Bonsai Soil For Tropical Trees?

Shambhala

I'll be repotting a tree today or tomorrow, but I can't seem to find a soil mix recipe for tropical trees.

Does anyone know of anyone, or have any tips? Also, the tree has been outside and it is a little chilly. Should I take it easy on pruning the roots or will it be able to handle all that stress?

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Soildoc

The soil mix is going to depend on whether the tree needs an acid soil or one that is more basic. I have tropicals that require both. What kind of tree is it?
The root pruning will depend on the tree type also

Shambhala

The tree is called a 'Pepper Tree' (Schinus molle). I have found some information on it, but not when it comes to it's use in Bonsai.

Bonsainut

Sham,
The peppers (Brazilian and california ) have aclimated to the so-Cal enviroment. So much so that they are a weed tree. I have them all over the property, from birds spreading the seeds.
I would call them a temperate tree, needing some cold protection but not a lot of moisture. They are the most drought tolerant tree I have seen.
In time the bark gets flakey but I would say that is their best feature. The compund leaves and very aggressive root system are hard to handle.
I would never say you are wasting your time so I will quote my sensei "Not ta good a bonsai Material".

Shambhala

I suspected that they were more of a temperate than tropical tree, but I live in Ontario, so it could get very cold soon... probably the best thing would be to keep it indoors.



I'll get a picture of it tomorrow, it is pretty decent looking. There is an outdated one I posted a while ago, but it has grown a lot more. I actually like the thing, it has awesome looking foliage and is filling out into a nice broom style.

But yeah, I've never heard of it as a bonsai... maybe there is a reason why :p

Just curious, how tall are the ones that grow on your property? Also, I read that they produce 'pink peppercorns' (the ones you get at the store); do they come as a berry that is later dried??

Bonsainut

They reach twenty feet high and accross in 6-8 years with no moisture added. If you water the beast, look out!

I understand some folks eat these peppercorns but they are not the standard ones we think of to to spicy up food.. They need some type of treatment to make them taste ok.

The birds sure like them.

Good luck!

__________________
Keep growing,---'Nut



Lethal Use of Farce

Shambhala

Thanks for the info! Glad to know these trees are fairly hardy, I'll just have to watch out for overwatering.

So... anyone have any ideas for soil?? I went to get a pot today, just waiting on this. :p