Thread: Newbe
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Old 10-Jan-2007   #25
Colin Lewis
bonsaiTALK Journeyman
 
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Join Date: Nov-2003
Location: Salem MA
Country: USA
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale Cochoy
Colin,
Have yo tried the 1/4"ish sized Sequoia "baby orchid bark" sold by orchid suppliers? Thats what I've used for over 20 years.


Dale, Yes I have, and that's why I decided never to use it again! Bark is generally extremely acidic, entirely nutrient free and totally inhospitable to roots. Orchid bark of all grades is also virtually sterile and very difficult to wet. When I have repotted trees growing in a mix including bark, the bark has been still intact after three years and there are practically no roots growing into the particles of bark. For the lif of me, I canot think of any useful purpose bark serves in a bonsai soil. Now my head's on the block

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leica
I mostly have scots pine and I love the old gnarly troll look in the trees just like you.


Leica,
I have seen quite a few Norwegian Scots pine yamadori in my friend's garden in Manchester - beautiful material that shows aged character even in small plants. I am envious.
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