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eeyore94sooregon

Bonsai

10 years ago

How do you keep the DR'S as a bonsai. Smaller, more compact? I thought that by planting them in a smaller bowl, they would automatically stay small? Any thoughts? Thanks, Alma

Comments (19)

  • 10 years ago

    Thank you, yes more thoughts welcomed. I wouldn't know what to do with the wire.

  • 10 years ago

    Just grow them really hard in 5:1:1, Alma. If you have yearlings, you will have to wean them off of all the TLCs you've been giving them, specifically water. Feed weakly, monthly. And put them in full sun. In winter, let them go semi-dormant--lit, but definitely not fed, watered only sparingly every month. And of course whack the branches if they get uppity.

    Pagan

    eeyore94sooregon thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    Thank you, Pagan! So much knowledge you guys all seem to have. My three currently have roots coming out the bottom hole. Is it okay to cut those back?

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Alma, have you taken a look at the roots lately? If not, please uproot and post pictures. We'll let you know exactly what to do in preparation for overwintering. Please specify whether you will be keeping under grow lights or just setting them aside. This is also the perfect opportunity to get feedback on what to do with newly germinated seedlings.

    eeyore94sooregon thanked Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Up root, will that affect it while flowering? I have never up rooted them.

    here's what the under side of the pot looks like, they look healthy and green.

  • 10 years ago

    You have a good point there, Alma. Please do wait until after the blooms have faded and enjoy your blooms.

    The roots coming out the bottom of the drain hole is not an issue but indicative that it's time to repot. It's a good idea to check your roots yearly in order to catch any problems before they spread. Also, soils & organic medium (like pine) need to be changed because they break down.

    - Maria Elena


    eeyore94sooregon thanked Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
  • 10 years ago

    Pics of all three plants from top to toe, even before you unpot, would be good as well.

    Gill

  • 10 years ago

    I will picture all 3 from top to bottom when I get home from work today. Thank you!

  • 10 years ago

    I don't know what you are planning on doing, but I have one I've had in a bonsai pot for a little over a year now. The caudex has grown, but it hasn't gotten too much taller, and it's flowered three times since potting in the shallow bonsai pot. I'll upload a pic so you can get an idea.

    eeyore94sooregon thanked Dain (Zone 5a, high NM Desert)
  • 10 years ago

    That looks nice. I would like to keep them in the bowls that they are in, but as you saw (I think) my roots are coming out the drainage hole!

  • 10 years ago

    her roots

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Alma,

    Once your adeniums finish blooming, post pictures bare root and everyone can share recommendations on what & where to cut in order to achieve the form you want.

    - Maria Elena

    eeyore94sooregon thanked Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
  • 10 years ago

    her roots

  • 10 years ago

    the little green one poking out.

  • 10 years ago

    Alma,

    Perhaps, given how late in the season it is, it would be best to allow these to just go dormant for the winter undisturbed. You can root prune in the spring. The amount of roots peeping out the bottom is minimal ... Not bad at all.



    eeyore94sooregon thanked Maria Elena (Caribbean - USDA Zone 13a)
  • 10 years ago

    Sounds like a great plan. As I'm really apprehensive about doing it, but you guys do it all the time it seems. ;)

  • 10 years ago

    I"m REALLY glad you posted your question, Alma. I want to try this to, but beyond keeping it in a small, shallow pot, I had no idea how to go about it. Thanks everyone for all of the feedback. Now I have a better idea about feeding, watering, light and WHACKING! (Ouch, Pagan...)

    Tyler

    eeyore94sooregon thanked SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
  • 10 years ago

    I will wait til spring now as best adviced, because I'm having to bring mine in on some nights as its starting to get in the 40's. Winter is coming!