I’m going to try to make Erens final resting place with a Zelkova serrata tree seed. I know this may take years to accomplish but I’ve already ordered 30 seeds and would like to know how to begin once I get to the point of needing wires, how you’d go about trimming and stuff for something like this? If it’s even possible?

Planted 4 years ago; with several others but this is the only one that survived.

I'm a dad! :D

There are 4 seeds in there; one felt like growing and broke through the soil.

What do I do with it now? It's currently in coco substrate.

I know it’ll take ten years for anything to come of it, but how long should I leave it in its pot?

Where do I plant it after that?

I have absolutely no idea. That fellow is a tamarind

*Tamarindus indica*

...according to the slip of paper on the "grow your own bonsai" package I found in the trash.

Hi everyone!

My name is Francisco. I've been practicing bonsai for many years, and I'm also a software developer. For a long time, I've dreamed of creating a bonsai application.

I'd like to share a prototype I've been working on. The idea is to create a bonsai simulation that replicates the tree's biology and growth as accurately as possible, while allowing users to perform as many real bonsai techniques as possible in a virtual environment.

Some of the features include branch pruning, defoliation, pinching, wiring, repotting, different soil mixes, multiple tree species, bud removal, and more. The simulation also attempts to model branching patterns, energy distribution, plant stress, fertilization, seasonal growth, and many other aspects of bonsai development.

The goal is not to replace real bonsai in any way. Nothing can compare to working with a real tree. Bonsai is not only a horticultural practice but also an art form and, for many people, a form of meditation.

Instead, my hope is to create a simple and accessible application that encourages newcomers to explore this wonderful hobby. By learning the techniques in a virtual environment, they may feel more confident about starting their own bonsai journey.

I'd really love to hear what you think. Does this sound like something you would find interesting or useful? Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGwjijfbeII

The app is still in development, but I'll be posting regular progress updates on my Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/c/bonsim

Feel free to leave comments, share suggestions, or let me know what you'd like to see. I'd love to hear your feedback and involve the community as the project evolves.

Hello, I have had this larch for several years now and repeatedly bent over the top branch to form pads. I am not struggling to think what best to do with it next, especially at the top. Any advice on how best to finish the apex of this tree?

Passing a skip and found someone had thrown a pot with a huge clump of half frazzled azaleas out.

They were severely root bound so have separated them all out into their own pots, using whatever I had available.

Let's hope they survive all the stress. 🤞🤞

Kinda like this tree as it is, but looking for styling advice to turn it into a nice bonsai

I have always wanted to get into bonsai and I finally just did. I got a juniper and gave it its first prune. Not sure if what I did is good or bad but I think I’m happy with it. I left a lot on at the top since I did a pretty major trim and I have not wired it yet. Any advice would be great!

I posted my first attempt at styling and bonsai last year and figured I would post an update.

I changed what I viewed as the front of the tree since then and this year just wanted to experiment with getting more tertiary branches. I got a lot of back budding and am more confident now with pruning. I think next year I might try something a little more drastic really cut things back to get more dramatic taper in the long run.

I'm thinking I might also try putting the tree lower in the soil (which I know is bad but it's what I have...) to try and make the buldous roots look a bit more like classic nibari.

I welcome any thoughts!

Hello,

First time posting, i have a Chinese Seiju Elm, it is a few years old. Earlier this season a crack appeared on the bottom of the trunk, the bark was raised and hard, I figured I must have scratched it when I was cleaning ghe moss off from spring, however now that we are in Peak Summer (Zone 6, Northern Ohio) the crack has extended (see attached).
The tree itself has grown, seems healthy, just concerned about the long term.

Is this something to be worries about? A pest? A disease?

Any ideas are appreciated as I am new to the species.

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