Trying again.

[TheBearded]

I have been trying to grow bonsai for several years. I gave up and came back for another go. I am using 100% red lava rock this go around and have just potted up the new trees. I read on this page http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/Hydroponics.html that Jerry Meislik watered the hydroponic ficus tree 3 times per day at 30min each time. It stands to reason to me that I could do the same thing and have it work. Anyone with any tips on growing in red lava would be appreciated.

 

[Baldemotions]

No advice for the red lava but if you are growing indoors make sure you can get good light. Might even have to supplement with florescent and increasing humidity. Here is a link for an example of an indoor greenhouse that I made. Indoor Greenhouse
This has good lighting and is very humid. As I am typing this post it is 75 degrees and 92% humidity. My tropical plants love it. I have them in 100% mule mix.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I use lava as part of my soil mix, 1/3-2/3, depending on the species. 30 minutes a day, 3x seems like a lot, and lava is retentive. Go by the soil moisture rather than frequency. Good luck!

 

[Baldemotions]

Jam a bamboo skewer into the mix and check it everyday. When the stick is almost dry water again.

 

[cascade]

I use only red lava rock. And I also reuse it.

Best,
Dorothy

 

[Alex DeRuiter]

Baldemotions (I love that name. lol), is the top of that indoor greenhouse covered as well? Is there any particular set of plans you followed, or did you just wing it? I have a Brazilian rain tree that hates me in the winter because my indoor setup really lacks humidity, and this seems to be a perfect solution -- and cost effective.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hey!! He stole his idea from me!!

http://www.bonsaisite.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24473&st=30

 

[Baldemotions]

Well, I winged it with plans. I got the idea from Ryan over at the Bonsai Site forum. Homemade Light Stand
It never crossed my mind to use PVC pipe for a frame. I just had my lights hanging from the ceiling. So I took his idea and made what I could. The plastic that I used is pretty thin so it does not hold as much heat as I would like, so I tossed a couple cheapo blankets over it.
Yes the top is covered. If the top was not covered then all of my heat and humidity would escape that way.

 

[Baldemotions]

Hey!! He stole his idea from me!!

http://www.bonsaisite.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24473&st=30

You beat me to giving you credit.

But you stole my plastic idea

http://www.bonsaisite.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24620

If anyone can grow tropical plants in a setup its is for sure Ryan.

 

[TheBearded]

I think I have enough light, I am installing 8 40 watt 3000 lumen bulbs over the growing area, for a total of 24,000 lumens. If you guys think thats not enough I can squeeze in one more fixture and make it 30,000.

I had hoped that the hydroponic settup would work. I am really not good at telling when plants in bonsai soil need water. I did not realize that lava would be very retentive. When I read that Jerry watered his every day in the hydro setup I thought I could do the same. I am just not good at telling when to water. I almost always overwater trees. I wish ficus was as forgiving as schefflera. I can grow them. I have a couple that have been alive and growing for more than a year in just miracle grow potting soil.

 

[lordy]

I think I have enough light, I am installing 8 40 watt 3000 lumen bulbs over the growing area, for a total of 24,000 lumens. If you guys think thats not enough I can squeeze in one more fixture and make it 30,000.

FWIW, and if I remember one of my courses correctly, the inverse square law says that the amount of light drops to 25% every time you double the distance from something. If you can get the lights 12" away from the foliage it will be 4 times brighter than if 24" away. Fluorescents dont give off too much heat from 12", and 6" might be better so you could cut down on how many fixtures you need. Or just spread them out over more plants.