A Cutie Jade Lilliputian 🪴 on my Palm
LinkWithin
Showing posts with label Bonsai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bonsai. Show all posts
Sunday, 8 August 2021
Monday, 11 July 2011
Cheery Cherry
 |
| The Buds, the flowers n the Fruits @ Mosaic Monday |
It is one of the most commonly used flowering n fruiting tree, grown by beginners and novices, introducing them to the world of miniature greens (Bonsai), along with the (naarangi)/Oranges, (Amrood)/Chinese Guava, (Anar)/Pomegranates, (Chikoo)/Sapodilla and (Imli)/Tamarind. It is a fairly hardy plant with fine ramification, easy to look after and thrives well in sunlight. The branches are stiff and hence difficult to wire n bend.
 |
| My World @ The Cherry Tree - Informal Upright style |
 |
| Teeny Tiny Buds formed at the pinnacle |
 |
Pink Flowers .....with five fringed petals  |
 |
| This Cherry Tree has been under training since July 2006 |
Sunday, 17 October 2010
OMG!
I have already lost one of my cherished plant
@ a three Yr old Brazilian Rain Tree last month....
 |
| Rain Tree - Aug 2k9 |
.....AND
the disheartening part is that I am about to loose another one......
 |
| Ficus - Grp Planting, Oct 2k10 |
Boo Woo..........
Gosh! I feel so helpless... right at this moment,
and just don't know what else to do;
Except,....Maybe,
Hope n Pray...THE PLANT (left, above) recovers soon.
 |
| Ficus with Rock ...Grp Planting, Aug2k9 |
Will it? Won't it?
Will it!
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Malpighia glabra – as a Bonsai
 |
| Glabra - Buds Upclose |
Common names include Acerola, Barbados cherry, Wild Crapemyrtle.
 |
| Pink Blossom - Up close |
Malpighia glabra: Is a tropical fruit-bearing Evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Malpighiaceae, with spreading branches on a short trunk. It is usually 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) tall, but sometimes reaches 6 m (20 ft) in height
 |
| Glabra - Fruit |
Nothing is more satisfying for an avid gardener / plant lover, than constantly working towards adding n collecting, growing new varieties of plants, and yes working with them too … hands on.
In my personal quest, to add to my ever-growing Bonsai Collection at home, and collect new varieties of plants from time to time, I bought two small Malpigihia glabra’s, and a Brazillian rain tree, 3 years back. The plants where lanky n fragile, with little foliage, but had good branch ramification; an important prerequisite for any good bonsai.
Way back in spring 2008, while I was getting the plants potted into appropriate Bonsai pots, I discovered that one of the glabra plants had some amazing set of long roots, with a well-spread out branching pattern that could easily be trained to cling n grow on a rock, to achieve the coveted ‘Root over the Rock’ style of Bonsai and the other one could be trained into a ‘Twin Trunk Bonsai’ between rocks.
I immediately set to work……………..and even today, I am still working and enjoying every moment I get to spend with these teeny-tiny plants – watering n pruning them into shape, just like any other garden plant. ERGO, I maybe a little more bent n biased towards my Bonsai - showering them with a little more nurturing n care.
 |
| Twin Trunk Glabra & Informal Upright style Rain Tree |
 |
| Rain Tree, Cascading Jade, Glabra |
It requires a lot of patience n hard work to train a bonsai plant into ‘Root over the rock’ style as the take a long time to grow n cling to the Rock, securing the plant in position.
A Picture of the plant in early stage of Training
Recent Pictures of the same Plant…
after getting it re-potted into a Proper Bonsai Container.
Thx to the ABA Grp President, Arora Aunty,
who helped me re-pot it during one of our Bonsai Workshops.
 |
| Side View of the Roots, Trunk, Foliage |
Glabra is an extremely popular bonsai subject here in India because of its small leaf, dense foliage, beautiful pink, blossom, small fruit and fine ramification. It is also grown as an ornamental and for hedges. As a Bonsai, it adapts readily to the weather conditions prevailing here and is easy to shape into a specified style.
 |
| Malpighia Glabra - Root over the Rock style |
Finally as can be seen in the above pic....
this slanting flow of the plant,... 'Root over the Rock LOOK'
....is what appeals to me the most.
The plant looks so different here.... Isn't it?
However, it is the same plant, but shot at a 'Different Angle'....
...displaying all the mesmerizing qualities of a BONSAI!
Saturday, 2 October 2010
The Chinese Garden Of Friendship
 |
| Bonsai on Display @ Chinese Garden of Friendship |
The child in me has this innate fascination for automobiles, locomotives and various modes of transportations. So after having enjoyed a zip-zap-zooming joyride in the monorail, looping around Sydney Sydney
 |
| People Mover |
My Ma and Maasi (Mom’s sister) however choose to sit back on one of the many benches, relaxing and taking in the harbour side view, while I excitedly hopped onto one of these much slower trackless people mover train which would take me on a sightseeing tour, highlighting the major tourist attractions alongside Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
 |
| Darling Harbour |
We crossed the Australian Maritime museum, Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World, Sydney Convention Center , IMAX Theatre, overlooking the Cockle Bay , King Street Wharf restaurant, Children Park n spectacular water features en route to the Chinese Garden n China Town
 |
| Main Attractions @ waterfront |
 |
| The Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour, Sydney |
Well….here’s what, I would have missed experiencing n capturing on my lenses had I not taken this instinctive split second decision to alight and take a quick ‘sneak peep’ into the garden before rushing back (this time on foot) to where my Ma n Maasi sat waiting for me.
Located at Darling Harbor , in close proximity of China town in Sydney CBD, it reflects the very essence of Oriental Gardens
The garden was officially opened in 1988 as part of Sydney 's bicentennial celebrations and aptly named the Garden of Friendship Guangzhou , China n New South Wales in Australia
 |
| Dragon Wall |
The entrance to the garden is guarded by this traditional Chinese Sculpture.
Once inside, the garden offers a rare insight into the Chinese Culture n heritage with beautiful display of Suihan Penjing / Bonsai right at the entrance of the garden.
These Bonsai’s are considered sacred n auspicious in the Oriental culture and are often seen on display in many a homes n even commercial organizations in China n most South East Asian countries.
Being a Bonsai lover myself, I was in complete awe… admiring these so very beautiful and well maintained living piece d’art.
Today, as I glance back at the pictures, I can’t help but smile, recollecting the dilemma I was in - whether to stay put to complete the tour or disembark right then. I am glad I choose to get off n visit this beautiful n serene Garden Of Friendship amidst all the hustle bustle of Darling Harbour with the monorail offering a sky view of the CBD; the cruise boats, the ferries n motorboats coming into the harbour; the toy people mover's train & kids whizzing past on skates.....n more....
 |
The city skyline n the …as seen from our Room @ |
Friday, 18 September 2009
If Winter Comes, Can Spring Be Far Behind?
Fukien Tree
Carmona microphylla referred to as Wax Malphigia
 |
| From EverGreen Tree |
While we were at it, I also got this teeny-tiny Wax Malphigia a.k.a. Carmona microphylla / Fukien Tree, repotted, for the very first time, ever; in last four/five odd years. However, immediately after repotting, the plant suddenly shed all its leaves, after they turned brown. |
Now, I don’t know, what could have possibly gone wrong with its repotting exercise while most other plants seemed to be doing well after their repotting?
Anyways, while I thought I would loose the plant, yet, I kept it under the shade of a Tree, along side other recently repotted plants, checking on it from time to time n silently praying for its recovery.
Wax Malphigia happens to be an EVERGREEN TREE, with dense dark-green shrub like-foliage maintained almost throughout the year. Being a hardy plant, it is quite popular with the Bonsai growers as well, as it readily adapts itself to different styles n shapes.
Hmmm….. I had little hope towards the plant ever recovering, from its distressed n de-foliated state. But to my utter surprise, one fine day, towards the end of August, I noticed these teeny-tiny leaf buds being formed on its branches.
Here’s the Picture of the plant as on 25th Aug, 2009
In the next few days to come… little by little... all its leaves came back.... re-filling the plant's barren n bare crown. It’s been a pleasure to watch it springing back too Life slowly n steadily!
Picture of the plant as on 30th Aug, 2009
It’s these simple n special moments like this, which add a spring n a spark to our mundane everyday life.
.
Picture of the plant as on 18th Sept, 2009.
I just had to share the plant pictures n the details of its recovery, here on my blog under the inspirational head ..... ‘If Winter comes, can spring be far behind?’
Friday, 28 August 2009
Tamarind Tree
Every time I water this teeny-tiny Tamarind Tree it reminds me of my childhood days. As children we often spent our free afternoons, playing in our backyard, under the shade of THE TAMARIND TREE, collecting the fallen green and then later the ripe brown pods of IMLI (Tamarind). Decades later, the taste of that Khaati Meethi Imli is still so fresh in my palate, even today.
Now, I have had this Miniature version of a Tamarind Tree in Cascading style, Mame Bonsai, for a little over five years now.
Now, I have had this Miniature version of a Tamarind Tree in Cascading style, Mame Bonsai, for a little over five years now.
Here’s a picture of the Tree as in Aug, 2005.
It’s been growing quite vigorously, this monsoon season and needed some pruning n shaping….so that the impressive curve in the trunk line is made visible again. While I indulged myself, I kept the Camera handy to take some before & after Pruning Pictures of the Plant and share the same here on EVERGREEN TREE.
Here are some before n after Pruning Pictures as in Aug, 2009
The plant looks good to me from both the front and the back, leaving me with a dilemma....
I just can’t decide which LOOK I like best.
I just can’t decide which LOOK I like best.
i.e. which is the Front and which is the Back of this particular Tamarind Tree?
Hmmmm…..PS: An important quality of any good Bonsai is that it should look presentable from either sides...ie both the front & the back. At the very onset, it is imperative for a Bonsai Artist to decide on the Front and the Back, keeping in mind, select Bonsai rules, the plant qualities and its natural flow, curve n bent et al.
Friday, 21 August 2009
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST....
.... Acclimatization n Adaptability to Change!
Have you ever wondered why some plants seemingly take longer to adapt and get acclimatized to their new home environs, while some thrive and flourish from the start word ‘GO GREEN’? Still many others simply don’t adapt themselves and hence perish.
I guess Darwin might just have the answer to this particular wondering question at hand. It indeed is ‘SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST’ in terms of gradual Acclimatization and inherent qualities of Adaptability to Change.
From time to time, I like to visit the local Plant Mart here, for different n newer varieties of plants. Even when I travel, I almost always try and visit a local plant nursery and buy a plant or two to carry back home with me as souvenirs.
Elucidating with a few examples and my personal experience with plants :-
Few years back, I had brought four Mame Bonsai’s with me, all the way from China ~ a Ficus retusa; Chinese Elm; Pepper and Cypress. While I thought the Cypress wouldn’t survive the extreme climatic variations of N. India, it adapted and acclimatized itself well and lasted the longest.
Here’s a picture of the Pepper Tree :-
Notice the ‘S- Shape’ curved trunk line, which is quite typical in many of the Chinese styled Bonsai.
.
Though a hardy plant, it didn’t survive long.
Too Bad! I really liked its teeny- tiny green leaves.
Then again, I brought Pre-Bonsai material….i.e. a Eucalyptus, an Indonesian Premna, and Boxwood from Mumbai last October. Somehow, I lost the Eucalyptus in less than a month’s time; however the Premna and boxwood are doing fairly well, in their new home with us.
More recently, my bro & sis-in-law bought back two plants from their visit to a hill station in N. India. These plants look like a bunch of beautiful GREEN COLOURED FLOWERS. It’s been a little over a month now, and I am afraid to loose this single one on the left hand side, as it is not doing too well, in spite of having kept them both under the shade with other healthy green plants ensuring adequate and timely watering.
A Cousin once presented us with some of the most Exotic Caladiums, with bright and colourful foliage in vivid garden shades. She had got them for us from Pune or maybe from a nursery in Bangalore. But again none of the 5-6 plants survived here..... Nonetheless, I would definitely like to buy a few Caladiums and give it another try, ensuring that they adapt well and get acclimatized to their changed environment.
It is doing well as off now, but keeps loosing a leaf or two n more - Enough to give me a scare. Keeping my Fingers Crossed n hoping it Survives n last me through the years.
Dear Readers, Looking forward to reading your similar experience n stories which you might like to share here with me.....
Have you ever wondered why some plants seemingly take longer to adapt and get acclimatized to their new home environs, while some thrive and flourish from the start word ‘GO GREEN’? Still many others simply don’t adapt themselves and hence perish.
I guess Darwin might just have the answer to this particular wondering question at hand. It indeed is ‘SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST’ in terms of gradual Acclimatization and inherent qualities of Adaptability to Change.
From time to time, I like to visit the local Plant Mart here, for different n newer varieties of plants. Even when I travel, I almost always try and visit a local plant nursery and buy a plant or two to carry back home with me as souvenirs.
Elucidating with a few examples and my personal experience with plants :-
Few years back, I had brought four Mame Bonsai’s with me, all the way from China ~ a Ficus retusa; Chinese Elm; Pepper and Cypress. While I thought the Cypress wouldn’t survive the extreme climatic variations of N. India, it adapted and acclimatized itself well and lasted the longest.
Here’s a picture of the Pepper Tree :-
Notice the ‘S- Shape’ curved trunk line, which is quite typical in many of the Chinese styled Bonsai.
.
Though a hardy plant, it didn’t survive long.
Too Bad! I really liked its teeny- tiny green leaves.
Then again, I brought Pre-Bonsai material….i.e. a Eucalyptus, an Indonesian Premna, and Boxwood from Mumbai last October. Somehow, I lost the Eucalyptus in less than a month’s time; however the Premna and boxwood are doing fairly well, in their new home with us.
More recently, my bro & sis-in-law bought back two plants from their visit to a hill station in N. India. These plants look like a bunch of beautiful GREEN COLOURED FLOWERS. It’s been a little over a month now, and I am afraid to loose this single one on the left hand side, as it is not doing too well, in spite of having kept them both under the shade with other healthy green plants ensuring adequate and timely watering.
 |
| From EverGreen Tree |
A Cousin once presented us with some of the most Exotic Caladiums, with bright and colourful foliage in vivid garden shades. She had got them for us from Pune or maybe from a nursery in Bangalore. But again none of the 5-6 plants survived here..... Nonetheless, I would definitely like to buy a few Caladiums and give it another try, ensuring that they adapt well and get acclimatized to their changed environment.
 |
| From EverGreen Tree Here's a cute little plant (American Karunda)... |
I added to my Collection few weeks back.....
It is doing well as off now, but keeps loosing a leaf or two n more - Enough to give me a scare. Keeping my Fingers Crossed n hoping it Survives n last me through the years.
Dear Readers, Looking forward to reading your similar experience n stories which you might like to share here with me.....
Friday, 19 June 2009
A Cry For Insulation
Actually the loss of quite a few of my Bonsai, this summer season has prompted me to blog about Insulation within the BONSAI CONTAINERS...
As you know, Bonsai......... essentially are plants growing in Shallow containers.
It’s of prime importance to use a container which compliments us, i.e. the plant in size, shape, colour & finish, while designing the overall display of a BONSAI. The container should never ever dominate us i.e. the plant.
A good bonsai pot should be well equipped with generous drainage holes, a level base, small feet to allow excess water to run freely etc.
A Bonsai artist follows a set of Bonsai rules while choosing a container for us, the plant keeping in mind a lot of parameter’s and even while placing the plant in the container. As of now, I will not dwell into the intricate details and the SET of RULES...a bonsai artist has to follow ... may be some other time.
But,
Nonetheless
If you notice most of these containers are glazed outside....with a smooth, shiny finish and unglazed, rough towards the inside, the area which will actually hold the soil compost.
Indian summer’s are scorching with temperature ranging anywhere between 35 to 45 degrees on an average from March/April till almost October/November, i.e. for a prolonged period of 7-8 months we plants have to endure the HEAT if kept outdoors in the open.
Such high temperatures are indeed torturous for us teeny-weeny plants, more so because these GLAZED POTS absorb HEAT & in turn the SOIL COMPOST becomes HOT; the roots dry out & shrivel up, in spite of regular watering & misting because of the extreme ... unbearable heat.
Off course, a special green house to battle all weather conditions would be an ideal solution, for us plants, but until then......... another thought crossed my mind ...........
How about a cost effective, INSULTATORY layer between the glazed exteriors and unglazed interiors of these containers? Is it possible?
Any potter around here, designers, engineers.......any body listening, reading?
The glazed surface should ideally reflect back most of the heat, and the layer of insulation cover should prevent the soil compost from getting too hot, so as not to damage the root system of the plant on which it thrives.
Hmmm.... In other words, I am hoping we had a HEAT RESISTANT BONSAI CONTAINER, to keep us snug and cared for during all weather conditions.
Waiting for a day.......... when PANDIT JI or any other reputed Ceramic Potter comes up with a Therma-Heat Resistant & Frost Resistant Bonsai Container... for those endless Indian summer months.....& at the same time, combat the Cold wave which sweeps across the country during December and January.
Now that I have shared my sorry state of affairs here at Y360, I am hoping for valuable suggestions from my friends here? How about floating some ideas here in this blogosphere, in this regard?
If there is a problem, there is bound to be a solution too somewhere? Isn’t it?
So long, till we meet again....
Ever Green Tree
PS: First published @ Y360 Jun, 2008
As you know, Bonsai......... essentially are plants growing in Shallow containers.
It’s of prime importance to use a container which compliments us, i.e. the plant in size, shape, colour & finish, while designing the overall display of a BONSAI. The container should never ever dominate us i.e. the plant.
A good bonsai pot should be well equipped with generous drainage holes, a level base, small feet to allow excess water to run freely etc.
A Bonsai artist follows a set of Bonsai rules while choosing a container for us, the plant keeping in mind a lot of parameter’s and even while placing the plant in the container. As of now, I will not dwell into the intricate details and the SET of RULES...a bonsai artist has to follow ... may be some other time.
But,Nonetheless
If you notice most of these containers are glazed outside....with a smooth, shiny finish and unglazed, rough towards the inside, the area which will actually hold the soil compost.
Indian summer’s are scorching with temperature ranging anywhere between 35 to 45 degrees on an average from March/April till almost October/November, i.e. for a prolonged period of 7-8 months we plants have to endure the HEAT if kept outdoors in the open.
Such high temperatures are indeed torturous for us teeny-weeny plants, more so because these GLAZED POTS absorb HEAT & in turn the SOIL COMPOST becomes HOT; the roots dry out & shrivel up, in spite of regular watering & misting because of the extreme ... unbearable heat.
Off course, a special green house to battle all weather conditions would be an ideal solution, for us plants, but until then......... another thought crossed my mind ...........
How about a cost effective, INSULTATORY layer between the glazed exteriors and unglazed interiors of these containers? Is it possible?
Any potter around here, designers, engineers.......any body listening, reading?
The glazed surface should ideally reflect back most of the heat, and the layer of insulation cover should prevent the soil compost from getting too hot, so as not to damage the root system of the plant on which it thrives.
Hmmm.... In other words, I am hoping we had a HEAT RESISTANT BONSAI CONTAINER, to keep us snug and cared for during all weather conditions.
Waiting for a day.......... when PANDIT JI or any other reputed Ceramic Potter comes up with a Therma-Heat Resistant & Frost Resistant Bonsai Container... for those endless Indian summer months.....& at the same time, combat the Cold wave which sweeps across the country during December and January.
Now that I have shared my sorry state of affairs here at Y360, I am hoping for valuable suggestions from my friends here? How about floating some ideas here in this blogosphere, in this regard?
If there is a problem, there is bound to be a solution too somewhere? Isn’t it?
So long, till we meet again....
Ever Green Tree
PS: First published @ Y360 Jun, 2008
Friday, 29 May 2009
FIGS
In keeping with the Majestic Figs a.k.a, Ficus Tree’s burgeoning prevalence as a prized Bonsai, Avadh Bonsai Association’s, President, Mrs. Santosh Arora, & Chief Advisor, Mr. K.K. Arora, prepared and presented, a well-documented Slide Show pertaining to Ficus. It was based on Mr and Mrs Arora’s, three decades of ‘hands-on’ personal working experience in the field of Bonsai, coupled with extensive reference from eminent Bonsai Artist Jerry Meislik’s Book, ‘Ficus – The Exotic Bonsai’.
This interactive meeting / presentation exclusively for ABA members only; was held on Saturday, 16th May, 2009 at a Senior Member Dr. Saroj Malhotra’s spacious and plush Office Premises, where she had beautifully showcased some of her Bonsai plants complimenting the décor appreciatively.
The occasion also saw polite and soft spoken Mr. K.K. Arora, effortlessly step into AUNTY, Mrs. Arora’s ‘mighty-high’ shoes as he shared valuable insights, referrals, information and points to consider whilst training-maintaining, growing-nurturing and working with Ficus Trees.
He stated that no other plant genus offers such diversity in terms of variety as a Ficus does. This group has about 800 different species commonly found in nature, of which some 20 – 25 varieties were extremely popular amongst the Bonsai Fraternity in India. To name a few….…Ficus benjamina, F. salisifolia, F. retusa, F. nuda, F. macrophylla, F. nerifolia, F. panda, F. macrocarpa, F glomerata, Ficus natalensis, F. rubiginosa, F. virens, F. compacta, F.capensis, F.hispida, F.long island, et al
Additionally, FIG Trees gaining popularity as a Bonsai was also attributed to its ready availability & easy maintenance; its dense twigging pattern and vigorous growth; its inherent tolerance to great variation in climatic changes, hot / dry air conditions and also atmospheric humidity.
Ficus as group can readily be identified based on a sticky substance called the SAP or the LATEX which oozes out from the bark of the plant. These plants also have remarkably distinct AERIAL ROOTS which instantaneously differentiate them from other plants. They bear small to large berry like fruits in varying colors like green, yellow or even red, popularly referred to as FIGS, hence the name…. FIG TREES.
The V. President, Mrs Benu Kalsi, further elaborated and enlightened all in the audience, that this so-called ‘Fruit’ or FIG is basically the Flower of the Ficus Tree i.e. it’s an INFLORESCENCE formed by joining together multiple teeny-tiny flowers.
Placement of Ficus Bonsai:
Mr. Arora stated that Ficus trees were quite adaptive and so could be kept both outdoors and indoors, with little care.
They were especially suitable as indoors plants as they helped enhance the ambiance of both Residential & Official Premises, because of their evergreen striking visual appeal. However, these plants needed considerable aeration and so when kept indoors; they should ideally be placed in well-ventilated rooms only.
He explained that more fruiting was directly proportional to more lighting, so the plants should also be intermittently exposed to the fresh air and natural sunlight outdoors.
Drainage and Potting
Ficus trees usually posses well disposed spread of surface roots, aerial roots which add considerably to the aesthetic beauty of these plants, and most importantly nourish the plant, making them flourishing and sturdy growers throughout the year.
By way of observation, he specified that these plants did not like saline and hard water and so require a soil mixture which has good porosity vis-Ã -vis good drainage. They seem to like humid atmosphere and moderate winter conditions didn’t pose much problems for them in general.
Repotting
The best time to pot / repot was during the spring (February-March) and during monsoons (July-August).
Younger trees need regular and frequent….yearly repotting, while, mature and older trees, could be repotted every once in a while, as and when needed… i.e. when the soil mixture became too fine and hindered in good drainage or with accumulation of toxins in the soil over a prolonged period of time etc.
After repotting, the plants should always be kept indoors / under the shade, away from direct sunlight for a while. Care should be taken so as not to fertilize the plants, immediately after repotting them.
Trimming and Complete De-foliation
Trimming, pruning the Ficus can be carried out through out the year, more specifically at the onset of the dormant or slow growing season i.e. Winters or specially before showcasing the Bonsai for an important Exhibition. At other times the plants can be allowed to grow vigorously so that they derive maximum benefits from photosynthesis.
Most importantly, these plants can withstand complete defoliation, wherein all the leaves are cut leaving behind only the leaf stubble i.e. the PETIOLE. As an added advantage, the new leaves which are formed, subsequent to defoliation are considerably smaller in size.
Problems Encountered
Though easy to maintain, Ficus does have its own share of problems like curling of the leaves or their turning black, brown edging, or even yellowing of leaves and later falling off on their own accord.
Yellowing of leaves is often caused due to low Nitrogen contents and adding Urea or NPK with higher concentration of Nitrogen proved beneficial.
Senior Member, Mrs. Padma Singh suggested and shared her ‘tried and tested’ remedy exclusively to counter sudden yellowing of leaves, which regained its colour and vitality, when ½ tbs of Zinc Powder dissolved in about 1 L of water, was used on such plants.
Fusion Technique
Mr Arora also added that the uniqueness of Ficus was ascribed to its inherent Fusing Nature, wherein multiple individual trunks could readily be joined i.e. FUSED together, over a period of time, to give the appearance of one single trunk.
Moreover, individual young and tender Ficus plants having remarkably flexible trunks could gently be braided together, also giving an appearance of a conjoint yet braided trunk with a single Canopy at the top.
Conclusion
Having imparted, exchanged, discussed, beneficial information and personal experience on a concluding note Mr. and Mrs. Arora said that Ficus Trees were incidentally, also one of their personal favorites. These plants were indeed a pleasure to work with, as they readily and positively responded to trimming & shaping, effectively molding & adapting themselves as per the Artist vivid design imagination, befitting of a Bonsai.
PS: As Presented by Santosh Arora and K.K. Arora, ABA, Lko
This interactive meeting / presentation exclusively for ABA members only; was held on Saturday, 16th May, 2009 at a Senior Member Dr. Saroj Malhotra’s spacious and plush Office Premises, where she had beautifully showcased some of her Bonsai plants complimenting the décor appreciatively.
The occasion also saw polite and soft spoken Mr. K.K. Arora, effortlessly step into AUNTY, Mrs. Arora’s ‘mighty-high’ shoes as he shared valuable insights, referrals, information and points to consider whilst training-maintaining, growing-nurturing and working with Ficus Trees.
He stated that no other plant genus offers such diversity in terms of variety as a Ficus does. This group has about 800 different species commonly found in nature, of which some 20 – 25 varieties were extremely popular amongst the Bonsai Fraternity in India. To name a few….…Ficus benjamina, F. salisifolia, F. retusa, F. nuda, F. macrophylla, F. nerifolia, F. panda, F. macrocarpa, F glomerata, Ficus natalensis, F. rubiginosa, F. virens, F. compacta, F.capensis, F.hispida, F.long island, et al
Additionally, FIG Trees gaining popularity as a Bonsai was also attributed to its ready availability & easy maintenance; its dense twigging pattern and vigorous growth; its inherent tolerance to great variation in climatic changes, hot / dry air conditions and also atmospheric humidity.
Ficus as group can readily be identified based on a sticky substance called the SAP or the LATEX which oozes out from the bark of the plant. These plants also have remarkably distinct AERIAL ROOTS which instantaneously differentiate them from other plants. They bear small to large berry like fruits in varying colors like green, yellow or even red, popularly referred to as FIGS, hence the name…. FIG TREES.
The V. President, Mrs Benu Kalsi, further elaborated and enlightened all in the audience, that this so-called ‘Fruit’ or FIG is basically the Flower of the Ficus Tree i.e. it’s an INFLORESCENCE formed by joining together multiple teeny-tiny flowers.
Placement of Ficus Bonsai:
Mr. Arora stated that Ficus trees were quite adaptive and so could be kept both outdoors and indoors, with little care.
They were especially suitable as indoors plants as they helped enhance the ambiance of both Residential & Official Premises, because of their evergreen striking visual appeal. However, these plants needed considerable aeration and so when kept indoors; they should ideally be placed in well-ventilated rooms only.
He explained that more fruiting was directly proportional to more lighting, so the plants should also be intermittently exposed to the fresh air and natural sunlight outdoors.
Drainage and Potting
Ficus trees usually posses well disposed spread of surface roots, aerial roots which add considerably to the aesthetic beauty of these plants, and most importantly nourish the plant, making them flourishing and sturdy growers throughout the year.
By way of observation, he specified that these plants did not like saline and hard water and so require a soil mixture which has good porosity vis-Ã -vis good drainage. They seem to like humid atmosphere and moderate winter conditions didn’t pose much problems for them in general.
Repotting
The best time to pot / repot was during the spring (February-March) and during monsoons (July-August).
Younger trees need regular and frequent….yearly repotting, while, mature and older trees, could be repotted every once in a while, as and when needed… i.e. when the soil mixture became too fine and hindered in good drainage or with accumulation of toxins in the soil over a prolonged period of time etc.
After repotting, the plants should always be kept indoors / under the shade, away from direct sunlight for a while. Care should be taken so as not to fertilize the plants, immediately after repotting them.
Trimming and Complete De-foliation
Trimming, pruning the Ficus can be carried out through out the year, more specifically at the onset of the dormant or slow growing season i.e. Winters or specially before showcasing the Bonsai for an important Exhibition. At other times the plants can be allowed to grow vigorously so that they derive maximum benefits from photosynthesis.
Most importantly, these plants can withstand complete defoliation, wherein all the leaves are cut leaving behind only the leaf stubble i.e. the PETIOLE. As an added advantage, the new leaves which are formed, subsequent to defoliation are considerably smaller in size.
Problems Encountered
Though easy to maintain, Ficus does have its own share of problems like curling of the leaves or their turning black, brown edging, or even yellowing of leaves and later falling off on their own accord.
Yellowing of leaves is often caused due to low Nitrogen contents and adding Urea or NPK with higher concentration of Nitrogen proved beneficial.
Senior Member, Mrs. Padma Singh suggested and shared her ‘tried and tested’ remedy exclusively to counter sudden yellowing of leaves, which regained its colour and vitality, when ½ tbs of Zinc Powder dissolved in about 1 L of water, was used on such plants.
Fusion Technique
Mr Arora also added that the uniqueness of Ficus was ascribed to its inherent Fusing Nature, wherein multiple individual trunks could readily be joined i.e. FUSED together, over a period of time, to give the appearance of one single trunk.
Moreover, individual young and tender Ficus plants having remarkably flexible trunks could gently be braided together, also giving an appearance of a conjoint yet braided trunk with a single Canopy at the top.
Conclusion
Having imparted, exchanged, discussed, beneficial information and personal experience on a concluding note Mr. and Mrs. Arora said that Ficus Trees were incidentally, also one of their personal favorites. These plants were indeed a pleasure to work with, as they readily and positively responded to trimming & shaping, effectively molding & adapting themselves as per the Artist vivid design imagination, befitting of a Bonsai.
PS: As Presented by Santosh Arora and K.K. Arora, ABA, Lko
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)