Bonsai Suitable for Orlando FL?

[roberthu]

I recently moved to Orlando and brought my small collections with me. They are mainly JBP, JM, azalea, Shimpaku Junipers, and a few elms and princess persimmons. But when I spoke with a local nursery here, I was told the winter here is not long and cold enough fo JM to survive long term.
so anyone here have kept JM for multiple years down here? Do I really need to get a fridge for them?

 

[Dav4]

If you’re wanting maples to grow for bonsai purposes in central FL, then trident maples and locally sourced red maple, Acer rubrum, would be my suggestions. My understanding is that what the nursery man told you is correct and Japanese maples don’t receive enough chilling hours south of the panhandle and northern most Florida.

 

[HorseloverFat]

In addition to the agreeable advice above..

I hear they are trying to "bonsai" Orca Whales down there.

Florida Natives, from what it SEEMS are the "way to go" given the truly unique weather conditions of that area.

 

[penumbra]

Concentrate on the natives and tropicals. You have so many to choose from.

 

[HorseloverFat]

locally sourced red maple, Acer rubrum,

Will, from what I personally gather, probably be your "sturdiest" Acer.

But this!!

Concentrate on the natives and tropicals. You have so many to choose from.

 

[roberthu]

If you’re wanting maples to grow for bonsai purposes in central FL, then trident maples and locally sourced red maple, Acer rubrum, would be my suggestions. My understanding is that what the nursery man told you is correct and Japanese maples don’t receive enough chilling hours south of the panhandle and northern most Florida.

A big fridge just got on my purchase list.

 

[roberthu]

Concentrate on the natives and tropicals. You have so many to choose from.

The problem is I may move back to North Georgia in 3-5 years and I am tired of green house all the tropical…

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Just go to your local nurserys and ask for exterior plants, what species grow well and dont need a lot of care, also just see in people gardens and parks, then of those species look for the ones that have good bonsai potential (small leave, fast grower, takes well pruning, etc)

 

[vp999]

If I was living in Florida I would fill my bench with Water Jasmine, Desmodium, and tropical fruit bonsai.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Brazilian Rain Tree

 

[roberthu]

If I was living in Florida I would fill my bench with Water Jasmine, Desmodium, and tropical fruit bonsai.

My water Jasmine all died when they were still in Atlanta. One night below 30F and I was out of town…
I have 3 BRT now and I do like them a lot. Most importantly, they are more cold tolerant. I just want to be able to maintain all my collections mostly outdoors when I move north again.

 

[roberthu]

Brazilian Rain Tree

Have 3

 

[HorseloverFat]

I ran across this.. searching what Species I would be interested in "ground-growing" at our land in Interlachen... (I know, I know.. that's SAND.)

I thought SOME of it may be useful.

Acer palmatum variety to Zone 10?

I would like to know cultivars names or varieties of palmatums that support zone 10. In my city aprox. 40º C in Agost, although I have semi-shadows...

forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I think it's pretty obvious. If you plan to move back to GA, just wait to buy A.P. maybe by then you'll have more bonsai bucks to work with? Have fun in FL!

 

[19Mateo83]

Live oak makes a pretty sweet bonsai… and they are all over the place down there

 

[HorseloverFat]

Live oak makes a pretty sweet bonsai… and they are all over the place down there

GOOOOOOOOD CALL!!!

That's like my FAVORITE "Tree I can't grow"! (I actually speak of it extensively in the conversations following the "To the place of my birth" thread.)



Can't believe that got missed!

 

[roberthu]

I think it's pretty obvious. If you plan to move back to GA, just wait to buy A.P. maybe by then you'll have more bonsai bucks to work with? Have fun in FL!

Thanks! I already brought them with me

 

[19Mateo83]

Bald cypress are another one good for Florida.

 

[roberthu]

How about Hinoki Cypress? Particularly the Sekka variety?

 

[Arlithrien]

I recently moved to Orlando and brought my small collections with me. They are mainly JBP, JM, azalea, Shimpaku Junipers, and a few elms and princess persimmons. But when I spoke with a local nursery here, I was told the winter here is not long and cold enough fo JM to survive long term.
so anyone here have kept JM for multiple years down here? Do I really need to get a fridge for them?

I planted some JMs from seed in Orlando 3 years ago and they're just fine today. Yes you'll need to put them in the fridge for at least a month. And if you plan on them getting natural sunlight you'll want a ~70% shade cloth preferably a reflective one.

I recommend a Taiwanese trident maple, they can handle the direct Florida sun on all but the hottest days.

I dont live in Florida anymore, had to go further north so my JMs can thrive.