Two Unusual Bonsai, Part 2, The Bonsai Zone, Oct 2019

My Aloe vera bonsai gets a clean up and re potting, to make more room for aerial roots!
To see previous videos of my Aloe bonsai, click here....
• Aloe vera bonsai
To see part 1 of this series click here....
• Two Unusual Bonsai, Pa...

[@lordgrubbin9394]

I really like your 'crazy' plantings. It contrasts with the conventional bonsai wonderfully.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, it keeps bonsai fun , experimenting with different plants and techniques!

[@AirsoftEX]

Love your videos i am 14 and come home from school exited to see ypur videos

[@monkeygraborange]

You should try starting some bonsai of your own. At your young age you'd have many decades to grow and enjoy them!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It's a fun hobby that I really enjoy! Thanks BAMC!

[@AirsoftEX]

monkeygraborange i have many from seed already about 2 years old i feel privaledged to have so many peoples advise for this so thank you its great knowing so many nice people too

[@doxtorbork5567]

I'm envious of your ability to grow moss. I'll keep trying until I succeed too. Your videos are fantastic.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, moss can be difficult to grow in some climates and it is hard to keep green here in the summer!

[@BonsaiJCan]

Looks really good in the new pot and with those aerial roots hanging down. Really cool !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you J, it's come a long way in a short time!

[@maryshoemaker1437]

Another masterpiece per usual... I like the way the aloe grows in this bonsai style!!! You’ve done it again Nigel!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Mary, I had my doubts about an Aloe bonsai, but it's growing nicely!

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

I always harbored doubts that you would succeed in making an Aloe Vera a viable Bonsai, mainly because I felt that you couldn’t provide the high light conditions needed to keep it growing upright and not sprawl. I’m pleasantly surprised to have you dispell my feelings. The combination of good light, dryish soil and foliar misting have produced an intriguing plant. The developing curtain of exposed air roots will make this quite special in the not to distant future.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, it has surprised me also, I'm hoping to make a banyan style tree out of it, maybe not it's most natural form, but it should be very interesting to look at!

[@annebrunner3649]

Nigel, you really have a green thumb. I'm amazed at the success you have with this art form.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I really enjoy growing the trees and seeing them change over the years!

[@lanng8273]

I did not know aloe plant produces aerial roots. I learn something new today 👍

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm hoping to give the Aloe a Banyan style!

[@karinmoonhawk3720]

Beautiful! both of them and their pots, another job well done 👍 Thanks for sharing more Nigel 😊🍁🌰

[@khoichokdee5841]

Big score!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Karin and Khoi, I was very lucky to find nice bonsai pots in a thrift store!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

The roots on the aloe look like the noodles in a pack of Mr. Noodles! It does look pretty cool!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Nice, a very good description!

[@revoltpuppy]

Definitely a great find, those pots! I’d have snatched them all up.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, a lucky find, I did find some un-glazed pots a year or so ago, they were nice too!

[@urouroniwa]

I was waiting for this update! Looks awesome :-) I have a suggestion for another somewhat unusual bonsai, though. Back in the 90's there was a book called the Sunset Bonsai Book and inside it documented making a bonsai from a chrysanthemum. I always wanted to do it, but never got around to it. The thing about chrysanthemum is that it grows insanely fast. You have to prune it every couple of weeks apparently. By the end of the growing season, you have a pretty established bonsai with spectacular flowers to boot. You can overwinter them (probably best in you cellar) and they will live for many years. Since I've moved to Japan, I've occasionally seen them and they can be *really* amazing, though they are quite rare in my experience. Maybe too much effort, but if you did it, I would find it really fun to watch!

[@monkeygraborange]

WHAT a wonderful idea!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, I have that Sunset book! It looks like a very interesting form of bonsai indeed!

[@thomaskauffman983]

I had a nice Aloe Vera years ago and our cat must have been expoeriencing a difficiency of some sort and one day when I came home from work it had been completely eaten down to the soil line. Nothing like those phyto chemicals I guess. :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I hope my cats don't get into the plant room, they would probably do the same!

[@darylshields4365]

That was a good bargain! Mr Nigel your videos are awesome !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you very much Daryl, nice to get some good bonsai pots cheap!

[@davesmith3114]

You sir are an artist and you inspire me. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Dave, I'm really liking the Aloe, I wonder what it will look like in the future, and how big it will be!

[@katedodd79]

The Aloe, at 24:39, it looks like a striking sculpture, love it!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Kate, I'm trying to imagine what it will be like years from now!

[@dinudavis4230]

Unusual bonsai 💓

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I do like my strange collection!

[@toddstropicals]

Oh yeah, the aloe needs a Repot! Looks great! Your the first I seen do an Aloe bonsai! I've been curious to try a species of aloe Aloe plicatilis, it's a tree aloe and seems logical to try it. But wow they're expensive!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I've had that on my to do list for a long time, buying the seeds for a tree Aloe. You can some Aloe tree seeds here... www.rarexoticseeds.com/en/catalogsearch/result/?q=aloe

[@selfmade6142]

Not the classic bonsai, but an interesting suggestion. Looks nice and is something else.

[@khoichokdee5841]

I'm turning everything and anything into bonsai, when it's possible.

[@selfmade6142]

@@khoichokdee5841 Since you can get a little bit afraid of you ;)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, it's definitely a strange one!

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Gorgeous

[@MrTributes]

the flowering rosemary iv been working with a bit grows aerial roots like crazy.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Really,... interesting! I haven't had any on my Rosemary, maybe a banyan style Rosemary in your future?

[@MrTributes]

maybe. if I don't keep an eye on It tho, im gona have some nasty inverse taper issues. the way it grows in tho, made me think about the buttress roots you've been trying to figure out. maybe its high roots that have had tons of aerial roots shoot from the bottom where raindrops collect and hang, and the moisture tells the tree to grow roots there... an idea to bounce around ^^

[@patsfreund9164]

WOW! You were so fortunate to find those beautiful Japanese bonsai pots. Enjoyed seeing the work that you did on the Crown of Thorns and the Aloe. Like both plants, but think I would have removed some of the aloes from that planting.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm hoping to make a tropical style Banyan tree from the Aloe, it will be interesting to see how it goes!

[@TexasBlues3000]

Great videos on the progress of your aloes. I'm guessing the aloe is an Aloe Arborescens not an aloe vera though. Arborescens forms a multi stemmed shrub. It's a good choice for the bonsai project though it can flop over when top heavy. True aloe vera produces pups below the soil. Although a variety of Aloe Vera (chinesis) will pup from the stem.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hopefully it will flower next summer and it may give a clue to it's identity! Thanks OgMH!

[@angie3504]

Thanks for sharing. Now I know how to fix mine .

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They are very interesting plants! Happy growing Angie!

[@d00rn]

this alo is awesome 👍

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, I'm going to be known as the Aloe bonsai guy I think!

[@janakubik-kwan1378]

Love your videos. Learn something every time. This is the first time I think you should have pruned harder. The little suckers on the trunk mess with the line of your main plantings.

[@orangemoonglows2692]

love

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!

[@LeanneInAdelaide]

"Like That"

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, just like that!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Nigel, I have an older aloe vera plant is it too late to train for bonsai or do you need to start with a younger specimen?

[@khoichokdee5841]

Thank you for the inspiration. I'm going to make one to. #TheBonsaiZone

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They are fun!

[@googleuser6342]

Hi Nigel, Is it possible that you could make a video addressing bonsai tree addiction? I'm in Ireland and I have about 15 trees buts it's my first year buying trees,I'm limiting myself to 15 trees max as I see the people at my local bonsai club who are addicted to bonsai,they spend thousands of euros every year on trees(some trees cost over 3k each!) And they own over 200 trees each! This is having a huge impact on their lifes financially and with time, nobody has made a video on utube addressing this worldwide problem! Bonsai addiction is sadly very real

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, I think this goes for pretty much everything, clothes, cars, jewelry, electronics etc. People get into bonsai for many different reasons, some are collectors, some are growers, some for money and some to win bonsai shows. Bonsai can become a part of your life and indeed it almost has to, to be successful with your trees. Life is all about balance. Growing and caring for your bonsai can become a way of life and this isn't a bad thing as long as you keep your other life priorities in perspective!

[@zakkzzy]

How is the plumeria bonsai? Dying to see an update on that rare bonsai:)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The cutting went soft this summer and died, the parent plant didn't leaf out this summer, but is healthy and dormant. I'm hoping it will leaf out indoors or next spring. I'm not sure why it stayed in dormancy all summer?

[@zakkzzy]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone not a easy plant to grow in our climate, need a lot of humidity and light. I heard they require a lot fertilizing as well. I did not feed mind this summer, only one new branch came up every time I made a cut. They will stay dormant until July usually when the humidity catching up.

[@uriel13th11]

What kind of aloe vera is this? how often do you give water? i have aloe too but its not growng fast as ur aloe. :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is a regular Aloe vera. I mist it a couple of times a day and water it when the soil becomes dry. They do really like to grow in a bonsai type soil that is kept on the dry side. I fertilize with a very small amount, every time I water. Here is a video on this.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5LKnqh3rM2Mjac

[@quinnrivers4710]

My aloe has grown one spear in a year :(

[@derekstallman]

I am amazed at his aloe how much it's grown in 3 years

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It really likes the bonsai soil, I think because it is so porous that you can water and fertilize more often than in regular soil.

[@bonsaisung6564]

Like +👉share video nice 👍

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you!!!!

[@bilgiguctur8317]

Wow! How did you manage it to grow so healthy and big? Du you keep it inside? How old is it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It stays inside for the winter and then goes outside for summer. I keep it in my small greenhouse in the summer to keep the rain off of it and to keep the humidity high. Here is the playlist on it so you can see the steps taken.... kzbin.info/aero/PLQouTWwmTQox3TDcMc5DXCCH-BoS2oN8G

[@AirsoftEX]

I take great inspiration

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, nice to hear!

[@Leib33]

I remember when you were given that mister as a present in a video a while back. I don't remember if you ever mentioned where the gifter obtained it and where we could find one. Any hints?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Here is one that I think is close.... www.amazon.ca/Groom-Industries-Solvent-Sprayer-Flairosol/dp/B00D7BJ6MW/ref=asc_df_B00D7BJ6MW/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292954687622&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11649437525607153922&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002437&hvtargid=pla-436239424065&psc=1

[@ikerinarritu1321]

When you show your plants at the end, there is a sign that says SEEDS FOR BONSAI. Would love to read the rest of the points! Thank you for your videos, they are inspiring.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have a whole video series based on the sign! Here it is... kzbin.info/aero/PLQouTWwmTQow-nd5uHUYQPGbo3bd4WPJl

[@munzer2006]

Найджел добрый день, вы вносите удобрения вашим тропическим деревьям круглый год или только с весны до осени?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Я оплодотворяю их круглый год и считаю, что зимой им требуется меньше воды, поэтому они не получают столько удобрений, сколько летом, когда я поливаю 2-3 раза в день. Зимой многие из деревьев сильно растут, и я нахожу, что некоторые действительно предпочитают условия выращивания в своей комнате для растений по сравнению с условиями на открытом воздухе! Я использую только небольшую щепотку удобрения в моей 2-литровой лейке

[@craftysublimeryt5545]

Hey Nigel i have a question and i am not trusting my search results.... if i buy a shop light about 5000 lumens and put a rack in my basement-will that keep my plants alive and happy through the winter? Or will it kill them?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'm not an expert on indoor lighting, but try giving this video a watch, it should answer your questions! kzbin.info/www/bejne/raaliXmbo7KlrJI

[@asmaaa7293]

I really enjoy watching your videos.I have a suggestion for you,i have noticed your videos category is science and technology, if you change it to people and blogs i think you will be getting more views.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Asim, good suggestion!

[@asmaaa7293]

My pleasure.thanks

[@morris1557]

It's a really interesting aloe in a pot, but for me it's not a bonsai. But I enjoyed you to handle the struggle and making it a beauty in a pot

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, it will never be a traditional bonsai tree, but it should get woody in the future and be quite interesting!

[@poojasara699]

Very nice

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Pooja!

[@dinudavis4230]

Is there any problem to use both organic and synthetic fertilizer together?

[@rafi_N]

some people claim that using synthetic will inhibit the interaction between organic fertilizer and fungi to crate mycorrhizal associations. Many people use organic during the year and synthetic in early spring and late fall (when temps go below 10C and the microbes responsible for processing the organic fertilizer into a form usable by the tree are inactive). There are also people who only use organic or only chemical. I have made a video about it in the past. Hope this helps and I am eager to hear Nigel's take on that too.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Dinu and Rafael, I only use a chemical fertilizer and the reason is that if I were to use an organic fertilizer, the rodents, squirrels and birds would be at my trees all the time! They seem to leave the inorganic soil and chemical fertilizer combination alone. It is very rare that birds and mice ever dig in my soil and if they do, they seem to just scratch off a bit and then realize there are no worms or insects in the soil, so they leave it alone! I was worried about using chemical fertilizer only at first, wondering what the long term consequences would be to the health of the trees, but after about 15 years I have not had any health problems and the tree seem to be doing fine! I fertilize every time I water, a small pinch in my 2 liter watering can. I can control the fertilizer immediately, if a tree begins to grow with too much vigor, I can back off the fertilizer right away and flush the soil clean. If you use an organic fertilizer it is harder to flush the soil and it may take several weeks before the fertilizer becomes neutralized. This is the reason I don't use slow release pellets in my soil. When I grow a tree in a wooden training box, it grows natural mycorrhizae fungus all around the edges of the pot and this is with chemical fertilizer. The chemical fertilizer doesn't seem to harm the natural fungus at all. I do use a very low dosage of fertilizer, but fertilize often, so this may may be why it works well with the natural fungus. The fungus is more important in a soil that has few nutrients in it, but with regular chemical fertilization, your tree doesn't really need the fungus to convert elements into a form the tree can use. I think either approach works (chemical, natural or both) as long as you observe the health signs the tree is telling you!

[@dinudavis4230]

@@TheBonsaiZone Thanks Nigel, you're a good teacher.

[@terryhogwood6178]

Great video, what is the make of the mister bottle you use ?

[@Ashley-ti6mp]

Terry Hogwood I like to know too

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Here is a similar one on line.... www.amazon.ca/Groom-Industries-Solvent-Sprayer-Flairosol/dp/B00D7BJ6MW/ref=asc_df_B00D7BJ6MW/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292954687622&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11649437525607153922&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002437&hvtargid=pla-436239424065&psc=1

[@Alepoudiitsa]

my aloe vera didn't make it, it didn't have that log leaf's it never was that log :O are the different species? or what ever it is call xD

[@TheBonsaiZone]

There are many different species of Aloe, all can become a bonsai of some sorts! Keep trying, they need lots of light warmth and humidity. You can't water them a lot or the roots will rot.

[@AhmedMahi]

Hello Teacher

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Ahmed, how are things your way? We are getting snow here and I'm off to video a concert tonight!

[@janandersen6001]

😀👍

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Jan!!!!

[@adamlawrence2346]

Foist

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A nice Foist Adam and I believe a Foist for you!

[@adamlawrence2346]

Foist foist indeed

[@maryshoemaker1437]

Adam Lawrence u. Da man... in da foist zone

[@susanta2775]

Where did you get these pot? Looks like cheap.

[@goobster6257]

You can't ask too much from Village des valeurs lol! They look great for that price imo

[@JohnJames.]

@@goobster6257 , right you can't decide what gets thrifted

[@TheBonsaiZone]

They are from Value Village, it is a thrift store that sells donated items.