Kusamura Bonsai Club
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From A Year of Bonsai Tips by Jim Ransohoff |
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This month is supposed to be the start of Autumn, but in this locale it's probably the same as Summer, as we generally get our hottest weather at this time. Nonetheless, we want to start slowing down the growth of our bonsai so that they are prepared for Winter. Wiring. This is not the time for wiring anything but junipers and conifers. These should be wired loosely because branches tend to lignify and swell dramatically, which can cause severe wire cuts. Repotting. It is best to hold off on this until early October, though John Naka, in his Bonsai Techniques I, says you can repot bamboo, citrus, conifers, cotoneaster, elm, ficus, gingko, hornbeam, junipers, maples, olives, podocarpus, privet and wisteria; but you should not do major root pruning. Place your trees in light shade after repotting. Feeding. During the last two months, you have slowed down or reduced your nitrogen fertilizing. If the weather cools down, reduce the amount of water. Remember, you do not want soggy soil, for you will drive out all the oxygen and the plant will die, or at best get very sick. Check your plants regularly and water when the top of the soil is dry, but do not let your plants dry out entirely. Reproduction. This is a good time to strike hardwood cuttings. It is also the last time that you can sever airlayering that was done earlier and is now showing roots from the parent plant. Seeds of some plants such as maples may have fallen by the end of the month. Acorns from oaks can be gathered and placed in your refrigerator in a plastic bag to stratify until Spring, when you can sow them. Bugs/Fungus. These critters have been active during the warm days, and if not controlled will truly do a number on your precious plants. Watch for leaf curlers on azaleas, aphids on pines, red spider mite everywhere, plus sow bugs and several kinds of worms. ZAP these with your insecticide: by all means do not let them overwinter. What the Leaves Tell Us. This is from Terry Ward regarding chlorosis or yellowing of leaves:
Special Note. Some growers use Epsom Salts at the rate of one teaspoon per gallon of water to improve the color in flowers. Try to use this on your first feeding of the year on your Satsuki Azaleas. Keep watching the shape of your plants, and PINCH, PINCH, PINCH, and also ROTATE, ROTATE, ROTATE! |
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September Work
Schedule
