Recent content by rockm

My bet is myc. It’s grown because of the watering and heat.

You should know that seeds collected from specific varieties of Japanese maples probably wont be the same as their parent. The genetic code that makes the parents “special” doesn’t necessarily convey the same genetic code to their offspring. In other words seedlings under the tree probably wont...

It’s been not only hot but historically humid here in the DC area https://wtop.com/dc/2025/07/d-c-s-soupy-weather-marks-one-of-the-most-humid-summers-ever-recorded/ “According to weather data from Reagan National Airport, the area has experienced over 650 hours with a dew point over 70...

This could be mycorrhiza which is beneficial. Hornbeam is associated with myc fungus. On the other hand it could also be slime mold which in develops in wet warm conditions. In any case you can probably safely remove all that on the exterior of the pot and the drain hole

Good news now but next spring the tree may not wake up for good. It is only about 12 weeks until first frost begin to arrive. You look like you’re at the northern end of the crape myrtle hardiness zone and first first may be around the first or second week in Oct. Crape like HOT weather. They...

Elm is. It is fast growing tough and can take some abuse Boxwood tend to be a little more sensitive to soil and forget about wiring one if the wood has hardened. It’s tough too but more susceptible to overwatering (which is a common thing beginners do)

I think some folks get hung up on specific names and species and overlook great alternatives sources that might be staring them in the face. For instance Beautyberry (callicarpa) is native to the southern US. You can find it if you look for it. Porcelain berry is another bonsai subject. It is...

Some of what you need to know https://bonsaimirai.com/blog/maximizing-ponderosa-pine

It has been extremely hot and extremely humid for more than month. Humidity has been historic in the last two months with dew point temps in the mid 70 to even mid 80s in the region. White pine is a cooler climate species -zones 5-7 and doesn’t like a lot of humidity and evening heat. I’d be...

I wouldn’t. The top growth above the air layer is driving root production. Removing growth would slow things down

Not sure what you’re asking what’s with the pot in the ground?

I ain’t got a pool😁

There are no specific books on citrus bonsai that I know of. There are a few that cover citrus as flowering and fruiting bonsai though Here’s one. I have it. It’s ok I guess. Fwiw what works for kinzu will likely apply to other citrus species...

You should know that rooting hormone applied to existing roots is mostly useless. From what I understand rooting hormone basically “tells” NON root tissue to switch function and become roots. Applying it to existing cut roots is redundant as they are already roots. If applied too thickly there...

Very nice tree. After working on one recently, I wish they were more commonly available. Would love to have one like this.