How To Grow Strong Bonsai

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  • Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
  • In this video I share some tips that I have discovered over many years of growing bonsai. I explain why I let some of the trees grow unchecked for a period of time and why I give them a holiday from their bonsai pots every now and then.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 191

  • @origionalawesome
    @origionalawesome 5 років тому +36

    I love how Peter's semblance of time is so broad. "Maybe 5-10 years.." He seems like a wizard guardian of his forest, unbound by years and time. Love it!!

    • @efraintarin3920
      @efraintarin3920 4 роки тому +3

      like when he suddenly forgets a tree for around 12 yrs in the field

  • @maverickstclare3756
    @maverickstclare3756 5 років тому +3

    In thought bonsai were expert knowledge. Then I discovered Peter Chan. And now I have bonsai I have made from scratch in 6 months. They won't win any prizes, but they are made by me and they add to my happiness. Thank you Peter Chan.

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому +1

      Absolutely - this is my philosophy to both bonsai and to life. Enjoy it my friend.

  • @Teresa-ih4sn
    @Teresa-ih4sn 2 роки тому +4

    The collection of these trees is just spectacular! Absolutely beautiful. I can only hope that the trees I'm growing will someday look as stunning. Thank you for sharing your trees and tips with us!

  • @oliverwallace2856
    @oliverwallace2856 4 роки тому +19

    I am a biologist, and I can say that the idea of a tree getting stronger by letting it have these periods of unchecked growth makes a lot of sense from a biological perspective.

  • @ashakuldip1657
    @ashakuldip1657 4 роки тому +19

    I like the comparison, "Going to a party every day." I laughed!

  • @darkmark4884
    @darkmark4884 5 років тому +39

    Each year i chose a tree, that i cut back constantly, to enjoy his beauty for the whole growing season. The following year i let him grow free again to recover. Works pretty good.

    • @katcoe1079
      @katcoe1079 4 роки тому +1

      Sounds like a good method

  • @thedevourer.
    @thedevourer. 5 років тому +2

    How can there be bad comments Peter? You are a bonsai master, I leave my tree's till later in the year so all the nutrients transfer down to the roots then trim. There is always wisdom in experience, you have more books on bonsai than most folk have trees, dont concern yourself with negative people 👌

  • @garydumbauld4212
    @garydumbauld4212 5 років тому +22

    We receive hints, and 'secret methods' that simply can't be found other places. Thank you so much.

    • @5877user
      @5877user 3 роки тому

      Peter gives his wealth of info so freely.

  • @thomastessier4529
    @thomastessier4529 Рік тому +1

    I love the way you experiment with your trees. And you are right, what works for you might not work for another. Do what is right you and you will always feel good about what you are doing.

  • @growsoilbiology
    @growsoilbiology 5 років тому +20

    Thank you for all your videos. If you take requests I’d like to see you put a tree in moss and remove a tree that has been in moss. I want to use moss to strengthen my trees but I am not 100% sure what you are doing or how best to do it. Appreciate your channel!

  • @GodofHellFire1982
    @GodofHellFire1982 5 років тому +3

    Maples are my favourite without doubt

  • @Grannynumnums55
    @Grannynumnums55 5 років тому +4

    Mr.Chan!
    You have inspired me beyond belief with your videos and books, I have binge watched all your videos numerous times, and have just recently started trying to do my own bonsais
    Thank you for being such a legend in the art of bonsai and making it seem so obtainable

  • @katcoe1079
    @katcoe1079 4 роки тому +2

    I'm a botany student at University and allowing the tree to have a period of full growth makes perfect sense in regard to growing stronger trees. Like you said the leaves are how the trees convert sunlight to energy. More leaves = more energy for growth and storage for winter.

  • @jpalmer1967
    @jpalmer1967 5 років тому +5

    I agree, this is the way to get healthy trees. Let it go crazy during the growing season with maybe two trims for shape. Hard prune after leaf drop to get your branches where you want them. Excellent video as always. Thank you!

  • @davidcovington901
    @davidcovington901 4 роки тому +1

    7:20 "So, I do give them a holiday, by releasing it in moss."
    Good line. Always thinking roots.

  • @fredparkhouse
    @fredparkhouse 5 років тому +3

    Dear Peter , we are very lucky . your video's are as prolific as your beautiful trees, After a hard days work i look forward to nothing more than the viewing your latest video.

  • @GoogleUser-yj1wy
    @GoogleUser-yj1wy 5 років тому +4

    Hello from Ireland, I love seeing your new videos pop up, thank you for sharing your knowledge, I really appreciate it, I will come visit your nursery sometime:)

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому

      Let me know before you visit so that I can meet you personally

  • @KeithElliott
    @KeithElliott 5 років тому +5

    I always learn something new by watching your videos. Thank you Peter.

  • @nathanaelsmith3553
    @nathanaelsmith3553 5 років тому +2

    best shirt yet

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому +2

      It should be - after all it is a Hawaiian shirt from Hawaii. One of my staff bought it for me - how lucky am I.

  • @luigichiodo5820
    @luigichiodo5820 5 років тому +27

    Love your work Peter, you inspired me to love Bonsai

  • @nikandluketravel
    @nikandluketravel 5 років тому +8

    Thanks so much for stepping up the audio quality Sir.

  • @aarondraper1818
    @aarondraper1818 5 років тому +3

    It took me a while to realise that this growing method is more beneficial for my plants. I was trying too hard in the beginnings of this hobby and it showed in how my plants were not doing very good!!

    • @katcoe1079
      @katcoe1079 4 роки тому +1

      I'm guilty of those too as didbt have many trees and was under the impression that you have to keep trimming to force the tree to stay small. I know now that this method leads to small weedy trunks.

  • @jaysonburns4423
    @jaysonburns4423 5 років тому +2

    I just started growing my first tree and I think your videos are great..thank you for all you great videos and knowledge

  • @NerdyShawn
    @NerdyShawn 5 років тому +1

    My friend and I got our first air layer last night, Arborvitae in sphagnum Peet instead of proper moss even. Got it separated and put in some proper Canadian sphagnum. Thanks Peter, so excited!

  • @steveanacorteswa3979
    @steveanacorteswa3979 5 років тому +1

    Just had to do an emergency repot, put one of my dwarf Alberta Spruce in a spagnum moss potting, it's turning brown on all it's branches, soil looked very damp, hope it doesn't die. Thanks again for another great video, think I will create a rock garden and put my trees in the ground to develop, with 40 plus trees plus a couple dozen babies, it keeps me busy taking care of them but what better way to spend a sunny evening in the PNW. Thanks again for another great video and as always more food for thought on keeping healthy trees.

  • @mykorizzo6579
    @mykorizzo6579 5 років тому +1

    I always feel so inspired after your videos

  • @MidniteSan
    @MidniteSan 5 років тому +5

    Beautiful collection Peter, I also let my bonsai in larger and deeper pot just for their health sake. thx for sharing and can't wait for the next one.

  • @martinfernandes4941
    @martinfernandes4941 5 років тому +4

    Sir...please keep your videos little long...We love to see you and learn from you.Thank U!!!

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому

      I thought long videos can be boring.

    • @martinfernandes4941
      @martinfernandes4941 5 років тому

      @@peterchan3100 Not at all Sir.Your videos are the best.Cant be boring

    • @dianarv866
      @dianarv866 4 роки тому +1

      Yess longer videos from Mr Peter would be awesome!!

  • @guntherjaemers7840
    @guntherjaemers7840 3 роки тому

    Dear Peter , i don t understand you get bad comments . So much love you give . Thanks 4 the secrets 🌳💚🌳

  • @deploribusunum3894
    @deploribusunum3894 5 років тому +2

    Stunning trees.

  • @7Spronge
    @7Spronge 5 років тому +5

    The Maple is so amazing.

  • @brandonmatabadal534
    @brandonmatabadal534 5 років тому +1

    I love the forest bonsai especially seeing what it has become and what it came from

  • @stephenmayne4886
    @stephenmayne4886 5 років тому +3

    Thanks for sharing this information.

  • @ivysporeling3909
    @ivysporeling3909 3 роки тому

    I agree with you on your method of letting them grow unchecked and then pruning.

  • @jrea424
    @jrea424 5 років тому +1

    I did this without realising, I bought a very young juniper as my first bonsai in March, wired it, cut off unnecessary branches and to be honest I did not have a clue what to do with it! By mid June it started to turn back into a Bush.
    I went at it pruning the the best I thought (I have watched many of your videos!!) And out emerged a healthy looking Juniper with strong branches which hold their shape

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому +1

      Dont be afraid to try - by making mistakes you can learn a lot.

  • @DavidMFChapman
    @DavidMFChapman 5 років тому +4

    Greetings from Canada. I learn something from you every video!

  • @jamesn7156
    @jamesn7156 4 роки тому

    Working on a ficus bonsai I’ve had about 3 years. I let it grow crazy in the summer outdoors in a much larger pot, then trim it back nicely in the early fall, so I can enjoy it over the next 8 months indoors. I can’t wait to shape it in September. That’s the best part. I adopted a red select Japanese maple which I just potted, and a few days ago I found an oak sapling growing under a bush in my yard. Can’t wait to see those develop. The Oak is too small to even figure out what kind it is yet.

  • @Benderwii
    @Benderwii 5 років тому +2

    Some good advice and nice video. Like the ending too showing off the trees one last time.

  • @margaretsims4344
    @margaretsims4344 4 роки тому

    What great advice. I’m just going back through all your videos watching them again. I never get tired of watching you work. I’m looking forward to Spring when I can start work on my projects. I will be buying a nice big bag of moss from the garden centre!

  • @briankavanagh7191
    @briankavanagh7191 5 років тому +1

    What a Maple how i wish i could afford it, Peter your videos are getting better every time.

  • @JohnnyGreenroom
    @JohnnyGreenroom 5 років тому +1

    Hi Peter, I remember how that maple over the rock was struggling and the sphagnum moss has really brought it back, no doubt the green house humidity really helped too (its my favourite tree on the nursery). Great to see! Look forward to seeing you again soon, give my best to everyone. Cheers Johnny.

  • @gardencorner3530
    @gardencorner3530 5 років тому +2

    This is the right way.

  • @TTime685
    @TTime685 5 років тому +3

    Master Chan!

  • @HeatherfishCreations
    @HeatherfishCreations 5 років тому +2

    I've been having some trouble with my bougainvillea in regard to vigor... But, I've been keeping it shaped. I will try letting the shoots grow a bit and see if that helps! Thank you so much for your kind wisdom!

  • @zebulundocallas
    @zebulundocallas 5 років тому +1

    I totally agree with that method. We call it the "wild method". Letting the tree grow wild to become healtheir for the next defoliation, pruning and wiring. The branches become more matured and not susceptible to dieback when wired.

  • @meloniesnyder3255
    @meloniesnyder3255 4 роки тому

    You make me love the bonsai plant you really know your stuff you are full of knowledge you are blessed in many ways thank you

  • @brendancahill3376
    @brendancahill3376 4 роки тому

    Nice Basic pruning job on the Korean Hornbeam tree, and i totally agree with you about using large Bonsai pots in relation to the canopy of the Bonsai tree . A lot of the video that i viewed are spoiled by the small Bonsai pots are not in scale with the canopy of the tree in my view.

  • @HellofromBaguio
    @HellofromBaguio 5 років тому +2

    Beautiful work my guy!

  • @josephmclaughlin8184
    @josephmclaughlin8184 4 роки тому

    Thank you Peter, because of you I've experimented with so much bonsai and had a lot of success.

  • @rensvanderburg4802
    @rensvanderburg4802 5 років тому +1

    Thanks Peter, now i know how to grow my little bonsai big and strong!

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 5 років тому +4

    Good lord the base of that tree is awesome.

  • @paullill5604
    @paullill5604 5 років тому +4

    Thanks again from Derbyshire.

  • @WR3ND
    @WR3ND 5 років тому

    I adore these sort of maples and appreciate how well you're keeping it.

  • @Tiger313NL
    @Tiger313NL 5 років тому +2

    Very interesting to see. Wish i had as much knowledge.

  • @treoweriddick2353
    @treoweriddick2353 3 роки тому

    What id give for any one of the cuttings,...lol. Thanks for all you do for your forever growing bonsai family... Please Stay healthy, love from Vegas

  • @dennisbeers
    @dennisbeers 5 років тому +4

    I really look forward to your videos.

  • @ferranmartinez9213
    @ferranmartinez9213 5 років тому +4

    Magnificent bonsai with its strong growth and a pruning perfect that has left precious, very beautiful.
    Thank you, Teacher, for sharing this video.
    Greetings from Barcelona👌😊

  • @annies8075
    @annies8075 5 років тому +2

    Excellent video as always 👍. I've not pruned some of my bonsai for months and will not be pruning them until next spring ☺️

  • @sallyhumphreys2410
    @sallyhumphreys2410 5 років тому +1

    Very impressive trees, Peter. Totally agree with your theory. Thanks for sharing 😊

  • @TomTomTomTom538
    @TomTomTomTom538 5 років тому +1

    It should be said that the Japanese often under pot for showing and then put into a larger pot once the show has finished. For trees in development it is good to build vigour by letting them grow long. As a tree approaches refinement, the branches are well ramified and the pot is filled with roots and growth slows considerably allowing a neat image to last a long time without much pruning. In this case there is such a thing as too much vigour, a big pot and long extensions would destroy all the fine ramification that has taken decades to build.

  • @ashwarirai
    @ashwarirai 5 років тому +2

    i loved maple tree sir.😊

  • @peacefulmind319
    @peacefulmind319 4 роки тому

    This advice is good, I have been doing this for years, granted it was because I became lazy and did not trim my trees all the time. I found out that trees that I really kept in shape did not seem as healthy as the ones I just did not have time to do trimming. Also I use the Japanese training pots, which basically have mesh bottoms and they look decent but allow the roots to grow better.

  • @greenstar7492
    @greenstar7492 5 років тому +1

    Always looking forward to your new videos.. thank you .

  • @247ahmad
    @247ahmad 5 років тому +1

    Another master class. Loving your summer shirt collection mr chan. U the man😊

  • @Tore1972Wisdom
    @Tore1972Wisdom 4 роки тому

    Thank you for the info about the difference between Korean and Japanese Hornbeam. Little did a know, but got more wise.

  • @stuartbaines2843
    @stuartbaines2843 5 років тому +4

    Wise thoughts, much appreciated 😀

  • @ramiroloza6380
    @ramiroloza6380 5 років тому +1

    Gracias por los consejos Maestro

  • @markcook7371
    @markcook7371 5 років тому +1

    Super, that’s really great and Informative. I love your garden!Thank You

  • @burnzo433
    @burnzo433 5 років тому +1

    Thank you for all these videos and tips. Much appreciated. @heronbonsai

  • @daoallegro1360
    @daoallegro1360 5 років тому +1

    I like the jazz piano at the end, reminds me of Charlie Brown.

  • @PatriciaAnnGriggs
    @PatriciaAnnGriggs 4 роки тому

    I Love the little Forests

  • @rastislavstefanik9367
    @rastislavstefanik9367 4 роки тому

    i did the same last year ... you are true ... tree is much stronger

  • @savoeuthsay9886
    @savoeuthsay9886 4 роки тому

    Very beautiful trees. Thank you for sharing the video.

  • @jimbersmcimbers
    @jimbersmcimbers 5 років тому +3

    You spoil us rotten, Peter!

  • @TheArtsLaboratory
    @TheArtsLaboratory 5 років тому +1

    how nice you are Mr peter, beautiful spirit :)

  • @5877user
    @5877user 3 роки тому +1

    Peter, you need to do a video on how you pick your beautiful shirts 😂😂

  • @markwhalley2984
    @markwhalley2984 4 роки тому

    I wanted to say you're such a cool dude and a wealth of information. I really enjoy your videos 👍🌲

  • @Joel-McConnell
    @Joel-McConnell 2 роки тому

    I will plant sickly trees back in the ground for a season, works very well to restore vigor and put on some trunk size.

  • @richardlynch8009
    @richardlynch8009 5 років тому +4

    My only 'complaint' is it is hard to see how you are shaping when there is green on green. A backdrop would help!

  • @bethetruth6428
    @bethetruth6428 5 років тому +4

    Peter"
    This is Beautiful !! :-)
    In Awe

  • @SuperCarClassicsTV
    @SuperCarClassicsTV 4 роки тому

    Hi Peter, one of the mysteries I can't figure out is... What to do with dug out yamadori with distorted rootballs or substantially little fine roots? Should I let them grow unchecked so that there is 'food' to make new roots, or should I trim a bit, so that the tree does not dry out and dies? Every year I find it hard to find that balance. Thank you for your answer in advance. Regards! Walter

  • @Wedge53
    @Wedge53 5 років тому +3

    Thanx again for the instructive videos. I have several maples in pots pinned to the ground. It is my hope to bolster the trunks this way. Can you get equal or better results in these training trays grown in sphagnum?

  • @M31glow
    @M31glow 5 років тому +1

    Peter, excellent video! Do spruces do well in moss? I have a spruce tree that is not vigorous. It is about 25 years old and this year it did no have as many new buds/candles as it has in the past. I was thinking that next Spring might be a good time to report. What do you think?

  • @BoszoliChan
    @BoszoliChan 5 років тому +7

    I have a young maple tree, but I have problems to make it grow more branches, especially lower on the trunk. It only grows on the upper bit, so it doesn't have the triangular shape. How can I improve the growing, should I cut off from the upper branches?

    • @jxshkxng
      @jxshkxng 5 років тому +1

      BoszoliChan the wizard guy at my local nursery says to brush areas with soapy water. I guess it softens the bark a bit allowing chutes to come out. I literally only tried it today. Will update you in the coming months lol

    • @BoszoliChan
      @BoszoliChan 5 років тому

      @@jxshkxng Wow, would be appreciated to read about your experiences later! :)
      My tree pruning not going to happen until next year anyway.

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому +5

      Just grow the tree in a large flower pot with good soil. Dont let the apex grow too strong as this will not encourage lower branches to develop - just be patient and if your tree grows healthily it will sprout branches lower down.

    • @BoszoliChan
      @BoszoliChan 5 років тому

      ​@@peterchan3100 Thank you! You're probably right, I need to be patient. It was a seedling growing wildly in my garden. I dug it out, pruned back, planted in a pot, and I left it like that for years and it didn't get anywhere xD I realized it last year that bonsais should be taken care of to grow the right size and shape.

    • @BoszoliChan
      @BoszoliChan 5 років тому

      This spring I did some leaf pruning on it and it helped some.

  • @anadelao1170
    @anadelao1170 5 років тому +2

    Mr. Peter how often do you put your bonsai on sphagmun, and for how long?

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому +1

      Only when I want it to grow stronger or if a tree is looking sick.

  • @benaquino2124
    @benaquino2124 3 роки тому

    Maybe it depends on the type of tree youre working on. Constant pruning by pinching on a mint julep produces tight and compact foliages like a shimpaku as ive observed.

  • @danielkidman6628
    @danielkidman6628 4 роки тому

    I think you did it perfectly right

  • @clearwaterbeachhomesearchm5957
    @clearwaterbeachhomesearchm5957 5 років тому +1

    I'd like a dedicated video to putting trees in moss

  • @roiq5263
    @roiq5263 4 роки тому

    Makes a lot of sense.

  • @indianheritage7839
    @indianheritage7839 5 років тому +1

    You are the best

  • @mattbrennan647
    @mattbrennan647 5 років тому +2

    Peter,
    When, and how often, do you perform structural pruning as opposed to the profile pruning you skillfully demonstrated? Thanks

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому +3

      When major branches die or new branches grow - you will then need to reassess the design.

  • @manges674
    @manges674 5 років тому +1

    I really admire your videos. I am from Darjeeling India and my question is do you ship Acer palmatum to India plant/seed?

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому

      Maples may grow in Darjeeling as it is cold there. Wait till November when we start selling our Maple seeds but postage to India will be high/

    • @manges674
      @manges674 5 років тому

      Thank you Sir for the reply. Please do let me know how much and how can I make the payment. Thank you

  • @PatriciaAnnGriggs
    @PatriciaAnnGriggs 4 роки тому

    Just Beautiful

  • @ErikPukinskis
    @ErikPukinskis 5 років тому

    Wow, these are beautiful.

  • @benbishop1131
    @benbishop1131 5 років тому +10

    I'm starting too see our dish washer drain crates in a whole new light

  • @fredgrech1498
    @fredgrech1498 5 років тому +2

    Hi Peter greetings from Australia just a question about when you put you're plants in sphagnum Moss do you just use sphagnum Moss by itself thanks for the video

  • @bonedaddyd9312
    @bonedaddyd9312 4 роки тому

    Hi Peter. I love your helpful videos. This time of year it rains a lot and it seems my pots and soil stay wet. I worry it may cause root rot. Any ideas or tips. Thank you.

  • @TheresaPowers
    @TheresaPowers 5 років тому +1

    What happened to the tree that brought to you to trim. The one that looked like a topiary that you altered to look like a bonsai? I wonder what the owner through of it after you improved it's appearance. Thank you for such great videos.....from Nashville, TN, U.S.

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому

      I will be showing the end result in due course.

  • @mybackhurts7020
    @mybackhurts7020 5 років тому +1

    Do you have any issues with moss wicking away the moisture? I only ask this because I live in the desert And I just went and collected some desert moss I’m going to try and cultivate it around my bonsai‘s

    • @peterchan3100
      @peterchan3100 5 років тому

      Moss should help keep the soil cool and moist.

  • @michaelrutledge3750
    @michaelrutledge3750 5 років тому

    I’ve enjoyed learning from your videos. I decided to start with two clearance Japanese maples from a big box store (Acer Japonés Tamukeyama and Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Crimson Queen'). I don’t need them to be small. I like the larger patio-sized bonsai, like your larger examples. Toward what bonsai style should one aim in weeping/cascading varieties of Japanese maples?
    The pruning videos for maples all use a variation of the upright style, which seems ill suited for these varieties. I can’t find any pictures of bonsai of this type or other guidance for cascading varieties of maples. Could you do a video on this type?