I just repotted this old pine into our new Masters Bonsai Soil. The pot is a growing pot rather than a show pot, but will serve nicely for now (pines like deep pots). The tree is a Japanese white pine that was grafted onto Japanese black pine stock in Japan. I got it from John Jaramillo last year when I was in Portland studying with Michael Hagedorn. Michael was kind enough to wire it for me.
Our new Masters Bonsai Soil is now 20% off, so this seems like a good time to mention that I am in the process of transplanting all of my bonsai into this excellent lava-pumice growing medium. I’m also using it for my pre-bonsai, though the vast majority of those are in the ground.
While we’re talking about sales, you might like to know that all of our large selection of bonsai wire is also now 20% off.
Though it’s a good idea to groom trees before shooting, I decided to wait on this little Shimpaku so that the new growth will help stimulate the freshly pruned roots. Like the pine above, this tree got its start in Japan. I picked it up at New England Bonsai last year from my old friend Teddi. In addition to transplanting, I’ve done a little pruning and wiring, but still can’t claim the artistry.
This native larch (aka Tamarack) started its life near swamp on a friends Christmas tree farm. I dug it about six years ago and stuck it in the ground behind my house (with about 100 other larches I’ve dug over the last ten years). Last year I put it into this pot and wintered it in my garage. I transplanted it into our Masters soil about three weeks ago when the buds were just breaking. It’s still pretty young and is more like a pre-bonsai now, but it might have some promise.
Here’s some of our new Masters Bonsai Soil up close. And, just in case you missed it, it’s now 20% off. All of our Bonsai Wire is also 20% off.
Soil particulate size, especially at the surface, is important. These photos, the latter two especially, indicate problems in tree health will arise in the coming growing season. Be careful.
Hi Andy,
Are you suggesting smaller particles for smaller pots?
Something else?
Thanks
Sure, particle size necessarily varies due to vertical position/layer in the pot, tree maturity, pot size, tree-to-pot proportion, pot depth, soil material (is it inert? organic?),etc.
in the lower two photos above, the more important factor is the size and depth of the pot. The surface material should be much smaller in order to properly maintain moisture retention; especially since this appears to be an almost completely inert mix.
Even the first photo shows an inappropriate surface soil grain size, due to the maturity of the tree. Soil grain size is one controlling factor in the speed of tree growth and the first tree needs to slow down quite a bit; doesn’t require a large-grained, inert mix.
Thanks again Andy,
I’ve been putting patches of moss on the surface, leaving only small cracks and holes to facilitate drainage.