Modern Bonsai Practice

Fresh, practical, definitive, comprehensive reference guide to the finest art of horticulture: growing miniature trees. Common sense bonsai answers separating myth from fact with depth and detail. Appropriate for both bonsai hobbyists and experienced practitioners. Featuring Walter Pall Bonsai.Contents:Foreword, by Walter Pall 7Acknowledgements 9Introduction: From the Plant's Point of View 11Soil and Substrate QuestionsOut of Sight Is Not Out of Mind 17Organic and Inorganic Materials 20Physical Properties 26Chemical Properties 32Biological Properties 35Understanding FertilizersEssential Elements 38Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers 40Fertilize Flawlessly 43Feeding 101 47Fast or Slow 49Liquid or Granular 52Spring or Fall 54By the Numbers 55Fertilizers Are Supplements 62Can't Always Blame Fertilizers 64Understanding Biostimulants and Other Such Chemicals 635Growing Superb RootsThe Perfect Tree 73Growing Superb Roots 73Sink Your Roots 75How Roots Respond 81Root Pruning 86The Root Collar 90Getting Back to Roots 92Keeping Branches HappyBranch Parts 97Keeping Branches Happy 97Switching Systems 101Branch Responses 104The Form of Trees 106Branching Out 112Pruning and Manipulating StemsWhat Is Pruning? 117Responses to Branch Pruning 117Before Making the Cut 119That Was a Kind Cut 123Prune Like a Pro 127Wiring, Major Bending and MinorTree Surgery 135Tools of the Trade 139Treat My Cuts 139Keeping Foliage HappySolar Power 144How Foliage Responds 146Budding Bonsai 151Leave Our Leaves 152They Shrunk My Leaves 157Leaves a' Blazing 158Responding to PottingPlants Grow in a Tightly Connected Systems 162Why and When to Repot 162Before Potting or Transplanting 166During Potting 167After Potting 170Water, Light, and TemperatureWater Wisely 175Lighten Up 182This Cold, Cold Pot 185Extreme Heat 188Bonsai ChallengesContent with Our Natural Beauty 192Why We Are So Small 192How We Adapt 194Looking Good 197Pestering Pathogens 200Good and Bad 202Crawling Critters 203Time to Recover 204Walter Pall Gallery 209Index 335About the Author: Larry Morton, BS Ornamental Horticulture, is the former owner of Landscape Consultants, Inc, and Preferred Trees Nursery. He provides seasoned, proven, professional advice on how you can care for your miniature trees.