Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

Are expensive tools the best? Will they last forever? Tool fatigue is a real thing and something to expect when you work on your bonsai. But you can avoid unnecessary early tool retirement by using them correctly and maintaining them. The right tool for the right purpose. Around this time of the year during the repotting process avoiding making decisions or making the wrong decision is common. Buy yourself some time, gather your thoughts and make the right decision.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

Repotting is a job we do not get to complete very frequently, only every 2-5 years, so you want to make sure it's done right. And I find that when you mound up your tree it can create some issue. So let's explore whether we should mound or not. When does a bonsai become yours? Or is it always linked to the previous owner? What has to happen for it to become yours? This is a really common question and I have a really simple answer.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

If you know me you will know I do not like rules especially when it comes to bonsai. However in this case I will make an exception! I've come up with six golden rules to consider before acquiring a bonsai and this relates to all bonsai lovers at all stages of their personal bonsai journey. Successfully owning and developing beautiful trees in pots takes not only a personal skill set but certain environments factors. Have a listen and see if you live by these rules or if you should.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

The downside to not dealing with root issues last repot is that you have to deal with them now and it will be much harder to sort out. Bonsai that haven't been repotted frequently enough or were not repotted correctly last time means you may be dealing with a brick this time. Let's chat about how to resolve that issue. Root rot is real and I'll discuss how to identify it, what are some common causes and how you can avoid it in the future. 

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

Welcome to Repotting Season! It's officially started and we need to talk about it. Firstly, not all soil mixes are created equally and I have proof. I'll tell you a story about a recent repotting adventure that proves my point. Repotting is all about technique and being absolutely perfect. You need to practice and ensure your bonsai gets stronger as a result. And drainage layers, should you always have one?

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

Do you need to adapt your bonsai care to allow for changing weather patterns and extremes? This isn't a podcast on climate change, it is more to consider how we need to adjust our care regime and timing of processes for our trees to be able to continue to thrive. What if your growing period is shorter? What if it's longer? What does that mean for fertilising? We have always had weather extremes and now they seem to be popping up a lot more frequently so we need to be ahead of the potential damage that can be caused. 

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

I have found that your mindset when working on 'small' bonsai needs to be very different as to when you work on the larger species. A little foliage extension can make a big difference when the bonsai is only 20cm wide but if it's 70cm wide you will barely notice. So you need to approach the work on the smaller bonsai with a few key thoughts in mind. How do you create separations and not simply work it as a blob, is there too much back budding, is it too crowded. Wiring your bonsai is an essential tool we use to create beautiful and strong bonsai. I have a simple tip for your primary wire application that will help with your secondary wiring.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

Deciduous bonsai look their best in their winter silhouette, there is no where to hide! Use this opportunity to identify areas for improvement before the foliage returns in the near future. And if you have over worked a bonsai, what should you do? How do you adjust your care to help the tree heal and move on from the shock of what you have done. Yamadori is always a hot topic and I have a little delve into responsible sourcing and how consumers and bonsai lovers need to make the right decisions. There are people doing it the right way and they should be supported.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

We all have scars from our past, it makes us human and our bonsai history is scattered with ‘things I wouldn’t do again’. You can learn from these scars but don’t let them hold you back from achieving something pretty fantastic. Winter is upon us and the thoughts about winter protection for your sensitive species need to become a priority before something happens to your bonsai. I chat about classifying your bonsai and also working within the constraints of your bonsai area to develop the best possible care strategy. There are lots of options for you to offer winter protection to your delicate bonsai.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web

Contact Scott from Bonsai Matsu

We are all busy! But your bonsai need you. How and where do you allocate your time for them? You need to look at what is most important right now and prioritise that task, whether it's weeding or pruning, repotting or fertilising. By using your limited time wisely you and your bonsai will feel great. Japanese White Pines are a little misunderstood and I find they are unique in our care approach, as well as simple once you know the formula. I'll break it down so it's as simple as possible. And not to be negative I have some Bonsai Don'ts to discuss that I promise are positive.

Support the show

Become a podcast supporter and show the Bonsai Love (it's really appreciated) ❤️
https://www.buzzsprout.com/263290/support

Where to find Bonsai Matsu:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Web