I thought at one time I had seen a bonsai forum listed but I cannot find one now. Had previously read several posts regarding bonsais but cannot find them again. Can anyone tell me where bonsai discussion is happening? Thanx.

No bonsai forum but there is a miniature gardening forum
https://garden.org/forums/view...

Type Bonsai in the Search Forums box and it will give you a list of threads relating to Bonsai. The box is at the top of the page under the banner.

Got it. Debbie.

@tigerpaws Do you have questions about a bonsai project?

Al

@Tapla, I don't have specific questions regarding bonsai. A while back I had read a couple of members discussing creating their bonsai and I could not remember in which forum I had read this. I found these posts interesting and would have liked to see how they were progressing. For some reason I thought I had seen a forum listed which was dedicated to bonsai but I was mistaken. There is some mention of bonsai in the Cactus and Succulent forum but not too much. I am thinking it would be something to try. Will have to check out You Tube for videos.

[quote="tigerpaws"] @Tapla, I don't have specific questions regarding bonsai. A while back I had read a couple of members discussing creating their bonsai and I could not remember in which forum I had read this. I found these posts interesting and would have liked to see how they were progressing. For some reason I thought I had seen a forum listed which was dedicated to bonsai but I was mistaken. There is some mention of bonsai in the Cactus and Succulent forum but not too much. I am thinking it would be something to try. Will have to check out You Tube for videos.(in fall, after my outside summer gardening, trying to get caught up)./quote]

Practicing the art and science of bonsai brings with it endless opportunity for personal reward and satisfaction. The ability to guide a living medium (plants) into shapes and forms which evoke feeling in yourself and others is very gratifying, and it certainly satisfies that yen to nurture harbored by most of us who care for plants.

It does take a good deal of dedication, though. The small pots and fast-draining grow media used means that many plants need watering every 1, 2, 3, or 4 days, and regular fertilizing. Roots need to be pruned and the plants need repotting every 1-3 years for most plants, a little longer for most conifers.

If you ever have questions, look me up. I've been working to increase my proficiency since around 1980, and I've learned a bit since then. The first time I saw real bonsai trees was at a hotel in Chicago while there for a business meeting. I stumbled on vendors and artists setting up a show and asked if I might watch. I was so enamored by the little trees I KNEW immediately I had to learn how to create them. I've been at it ever since.
Al

Tapla, I have seen some pictures of your garden that you posted in the past and it was absolutely gorgeous. Judging by that I can only imagine the success you will have had with bonsai trees. I definitely will look you up with questions when I am prepared to attempt my hand at them. Thank you kindly for the offer.

@tigerpaws Thanks for the kind words.

Al

Bonsai updates are much less frequent than other kinds of cultivation, although specimens might be groomed as often as weekly, at times. The goals are in terms of years, not weeks or months. Jades are one of my fav plants in this category. They grow pretty fast, young branches are flexible, and new branches usually thicken well in proportion to the older ones.

Also love Scheffleras for the tiny leaflets.

Coleus are harder to keep alive long-term but grow so quickly they are excellent practice plants. Within one summer, you can do experiments on several plants and observe the various responses. Unpruned, removed tip only, removed all lower leaves but left the tip alone, cut in half, and learn a lot about the pruning of oppositely branched plants in particular.

Bonsai plants can seem stagnant, but in the realm of bonsai, that's an accomplishment, not a fail. So updates might say, "and it doesn't look any different than it did 5 yrs ago." LOL!