Xref: kermit rec.arts.bonsai:75942

I find that raffia helps when bending limbs on some trees that tend to be
brittle or on large limbs that can be difficult to bend.

The raffia I have was purchased from a local craft store.

I first pull off some stands. Trying to get as long a stand as possible.
The I take it into the bathroom and use the sink filled with HOT water and a
1/4 table spoon of dish detergent (wetting agent). I soak the raffia and open
it up, otherwise it is curled in a tight roll.
After wetting and uncurling I put it in a large peanut butter jar with water
and a small amount (1/8 tablespoon) of bleach (to prevent mildew, especially
if I don't use all the wet raffia for a few days). Then I take the raffia back
outside and wrap the branches to be wired. I wrap and wire and bend one
branch at a time.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast
BSF Annual Convention July 1 - 4, 2005 Radisson Hotel, Cape Canaveral,
Florida
Workshops with Jerry Meislik of Whitefish, Montana, Chase Rosade of New Hope,
PA, and Ben Oki of California.

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