[IBC] "Indoor Bonsai" (was: willow leaf bonsai dropping leaves)
 

Alan W. :

Amen, Billy. A lot of people think occasional misting will
make up for
dry indoor air. It doesn't. All it does is create a fine
layer of
moisture which is perfect for developing bacteria and mold.

Nina S.:

I'd estimate that 99% of the people who contact me with indoor
bonsai
problems mist their trees. And I always explain to them that
it has no
effect on relative humidity in their house. Earlier today
someone was
having problems with a tree that they misted with softened
water (i.e.,
water treated with high amounts of ionic sodium). I told them
to STOP.

Some days I'd just like to ban indoor bonsai. The longer I do
bonsai, the
more I notice that my indoor trees are just houseplants with
pretensions.


I've noticed that folks up Nawth who have best luck with "indoor"
bonsai actually grow them in greenhouses for much of the year.

That's well within the definition of "indoor" but it is NOT what
dabblers in the sport want: They want trees IN THE HOUSE. That
simply does not work.

In a greenhouse, you have the required humidity; add a fan for
air movement and if the light is adequate, you've just about
re-created the growing environment for many of these
warm-and-humid-weather trees.

I have read very few books on "indoor bonsai" but I don't recall
any of them mentioning this with any emphasis -- which makes the
books a bit misleading, doesn't it?

If Jerry M. is reading this, I hereby solicit an article for our
website on the CARE of, um . . . "indoor" bonsai. It would be
the stuff you need to do for ALL (most) indoor trees; not a
tree-by-tree guide. That would be a bit much. ;-)

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.

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[IBC] "Indoor Bonsai" (was: willow leaf bonsai dropping leaves)
 

Well, Jim, growing tropicals in a greenhouse does have its merits. I agree
with Carl when he expounds on the joy of tending exotic plants under
controlled conditions in winter. When the icicles are hanging from the
eaves and the wind is howling around the house, there is nothing quite like
watching an orchid bursting forth. Unlike Carl, I do not prefer tropicals
to hardy plants, especially in spring. My mind-set includes enjoying all
things botanical in due season. Spring is upon us - and the seasonal parade
is about to begin.
Marty

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************************************************** ******************************
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+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] "Indoor Bonsai" (was: willow leaf bonsai dropping leaves)
 

Well, Jim, growing tropicals in a greenhouse does have its
merits.

Oh, I agree -- especially if you live "up there!"

Greenhouses spend most of the year being HOT houses down here.
Fine if you do orchids, I guess, but otherwise not worth the
effort.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by John Quinn++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] "Indoor Bonsai" (was: willow leaf bonsai dropping leaves)
 

Jim Lewis wrote:

Well, Jim, growing tropicals in a greenhouse does have its
merits.

Oh, I agree -- especially if you live "up there!"

Greenhouses spend most of the year being HOT houses down here.
Fine if you do orchids, I guess, but otherwise not worth the
effort.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Only where
people have learned to appreciate and cherish the landscape and
its living cover will they treat it with the care and respect it
should have - Paul Bigelow Sears.


Well, I don't have a greenhouse, but my ficus trees, succulents, and Kingsville
boxwoods have done fine indoors under lights.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

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+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++