of winter!

[@MizzBooSongz]

do they grow fruit?

[@vacciniumaugustifolium1420]

Usualy, yes but its not recomended to let them grow since it would weaken the tree

[@maxlefeever4962]

Hello Mr. Saunders, I am from Quebec, Canada and I am growing some citrus bonsai from seedlings in my basement for the winter. The leafs of my lemon bonsai have some red "dusty" substance on them, and it looks like it might affect the energy of the plant. Any idea of what it can be? I look all of your videos btw, you are one of my main bonsai instructor if I can say 😁. Cheers

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It sounds like a powdery mildew? Here is a good article on this Max! www.treehelp.com/citrus-insects-diseases/ I hope your tree does well, I'll be coming to the Montreal botanical gardens next summer and also going to the Montreal bonsai show. I'm really looking forward to the trip!

[@maxlefeever4962]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thank you Nigel, the article have been really helpful.