FOR GUYS ONLY!
Confidential pragmatic secrets for male success!
I enjoy e-mail and every so often I get very interesting letters that start me into new directions or give me better understanding. A lot of gals tend to be cautious and write for advice and recommendations. But some guys do too! Here's what I tell them:
Generally there are three problems: 1) Most ladies tend to water too often but that's not much of a problem with Dwarf Schefflera as long as the plant isn't always sitting in water. 2) Some people (especially men) tend to forget when to water, sometimes for long stretches. And, 3) Many people don't use "enriched water" which almost magically seems to be the key for multi-year success!
Possible "guy" solutions: 1) Name your bonsai "Friday" like Robinson Crusoe's companion and make him take a bath every Friday (or make up a story for a different day). 2) "Share" the ownership with a gal and give her the responsibility! (I'm told this works very well in offices.)
Enriched water is 8 drops of Schultz Liquid Fertilizer in a gallon of water (distilled if you live in a hard water area). Add it when you get the gallon, pour into a bowl for saturation watering, and pour back with funnel after draining. The plant never goes downhill and people are impressed and think you have a green thumb.
Bottom line is whether or not the plant brings enough pleasure to do what you gotta do! They should do okay near the window sill as long as it likely will not go below 50°F at night on weekends (if building not heated).
Hawaiian lava plantings need light pruning 2-4 times per year. Potted items are pushed so you can prune more often and actually enjoy training. If you like to train, I recommend the 4LL8 items for a varied collection of small trees.
Regards, ~~~David
P.S. I like to train but am lousy at watering. Plants do great in our home because Myrt's in charge!
*** Return to Fuku-Bonsai Home Page
© Fuku-Bonsai Inc. 2005