GROWING TIPS

                The natural temperature at Fuku-Bonsai's Kurtistown nursery plunges to 55°F in the coldest night of the year.  Most day temperatures are in the 70's but on the hottest day of the year, it may go all the way up to 90°F.   These are the approximate temperatures at which house plants are grown successfully throughout the world.  Our natural ideal temperatures make it possible for us to grow high-quality plants very economically!  We also have many repeat customers who have shared their innovative techniques.

 

                INCREASING LIGHT LEVELS.  It seems that every February,  we have a number of visitors from Canada, Alaska,  and the colder states who are concerned that they have low light levels during seasons with short days.  Improved growth is reported when a pair of fluorescent tubes positioned a few inches above the plants are left on for several hours per day.  I'm told that if mirrored tiles are used behind,  the reflected light is noticeably beneficial.   Some tend to have plants about the same size so they're the same distance from the fluorescent lamps.  Others place a block under the shorter plants to get them closer to the lamps.  Books state that one cool and one warm tube give good results and more expensive "Grow-lights" do not produce superior results. Consider having three plants. Keep one where you can enjoy it and grow two in optimum light area. Rotate so each plant has optimum light 2/3rds of the time. Plants grown in low light will survive. To train indoor bonsai

 

                INCREASING HUMIDITY. Our plants can handle the low humidity in air-conditioned or heated rooms.  In extreme situations,   plants will benefit from humidity trays.  For those with a number of plants that are rotated,  consider obtaining a commercial size baking sheet pan and "egg-crating" panels (used in drop-ceiling lighting) or washed gravel or pebbles to place your plants upon.  Be sure that the plants are on moist gravel and not directly in contact with the water.  These trays add beneficial humidity but actual watering is still recommended by saturation methods. 

                HAWAIIAN LAVA PLANTINGS OR POTTED LIVING SCULPTURE (OR KEIKI BONSAI)?   Our lava plantings are ideal gift items for those wanting a very slow growing desk top decoration. They have a restricted established root system. Compared to a flower arrangement that may last just a week or two, these are nice gift items that will survive for a long period in an average home or office. But for optimum health and growth vigor to allow continuing development and training, give it optimum growing conditions with higher light and a larger root system by potting it. Fuku-Bonsai offers "conversion kits." As the roots grow into more media, it produces strong growth which can be pinched back to create additional growth points. The selection and development of the growth points is the key to training. Retain the ones where growth is desired and remove growth where not desired. If you want to train bonsai, Keiki Bonsai or Living Sculpture are recommended.

                COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH & ASSISTANCE.   It's been exciting to be the pioneer of True Indoor Bonsai since 1962.  We've shipped certified plants to all parts of the United States with a very high success rate.   Most go by Federal Express and arrive in 2-3 days.  We're delighted that our plants bring joy and that our business has largely been built by word-of-mouth.  If you have problems,  try to take a good clear photograph with as much information as possible.  We're often able to help and invite you to write or call.  

 

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