Starting Three New Bonsai Trees!

[@floyd6502]

OK, right in the middle of this video I went and worked on my trees, then returned to the video. Inspirational. Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I watch many other peoples bonsai video's and they always inspire me too. Thanks Floyd!

[@АлександрВасильев-д2з9ч]

Nigel, thanks for the video, where you shape the bonsai from the beginning. This is very useful for beginners. And thank you for your wishes in each video to save our planet!

[@verasmayhem]

Just want to give you a shout. You're one of the first youtubers that I watched for bonsai a couple of years back. You and several others inspired me to start my journey. Now I have more than 10 trees and a whole lot of starts I'm hoping take root.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Bruce, exciting to hear you are growing bonsai and have a green future!

[@VikingMan44]

I really love watching your channel. So peaceful.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you so much!

[@dkstott29]

Wonderful video...catching up on your older video's. ❤❤ gotta love the old fish tank tables.

[@BonsaiJCan]

I recognize these trees! Really neat to see the work you did on them when first potted. Very nice little pots and I enjoyed the root work.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They have grown well since this video!

[@jaishreerudra4871]

I have started with the Bonsai on Neem tree. The demonstration is very good and useful.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Best of luck with your Neem tree Jaishree!

[@LoneWolfandCub]

All your videos are super helpful thanks so much

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you very much!

[@SHADEcovers]

I really adore watching your video's Nigel! The sound of your voice is just so fascinating, because it gives me the feeling that I'm sitting right there at your table 😊

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Michael!

[@BonsaiTalk]

Gotta love this... inspiration and facts as always. Thank you Mr Saunders..

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, great to see a new bonsai channel on KZbin! All the best in your bonsai adventures!

[@BonsaiTalk]

Thank you Mr. Saunders.. Lets learn together and grow together!

[@Iam_Dunn]

I’m always amazed at how much of the plant can be ‘butchered’ and it will still thrive and be healthy. ....LOL.... Nature is awesome! :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, they can take a lot, but there are limits! I've found this out the hard way!

[@Iam_Dunn]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone ...I was just watching Part 3 of the Juniper repotting - The Blade Runner. Getting so much helpful info!! :) Thank you!

[@rotor1851e]

Great videos Nigel, thank you. you are a natural, very well represented. I watched the whole show with great interest as I am now retired and you have me now planning out my new hobby. From a a new subscriber in S.W. Florida

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great to hear and best of luck!

[@davidjust14]

I started my first bonsai yesterday after watching your videos. I hope it survives 😄

[@TheBonsaiZone]

With good care it should do fine!

[@onlydavidwould4356]

DID IT SURVIVE!?

[@definitelynotnoreen]

How did it go?

[@mikkosercado]

Did it survive?

[@dubsydabster]

Very nice pots. The color goes well with bark of the sarissa. Hope you keep it shohin sized too!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'll keep it small, and thank you.

[@jdsmith9855]

I wish I had your patience. To plant a plant to work on in 1-3 years just isn’t in my DNA. Kudos.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks JD, I have always though long term!

[@liquidxskin19]

Both are really nice looking plants

[@bonsaitherapy1468]

Mr. Sanders These videos with cuttings are awesome. I mostly have small cuttings, so this is great! Keep growing :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, small pots and small trees can be a lot of fun! Here is a a video on some of my smaller bonsai.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYWnfnSFaddskLM

[@yahsuahabdurrah-man4605]

I absolutely love your passion.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Yah'suah, I do really love the beauty of nature!

[@Vitususus]

Very nice work, Nigel, I really like those trees, especially the two smaller ones.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Radek, should be fun growing them into little trees.

[@alexanderktn]

I got two Ficus benjamina a few days ago (someone threw them away) that had a lot of these bulbous roots, but all in all more radial. The trees were grown in normal pots for some time and the roots looked like huge intertwined donuts before I cut them (which was surprisingly easy - I guess they are storage roots and not really woody like normal ones). I also did a trunk chop despite the season, since they were infested with mites and scale insects. Now they are kept apart from my other trees and I hope they'll resprout soon (or at all...).

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Best of luck with them, hopefully they will recover!

[@alexanderktn]

Thanks a lot!

[@MRMIKEYGB]

Great job as always. cheers!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Michael.

[@codrinf]

incredible channel, impressive bonsais, beautiful author!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@CarlosRosquillas]

This dude has gold pruning shears with a leather handle like some GTA character unlock 😂

[@tanayprabhu5633]

Huangism he means Grand Theft Auto

[@somenghosh3058]

I like your bonsai plant very much your are genius

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Somen, lots more fun stuff to come!

MINI BONSAI, I LIKE, THANKS SIR.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@sethsprouddaddy5153]

I don't understand why your videos have any dislikes. You're my favorite bonsai KZbinr. 2nd favorite is PoorMan'sBonsai.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It's just part of KZbin, the more views you get the more dislikes you will get. I'm lucky I get as few as I do! Thanks for the kind words.

[@pattik172]

Thank you Nigel! I would like to work on a serissa but they really need a lot of humidity. maybe someday. that pot looks great too!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Patti.

[@dubsydabster]

That's a ton of views! Excellent Nigel!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks you, It's nice to see the occasional video become popular!

[@jerrysalinas6738]

I dont have enough hours in the week to watch all your videos. But I want to learn everything you have to say. So here we go.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Jerry!

[@pamelahart6170]

Really great video very informative

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Pamela!

[@somenghosh3058]

Thank you I am become a big fan of you I am from Indias small town malda and I also try to make some bonsai in my home

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Somen, I would start with some native species that you can get for free or at a low price, to start off with. That way if the tree dies, you learn, and it doesn't cost you much, just your pride!

[@PutuBonsai]

Very nice

[@TheRiffingFatboy]

How does your tree get any nutrients with that inert soil, I assume you must feed chemically?

[@emptynest2664]

I too am not so keen on wiring roots to the pot so I have taken your lead in using rocks to anchor my trees.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have found the rocks work really well and the trees root and become secure in their pots in just about a month.

[@100volts]

Really eyes opening! :) from a rookie.. thanks Nigel~

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you 100 volts!

[@VinnyChirayil]

i love the final look of serissa, the pot and the rocks. i too prefer adding rocks instead of wire. besides, it looks more natural with rocks. glad to see you do it :-) This approach is rare. i love the clay pots with concave design. i was wondering why no one has built one (or i havent come across one). the hole at the center is way too big though. a tiny one would have sufficed bcos of the concave floor. if i understand correctly the large hole is a japanese influence. the ancient chinese pot designs used smaller holes.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Vinny, the tree is growing really well and will need pruning soon! The concave pot makes it a little harder when re potting, the roots may have to be cut around the edges to get the tree out. This design is out there, but it not so common.

[@DZuehlsdorff]

Hello Nigel, thanks for the three lesson's in one vid. Also, off topic a bit but at one point in the video I see you're wearing a shirt with the state of Michigan on it, yaa Go Michigan. Thank you, I love my state .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

We visit Michigan a couple of times a year, lots of fun!

[@MrTributes]

im excited for these projects

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Should be fun....I sure hope they make it!

[@MrTributes]

i do too. by the way, you should to a fall tour of your trees that are changing color...

[@TheBonsaiZone]

FuckUrTribute It's pouring rain all day here, I'm not sure if many of the leaves are still on the trees anymore, I'll have to check tomorrow!

[@MrTributes]

haha timing. next year perhaps.

[@nitinarora4675]

Beautiful

[@burak3157]

looking good with your new hair

[@KRACKZENNY]

Another great video Nigel!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you very much, looking forward to pruning them some day.

[@beadcamel]

ZAPKENNY io

[@Gulbaqawali]

This video is very helpful. Thanks.

[@Kathy61954]

I'm amazed !!!!!!! I just walk near plants and they die .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@amstel1011]

Maybe just a little to much watering? I find,. the more careless I am with the above mentioned,. the better they grown,. except maybe for the Bonsai,. :)

[@ma91cel]

very helpful for me as a beginner and not really knowing where to start :) thanks!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks and good luck on your bonsai journey!

[@Scorpiomary]

Beautiful and informative

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Mary!

[@eraseone84]

I don’t bonsai but I watched the whole video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I hope I put a "seed" in your mind!

[@thomaskrafft9890]

I would normally trim the upper tree before tending the roots. Often times it can stand on its own leaving me both hands to style the branches and in my dry climate I reduce the transpiration from leaves.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Thomas!

[@carolinegallano7645]

So beautiful

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Caroline!

[@carolinegallano7645]

Welcome

[@carolinegallano7645]

Welcome ..i make bonsai's but artificial😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@TheBonsaiZone]

caroline gallano That too takes good design skills!

[@carolinegallano7645]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone yeah its fun

[@hilarycox100]

awesome vid nigel.....as always

[@bigboo2097]

Hi Nigel , I'm your newest sub . I just bought this juniper bonsai tree and it's small like 4 inches. I just need some of your advice if you can answer these questions please ? 1. How often do I have to trim? 2. Is it true you should on my trim once every 3 months or So? 3. Is it true you should only trim by the trunk area? 4. Do I have to repot the tree when I get it? 5. Is it a good idea I bought this all purpose fertilizer? 6. How often should I spray my water/fertilizer mixture on my bonsai? 7. Any advice you,can give me as a new bonsai owner ? 8. Should I change the soil that comes with the little tree? Or leave it ? Thanks so much sir , please number your answers if you can kindly, I really am grateful for your help.

[@VRWarLab]

I have no idea about bonsai trees but I know I like them. Also, as I have no idea, when I see someone cutting thinks like the roots at 6:15 it seems to me like "Ow, let´s cut this... and this... and this one as well... Oops, I cut them all, let´s begin again he, he..." ;D

[@ahlekssa]

made my day!

[@mikbonsai]

Another excellent 3 in 1 root jobs.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Iqbal, the trees are all doing well and putting out new leaves.

[@mikbonsai]

Thanks for the update, Nigel.

[@usharajendran7220]

what kind of soil is that

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Usha Rajendran The soil is 1/2 turface and 1/2 perlite. The ingredients are sifted to remove the fine particles. I do put 10 to 20 percent sifted organic matter in the soil for trees that aren't in the greenhouse. This stops the soil from drying out too quickly. I use composted pine bark or just compost.

[@dyaaong6030]

I think I found a new hobby! What soil should i used? Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I would start with a soil mix that you can find in your area. I do have a soil video here.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmaVY3SPltyahas

[@keyboardslave]

Hi Nigel, I'm inspired to try and learn Bonsai because of your excellent videos! All the other channels I've watched show people really wrenching on the poor little trees as if they're tearing off an old roof. They kind of remind me of the husky guys that want to own a "big bad Rottweiler" just to hurry up and "look cool", lol. (I used to be a dog trainer so that is the analogy that comes to mind). Thank you so much for making it appear "possible" for the average person, and especially with a thoughtful, gentle, and careful approach. I sprouted a lemon tree from a seed and since I'm in Michigan, I can't very well grow it outside so thought of trying Bonsai with it under lights indoors. That's how I found your channel :) Have you ever done a white, "paper" birch tree? They're my favorite and now I want to take along a shovel next time I hike in the woods to find one or two I can try. Can you recommend fast growing "starter" tree species I could harvest? I am almost 50 so don't have many years left to take on something like an oak. Also, how do you remember which trees you've done what to and when? Do you keep a log? I'm sure I would forget. Excited to see more of your videos! Thanks again!

[@keyboardslave]

PS: My favorite tree that you have is your beautiful Apple tree

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Polly, don't think about age too much, I'm 55 and I enjoy growing new seedlings as much as taking care of some of my larger older trees. You just have to enjoy the process of seeing your trees improve slowly over time, much like us! I had a paper birch tree long ago, but I think I gave it away. They are difficult trees to shape as branches will die off without really careful care. Any of the native trees are great for bonsai, I would just look for any small seedlings that are easy to dig up. Collecting older trees is really difficult and I would recommend starting small. I used to keep track of my trees in a photo album, I'd take pictures of re potting and pruning to keep a record of the trees. Unfortunately, the album has gotten lost over the years. I use my KZbin videos as a reference now, each tree that has more than one video, has it's own playlist, so I can easily search back to previous work. I find it really helpful, reviewing my thoughts and comments. The apple tree was one of my favorites, it unfortunately has gotten apple rust and much of the tree has died back. I haven't given up on it as the right side of the tree is growing well. I will be doing an update this spring. Happy growing, Nigel

[@keyboardslave]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply :) After I asked about the Birch, I remembered how soft the wood is and a disease or parasite that devastated some old ones we had in the yard when I was a kid (can't remember which it was), but think I might still like try one sometime. Anxious to get started! Great tips about keeping a photo journal. :) I hope your Apple tree recovers nicely. All the best.

[@leevinit]

This is great work Nigel. I read a lot of comments below about growing a cutting. Do you have a video on growing a cutting? I tried various methods but failed all the time whenever I tried to grow a cutting. Plants I tried- ficus, orange tree, lemon tree, tamarind etc. But never got a success. I think I am missing a trick here. Any help/guidance from you would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Check out Vinny's channel, good stuff for starting cuttings..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/envUZ3h_n8uIp7c

[@leevinit]

Nigel Saunders - appreciate your response here. Thanks.

[@Alypinkflower]

awesome video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Anita!

[@bonsaituongda]

Beautiful Inspiring

[@bitealarmtones3104]

great video as always, I will join you with some now bonsai as well, not sure what 3 trees tho, many thanks tony

[@nachoupe]

excellent vídeo !!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you.

[@nasseralmailem]

Channel should be called bonsai barber | OPEN |

[@kris-chan1440]

From instagram one of your followers said to you "enjoying your posts today, nice to connect and follow you"

[@Bng210]

Thanks for your great video! Question, does the "root pruning" help slow the tree growth while allowing it to thrive and mature?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The fine tips of the roots do all the work feeding the tree, the more root tips you have, the stronger the growth will be for the tree. Root pruning keeps the roots in balance around the base of the tree, avoiding one root to get stronger than the rest. When the roots are cut back, tree growth will almost stop until the new root hairs continue to grow, this doesn't take very long with most trees. Some just a couple of days.

[@avinashjagtap7839]

Dear Nigel, often I have seen your bonsai soil very different, do you not use garden soil, vermi compost etc....

[@bobmccarlie382]

Hi Nigel... I was given a large pot of Ficus Too Little cuttings (15 cuttings, from 5 to 15 inches high) that were started over a year ago. They all seem to have good root development. Is it too late in the season to transplant them into bonsai pots this season, or should I just keep them in the pot, and re-pot tem in the spring? I'm considering doing a forest group planting with some of them, and the rest would be individual trees, or maybe root over rock once they mature more. Thanks, Bob

[@theShamrockShepherdWagon]

Next week's video. Brown dead Serissa in little olive crackle pot. "So there I go" Nigel always slays me how much he cuts away.

[@entyropy3262]

I just realized, how many comments you replied to, it looks like a fulltime job already in this videos comment section. This is probably my favorite video you uploaded, those tiny trees really are awesome, aswell as those pots. You did a perfect job on the roots. I think 3 main roots each 120° would make a perfect Nebari possible. So cutting them back heavily increases the possible growth of the roots around the trunk, there are less possibilities for new roots to grow directly on the roots surface the shorter they are. It's simple Mathematics. What happened to that "ficus testiclulensis" ? So funny you did even put round stones on top of those "rootballs".

[@dompavonschtek]

Hello Nigel. I was wondering if you could recommend any trees to start my own bonsai garden? I was thinking I could start with 2-3 small ones and learn as I go along with help from your videos. Great video as always!

[@ericremynse9394]

I transplanted my umbrella thorn from a 5 gallon bucket into a shallow bonsai pot. The leaves are quite pale. It's been 3 weeks and no change. Any advice?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Keep your tree humid, I would place a clear plastic bag (with air holes in it) over the tree and keep it warm and in bright light. Under these conditions, the tree should recover in a couple of weeks. If it starts to look dry inside the bag, give the tree a misting. You want the soil moist, but not wet. Good luck!

[@shahrafiq2165]

Love it thankyou

[@hunszaszist]

1:04 That's what he said.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yuk, Yuk!

[@drownedsnail7803]

🤦‍♂️

[@danf8047]

I see that quite a few have questions on how to root cuttings and I'm one of them. the only way it worked was in water or in a pot with soil and a ziplock bag over it

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I find cuttings root best in the summer when it's warm and sunny. I just stick them in a pot and most root by the end of summer. The plant room is also good because the humidity levels are high and it's nice and warm.

[@danf8047]

I'm surprised that works, all the ones that I just 'stuck' in a pot with soil wilted in matter of days even in the middle of summer... Anyway as always thank you for the answer! (neighbor from QC)

[@jaymartineau7482]

Nigel, I was looking for a little advise on purchasing a few things. I am also in KW and I stumbled upon your channel as I am very new to the Bonsai. I am looking for a good potting mix, also a good place to buy a pot at a fair price. I picked up a small Juniper from Belgian this week, and I would like to transplant it this weekend. Also a good place to purchase a new plant or 2 as I would like to start a few bonsai projects. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

We have a club meeting coming up on Nov 16th at the Adult recreation center in Waterloo. You are welcome to bring your tree in and hopefully get some tips or leads on soil and a pot. The meetings start at 7:30 pm. If you can't make it, let me know and I'll try to help you on line.

[@stevecurtis6658]

Hi

[@hardeepsinghluthra8875]

It may sound naive on my part but still I am mustering the courage to ask.... When you pot the plants you normally use turface and pumice and the soil is quite small white pebbles type.... However, when you later on remove the plant from the pot for repotting, the soil at that time looks more like normal soil with most of the white pebbles not visible.... What's that process? Does pumice and turface gradually crumble?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The soil ingredients don't seem to crumble that I've noticed, even long term.

[@jaysonmckeownsr9913]

Thanks for the video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Jayson.

[@dracofenix3860]

"I can smell them. They smell horrible." Jajajajaja.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

That's why I love the citrus trees, they small so nice when you are pruning!

[@rickstreeart2594]

nice, I do a lot of serissa, they go nuts in the roots just as much as the shoots they throw out. gotta stay on them. did about 40 or so in the past week and seems like my job is never done!!!!!!! never give up and have a grow day my friend!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Rick, good to hear your busy!

[@alvinwhitley1490]

rickstreeart I love that tree . will you sell one??

[@rickstreeart2594]

I have many, which one?

[@debbiebullins2204]

Great info Thanks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Debbie!

[@UtkarshAmitabhSrivastava]

Can you please make a video on how you fertilize your bonsai. I am new to bonsai, that would help a lot.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@UtkarshAmitabhSrivastava]

Thanks :-) I wasn't expecting it that quick. Thanks again.

[@sridivya6487]

very nice

[@TheBonsaiZone]

All the trees have made it and will need their first pruning soon.

[@jimroberts8894]

That seems to be a lot of roots to remove. Are you ever concerned that too much root mass is removed??

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is always a risk, but keeping the tree humid and with good warmth and light usually works. It's almost like planting a cutting, but with a head start!

[@jimroberts8894]

Nigel Saunders could you take off less mass to better guarantee the health of the tree? Especially without access to a greenhouse. I realize it may take longer to accomplish a more radial root structure this way. As always, great stuff!!

[@walker8476]

Does it survive with so much root disturbance?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes all these trees survived. The Serissa is part of my African landscape now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZnZdXmJeMyrmpY

[@r00k1n355]

Nigel, I love your Michigan shirt.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

We visit Michigan a couple of times a year, a beautiful state!

[@r00k1n355]

Glad you guys are smitten with the mitten. ;-)

[@w11x22]

Hi Nigel..Very nice upload. You made this seem so simple....One quick question where can I find the Perlite and Turface in KW area or in Windsor Ontario area and also what do mean by "Organic material can be added" ...Thx in advance....

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Peter, I get my perlite from Canadian Tire, and my turface from TSC. I add 10 to 20 percent sifted organic material, usually composted pine bark. You can get the right size chunks from orchid societies or buy the big cunks and cut them into smaller pieces. Happy hunting!

[@a36538]

i like the ducks

[@TheBonsaiZone]

We had seven baby ducks in fall, they were so cute!

[@jerjunlairetsanom8787]

Im making mame bonsai inspired by your work

[@hilliebakker5629]

Hi Nigel, does the K-W stand for Kitchener-Waterloo, and is the beach you go to possibly on Lake Huron....which is where I happen to live?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes KW is the Kitchener Waterloo bonsai society in South Western Ontario. We usually go to Grand bend or Goderich beach in the summer.

[@ahmedjuheish5120]

What kind of soil do you use for the Bouzainzai tree or the type of white and black stones?

[@Manjugardening]

very good

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Saini.

[@hippityhopotus7475]

I thought he was trolling bc he basically cut it down to a stem.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The trees are all doing well and more videos on them will be coming!

[@joshuaeasterly7273]

Nigel Saunders is my hero for so many reasons. Love the videos! Have learned so much. Thank you, Nigel Sama!

[@julianchiarella7421]

Hello Nigel! (As you asked last time i´ll write in spanish) Muy buen trabajo, el primer bonsai me gustó mucho! When you said the mix of the soil you are using, it is perlite and ... (sorry i couldnt understand) Thx !

[@ramonamona4813]

Hola. Que quieres decir? Nigel entiende español??? Es que my english is very bad. I'm german but I'm living in Spain. So for me it's easier to write in Spanish.

[@alexanderktn]

I'm not Nigel, but he said Turface - might be hard to come by outside of the Americas, though. It's a fired clay type material and absorbs a lot of water. (In Europe something similar would be Seramis.)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks for a good reply!

[@julianchiarella7421]

Thx for the info Alex! :)

[@julianchiarella7421]

Creo que no habla español ajaja, pero me dijo que le escriba en mi idioma y que el se las ingeniaría con el google traductor, asique le hice caso (en una parte nomas).

[@LilBee20]

your videos are always inspiring!* I'm getting a ficus nitida ginseng soon and I'll send some fotos of how it looks!*😂👌🌸

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Bernice, I love looking at trees!

[@jake4bonsai]

What is your bonsai soil? Very white, that much white is typically distracting for bonsai.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I agree, it is not the best looking soil, the white is perlite. It all gets covered with moss eventually.

[@jake4bonsai]

Nigel Saunders After I asked I seen you explain your mix on you apple video. I use Akadama, Lava, and Pumice.

[@rocifier]

What are the tiny rocks you use to plant the trees in? Could I use fine pumice instead of those? Would you blend any organic soil in with the pumice?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The tiny rocks are a fired clay particle called fullers earth. Pumice or lava rock will work fine also. Organic material can be added, but it may clog up the drainage of the soil. If you can only water once a day, it might be wise to add more organic material. Some types of compost drain really well.

[@paradox4594]

does anyone else want a bonsai that just looks like a tiny tree instead of looking like a small bush

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Me!

[@paradox4594]

wow you replied you are the bonsai god i respect your love for nature

[@paradox4594]

im going to climb up a tree that i see every day and the get a cutting its quite an old droopy cool tree i often swing from its vine like droopy branches

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sounds good, be careful!

[@digantabayan2649]

Hi Nigel, Do you use fertilizer on your bonsai trees? Please make a video on use of fertilizer on bonsai tree.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Here is my video on this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs Thanks!

[@mindockMK1]

Do you have any advice on getting cuttings to root? I can't get anything to work. I haven't even had luck with "easy to root" plants like willow or ficus. I'm going to try rooting hormone next, but any tips would be appreciated.

[@mindockMK1]

I actually have gotten a willow to root, but when I move it to soil the roots are too fragile and it dies. I'm going to try getting one to root in moist soil in the spring.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Prasannah, a good reply!

[@radrickdavis]

I usually save multiple cuttings, because some of them will rot or dry out. Experiment. Thick, thin, long, short cuttings. Cut close or far from nodes. Diagonal cuts, straight cuts, and exposed underbark to root from. My first willows I put in a vase of water until some finally made roots, changing the water every few days. Put in any moist soil when it is ready. I have had better success with summer green cuttings, and rooting them in wet pumice and sand in a tub. Willow leaches a natural chemical that helps things to root, so don't poke holes in the rooting tub. Drain out excess water if it ever pools or puddles. Ideally most of the water is held within the soil medium off of the bottom of the pot, to prevent rot and lack of oxygen.

[@mindockMK1]

Thanks for the help everybody! Sounds like I'm going to do a lot of experimenting in the spring.

[@-7070]

It may be easier just to start out with a bonsai that has some work already done to it to make the process much easier for yourself. I got mine at www.asamuraigarden.com/

[@DAVADMDAVAD]

Hey Nigel, I was wondering...do you ever place the cut roots under the tree for nourishment? Or do they rot and or send signals to the other roots in some way? I often compost all the leaves from my Ficus(s) and re-introduce them into the soil. Am I doing something good or bad? Is there a difference between leaf litter decomposition and root cutting decomposition? Can you switch root clippings to other plants as fertilizer? or is it just an all around bad idea? Just curious how you feel about that. I suppose the art comes in at some point; suggesting, as Japanese culture does, that spartan cleanliness should be the watchword, and so, just the clean soil and no litter, above or below? Your thoughts, Sensei?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Davad, I have composted all the cuttings on the surface of the soil with some of my trees. I have done this with my White Cedar and my Larches. It works great and builds up a nice layer of thin compost over the years. This is very similar to what a small tree growing growing in a crack of a large stone does. They feed themselves and over the years a small patch of rich soil builds up and keeps the tree growing. This natural approach to bonsai, composting everything that comes off the tree and giving it back to the tree is a valid technique and is up to the grower to determine if this style suits themselves. If the tree has any bacterial or fungal infections, this could cause problems. Leaf spot comes to mind.

[@DAVADMDAVAD]

Yes, sir. that had occurred to me, reintroducing illnesses or infections, but in twenty years, so far no problems. but soon enough everyone or at least some will be switching over to a fuller/perlite soil slowly over the next year. in fact, tomorrow is day one! I was thinking of taking all roots, unusable clippings, baking them to sterilize, then grinding to make a powdery compost to add to the soil mixture.

[@datinyone]

I've got a wee little Pomegranate that i just picked up from a bonsai shop.. it's still in the grower pot.. i picked up a nice new pot for it, but i'm terrified to re-pot it.. It's only a little guy.. 5" or so.. Should I wait to re-pot it? or could I just do it now?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I would wait until the trunk starts to get a woody look to it. When you re pot, try and remove the tap root and just keep the fine radial roots. Be careful not to remove the tap root until you have enough of these radial roots to support the tree. You can also remove the tap root in stages. Cut in half the first re pot, then remove it a couple of years later.

[@datinyone]

ok thanks!!!.. appreciate it!.. I'll give it a little more time before I repot.. the trunk has started getting woody, but it still very little!.. Thanks Nigel!

[@hellozyx123]

I repotted my bonsai cutting lot of fibrous roots. But now the tree leaves are turning yellow. What should I be doing ?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Keep the tree in a humid environment and keep it warm with in direct light. You can place a clear plastic bag over the tree to keep the humidity levels high. Be sure to poke some holes in the bag for some ventilation and make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. The tree and roots should recover. Good luck.

[@Taylor314T5]

You mentioned that the bigger roots needed to be pruned more severely. May I ask for a little insight?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The idea is to balance the root base around the base of the tree. Pruning back the larger roots allows the smaller ones to gain in vigor. Eventually all the roots will end up with equal size and vigor.

[@Taylor314T5]

Nigel Saunders I shouldn't be surprised by that, they function just like branches. Watching your videos always inspires my confidence to hack up a tree. I just hard pruned a nursery stock rhododendron, so I anxiously awaiting new budding.