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Bonsai hunter
Join Date: Feb-2008
Location: San Jose CA
Country: USA
Posts: 118
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Manzanita
It came to my attention throught rigorous searching that manzanita is not commonly used as bonsai. It thus follows that there is minimal information about the species in which to guide me in my attempt to create a spectacular specimin. I found a few threads on this site that addresed the concerns and questions that I have now about these trees. But they lacked in detail 'the development of a collected specimin to bonsai'. Many question and subtopics arise from this main question such as:
- What soils are best for this tree, including room for discussion of mycorhizzae. This by the way was introduced to me by a post by gregb.
- What are the natural growing habits of this tree (backbudding etc...) of which I am under the impression that it does not
- Under what conditions does it thrive? (sun or no?)
- and how do I eventually get it from a 5 gallon container into a signicantly smaller bonsai pot?
In all I am curious to know what to do with my tree and also hoping that other can also learn from what I am doing. I plan on posting now and again the progress of this tree and the new experiences of success or failure of its owner. So first I must brag about the success I have seen so far.
I collected this manzanita from a hillside in Northern California. At the time I saw little potential in it but after a long day I didn't want to return empty handed. I really didn't expect it to survive because the rootball split in half whilst in transit. However, it has so far survived, and better, has burst with new growth all over. It was just last week that I gave it a light trim, and in doing so saw good potential for bonsai, not just a tree. The last picture is before the trim, taken about 3 months ago. The others are new. It still needs some work on top for sure. But I can wait. It is currently sitting in the shade on my porch and has been. It seems quite happy there.
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