This dynamic Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is one of four trees from Florida that were selected for the upcoming Artisan's Cup in Portland, Oregon (go! it's going to be great). It belongs to Paul Pikel. Image courtesy of Mary Miller (Bonsai Mary of Bonsai Banter).
Florida is more than a refuge for snowbirds and hormone bedeviled college kids; it’s also home to most of the best tropical and semi-tropical bonsai in North America, and of all the great bonsai varieties you’ll find in Florida, Buttonwood is king.
Something else you’ll find in Florida (and some other north American hot spots) are long periods of extreme summer heat and resultant summer dormancy, where, in order to conserve water, plant growth slows way down or even stops for a while (this is not unlike winter dormancy, where water conservation is also part of the picture).
Below are some comments borrowed from Mary Miller’s Bonsai Banter, one of my favorite bonsai reads.
This now famous buttonwood belonged to Ed Trout. Sadly it was stolen back in 2009. On a happier note, many of Ed’s other bonsai have become famous and are featured in Bonsai Today magazine, here on Bark and numerous other places.
Summer Dormancy
by Mary Miller, Bonsai Banter
“You may find some of your trees wilt in the heat. Before you water, check the soil moisture, you may be surprised!
“Many years ago I noticed a dormancy period with my legume and buttonwood bonsai. The trees had seemingly shut down. They “pouted” and even shed a few leaves. Another symptom was little to no new growth.
‘Summer dormancy’ is a temporary inactive phase caused by chemical changes within the plant cells. This growth arrestment is caused by high temperatures.
“During this time, allow your bonsai to rest. They have stored up enough nutrition to sustain themselves. Do not try to wake them up with fertilizer, it won’t work!
“Don’t overwater either. Before you water, make sure your bonsai need it.”
Two great Stone Lantern Sales end tomorrow night
25% off 500 gram rolls of Bonsai Wire
20% to 30% off Roshi Bonsai Tools