2012 GIFT LIST #3; Workshop Items

2012 GIFT LIST #3

WORKSHOP & BONSAI SUPPLY ITEMS

FUKU-BONSAI IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TEACHER AND SUPPLIER OF TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™! The reasons:

           1.    TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ IS BASED ON DIFFERENT CONCEPTS FROM JAPANESE TEMPERATE CLIMATE BONSAI! The specific plant determines if you can only grow it as bonsai indoors, what care is required, what methods of training are most effective, and the ultimate range of bonsai styling possible. It is useless and confusing to read standard bonsai books written about temperate climate bonsai that are grown outdoors!

          2.   TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ ARE THE ONLY FORM OF BONSAI THAT EVERYONE CAN GROW! This includes those in Alaska and Maine or Florida, Texas, and California, AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN! Houseplants are shade tolerant tropical plants most efficiently grown in the tropics. This lowers our costs and we grow the finest TRUE INDOOR BONSAI prepared bonsai stock!

           3.    DWARF SCHEFFLERA IS THE IDEAL PROVEN DURABLE TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ AND FUKU-BONSAI'S PRIMARY SPECIALTY! Our educational materials are for this one specific plant. Our trees have been patiently trained for years with the methods described in our training materials. We supply complete packages with our exact potting media and fertilizers so customers can obtain the same great results. It is much easier to learn how to grow and train a single ideal plant compared to trying to understand the thousands of cultural guidelines, techniques, and styling ideas of the trees grown as bonsai.

            4.     FUKU-BONSAI CONTINUES TO MAKE OUR TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ "CUSTOMER-PROOF" SO EACH CUSTOMER IS SUCCESSFUL! Every plant shipped includes cultural information and a complimentary packet of nutrient granules. By inviting customers in all parts of the United States to share their experiences, we continue to learn, to share, and develop a stronger commitment to assist. You are cordially invited to request our free FBnews email newsletter. Please email your name, city, state, and email address.

           5.    FUKU-BONSAI'S TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ IS BASED UPON CREDIBILITY DEVELOPED SINCE 1962! Besides pioneering this field, those associated with Fuku-Bonsai have been involved in assisting all forms of international bonsai. Fuku-Bonsai's founder David Fukumoto has been nominated for the National Heritage Fellowship (the United States cultural equivalent of Japan's Living Treasure Award), has co-founded many bonsai organizations including Hawaii Bonsai Association, Big Island Bonsai Association, Mid-Pacific Bonsai Foundation, National Bonsai Foundation, and World Bonsai Friendship Federation. He has received the Bonsai Clubs International's Artist, Photographer & Writer of the Year Award. He currently submits an article for each issue of the American Bonsai Society Journal. Fuku-Bonsai Inc. is a Hawaiian corporation of largely Big Island stockholders that is fully committed to promoting the art and culture of bonsai and is the primary financial supporter of the non-profit Mid-Pacific Bonsai Foundation that assists in bonsai education, co-sponsors the Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center and Hawaii State Bonsai Repository, and serves as a liaison with our community. All Fuku-Bonsai employees are invited to become stockholders and play major roles in setting corporate standards of integrity and service.

            6.    FUKU-BONSAI IS A LEADER OF HAWAII'S CERTIFIED EXPORT NURSERY INDUSTRY! As the first such nursery in 1973, we assisted others and were the first to utilize Federal Express. The Hawaii Export Nursery Association (HENA) is part of the 500+ member Hawaii Floral Shippers Association that has earned a major FEDEX discount rate and our plants arrive within 48 hours to any destination in the continental United States. We guarantee satisfaction and safe arrival of all items shipped directly from the nursery. We ship to destinations where reported low temperatures exceed freezing (32ºF) and utilize shipping heat packs when necessary. To cold regions in cold seasons we recommend shipping to business addresses where someone would be able to accept parcels.

            7.    FUKU-BONSAI'S WORKSHOP PACKAGES ARE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THEY INCLUDE THE FINEST PREPARED BONSAI STOCK AND OUR SPECIAL POTTING MEDIA!   There are no secrets. In selecting bonsai stock, compare the one inch above the soil and the half inch below the soil. Our youngest Introductory Workshop Package (IWP-8) prepared bonsai stock has been professionally trained for 3 to 4 years.

            8.   FUKU-BONSAI HAS THE HIGHEST VALUE PRODUCTS! The "average" middle-aged per capita income in the United States is estimated at above $50,000 per year. There are about 2,000 hours in a year so this works out to be about $25/hour. That's the price of our: 1) HS8(M) Small size Dwarf Schefflera Lava Planting with melamine dish, 2) 4LL8 Dwarf Schefflera Living Lovable potted bonsai, or 3) IWP-8 Introductory Workshop Package! One hour of "average" work for our entry-level high quality items! NOW THAT'S A GREAT DEAL!

                  Fuku-Bonsai is fully committed to continue to be the most successful teacher and supplier of True Indoor Bonsai workshop and bonsai supplies. I invite comments, suggestions, and recommendations as we continue efforts to improve and introduce an expanded range of products to allow everyone to learn and enjoy the art and culture of bonsai!

FOUR WORKSHOP PACKAGES!

                 POTTING HAWAIIAN LAVA PLANTINGS: Instead of ordering a Hawaiian Lava Planting with saucer and gravel, consider ordering a small HS8 or desk HD8 with a Fuku-Bonsai #8 Conversion Kit and follow Lesson #1: Potting.   OR order a medium HM8 or large HL8 with a Fuku-Bonsai #17 Conversion Kit and create an impressive super easy-care potted rock-planted bonsai!

                WORKSHOP I - ECONOMICAL ENTRY LEVEL OR FOR GROUPS:    INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP PACKAGE has 10 carefully selected components and features a 2" prepared bonsai stock already pretrained for 2 to 4 years with a lot of character and compact, shallow root system. Create your first bonsai. Ideal for teaching beginner groups or for schools. Quantity discounts and teacher assistance available. Most adults have no problems completing it unassisted with the extensive cultural information sheets. At the Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center we've had youth groups that included those that were FIVE TO TEN YEARS OLD that successfully completed with some adult assistance! The result will develop into a bonsai similar to 4LL8-Sumo. For more information, go to INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP PACKAGE.

                 WORKSHOP II - OUR BEST VALUE WORKSHOP! Start with your choice of a 4LL8 Living Lovable in either Sumo, Roots, or Dragon styling and with our #8 Conversion Kit, up-pot to create a medium size bonsai that in a few years could look like our 8LS8 Living Sculpture. This is a nice size to start a satisfying life-long hobby! Nicely priced and great for gifts for someone interested in starting. Those needing assistance are invited to email Fuku-Bonsai. For more information, go to WORKSHOP II.

                  WORKSHOP III - THE MOST POPULAR WORKSHOP AT THE FUKU-BONSAI CULTURAL CENTER! As long as you can grow houseplants, you should be successful. This workshop is really great for those who have already grown our plants. If you have not, we recommend that you start with either Workshop I or II before visiting Fuku-Bonsai and taking Workshop III. There's a lot that we can teach you one-on-one if you already have no problem growing our plants and familiar with basic repotting. If you cannot visit Fuku-Bonsai, but can email photos and information, consider joining the free Fuku-Bonsai Study Group to get personalized assistance.

1962 -2012: David and Myrtle Fukumoto

celebrate 50 years of bonsai and sharing a blessing!

                  Myrtle and I began growing houseplant bonsai in our newly-wed apartment and a few years later was asked to teach an Adult Evening Education Course at a time when there were no books on tropical bonsai and bonsai was a secretive hobby. Myrtle's backyard nursery provided badly needed prepared bonsai stock and along with our mimeographed handbook, student success soared! So it is almost natural that Fuku-Bonsai is geared to teaching and providing the best possible prepared bonsai stock, pre-trained, and semi-trained bonsai. We are committed to your success and invite you to email if you have questions regarding our plants. Quantity discounts and teacher assistance available.
                   ~~~ David W. Fukumoto, president and founder, Fuku-Bonsai Inc.

                 david.f@fukubonsai.com

For more workshop information, please go to the "WORKSHOP" portal at www.fukubonsai.com/3a2a.html

or www.fukubonsai.com/3a2a2.html

FUKU-BONSAI INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP PACKAGE!

(ALSO KNOWN AS "WORKSHOP I")

          THIS IS THE EASIEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL WAY TO LEARN (OR TEACH) BONSAI FOR ANYONE ANYWHERE WHO CAN GROW HOUSEPLANTS! IT IS THE BONSAI EDUCATIONAL HOLY GRAIL DEVELOPED AFTER 48 YEARS OF RESEARCH. Ideal for individuals learning bonsai! Ideal for those willing and able to teach bonsai to large or small groups! Bonsai clubs successfully teach beginner classes to new members.   (ITEM# IWP-8)

$24.95 EACH + $12 SHIPPING; FREE SHIPPING WHEN

         3 OR MORE SENT TO THE SAME US ADDRESS!

SPECIAL 8 / BULK-PACKED: 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING!

         8 for $150 ($18.75 each including shipping!)

SPECIAL 16 / BULK-PACKED: 50% OFF + FREE SHIPPING!

         16 for $200 ($12.50 each including shipping!)

       This is a special quantity discount for Introductory Workshop Packages only and cannot be combined with other quantity discounts.

Morgan and Delaney visit us in 2002 and were one of the first to take the Premium Keiki Bonsai Workshop. They were great! We no longer offer the this workshop after we developed the lower cost Introductory Workshop Package.

                LEARNING TRUE INDOOR BONSAI IS SIMPLE if you utilize the exact same materials used at the Fuku-Bonsai Kurtistown nursery. We can assist you to use the special components in our True Indoor Bonsai Soil. Our products are the highest quality, the best value, and our materials perform! Fuku-Bonsai's True Indoor Bonsai Soil is unique and designed to be fast-draining utilizing aggregate components that are much larger than any known aggregate-type bonsai soil available. Small parcels are costly to ship and you save when you pool orders!

                CONVERSION KITS include a plastic bonsai pot and three grades and amounts of pre-screened, pre-measured potting media and are as described near the bottom of this section. While it's more costly to assemble the kit and to ship it from Hawaii, customers find it is preferable as comparable potting mixtures are not available. We are familiar with our potting media and can better advise.

                NUTRIENT GRANULES! Fuku-Bonsai has received permission to repackage to smaller quantities to make available this difficult to obtain ultra slow release fertilizer normally available only in professional 50# sacks. Nutrient Granules is a unique pelletized fertilizer that very reliably releases a tiny amount of nutrients over a very long period of time. It is especially recommended for Fuku-Bonsai's True Indoor Bonsai, houseplants, cactus, and orchids.

                My experienced bonsai friends think I've made bonsai too easy and even a sharp four-year old child can do it!  My customers tell me: "EASY IS GOOD!"



TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOPS

FOR CLUBS OR CLASSES!

        Fuku-Bonsai is committed to teaching bonsai and each workshop participant being successful!   It's simple to teach bonsai basics as the principles are now very well known and you need not be an "expert" to teach basic bonsai. Our workshop packages are for most adults without a teacher. The kit is successful with children if there's an adult "coach."
        Success does not depend upon the teacher. Rather, it depends upon the prepared bonsai stock used in the workshop. Fuku-Bonsai's workshops are designed specifically for those who want to grow indoor bonsai without the need to set up supplemental lights. If the workshop participants can grow houseplants, they can grow our True Indoor Bonsai!

        Most older bonsai clubs focus on traditional outdoor Japanese-type bonsai which is a difficult horticulture challenge and demands discipline, developing an extensive knowledge of plant culture, and the patience to work with seasonal factors. And the trees must be grown outdoors!

         Each year more people want to grow a less demanding form of houseplant bonsai. Bonsai clubs gain new members by sponsoring "CREATE YOUR FIRST BONSAI" classes and are using our easy-care plant stock for success and continuing interest! Increasingly, bonsai clubs are also offering True Indoor Bonsai workshops including more advanced materials. Our plants are ideal in colder climates such as Alaska and the northern states. They are ideal for apartments. They are much easier in the dry warmer part of the country too!

          For group Living Lovable Workshops I recommend ordering 1/3 of the plants as "sumo!", "roots!", and "Hawaiian Dragon!" stylings so there will be wide variation within the group. Consider purchase of one 8LS8 and one #17 conversion kit as a larger "teacher demonstrator kit". Training aids and teacher assistance are available. Contact us if you're an individual needing one unit, or a school teacher needing 60 units for two classes of students!

          Please email me for more information and assistance!   ~~~David W. Fukumoto at david.f@fukubonsai.com

WORKSHOP II &

WORKSHOP III

      THERE REALLY ARE NO SECRETS TO PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY BONSAI! The best bonsai are patiently trained and utilized trees "born to be bonsai" with a lot of lower trunk character within 1" of the soil line and a shallow compact root system within 1/2" of that soil line.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PRICES OF WORKSHOP II AND WORKSHOP III, GO TO GIFTLIST #2 POTTED BONSAI

       WORKSHOP I uses a 2 to 4 year pre-trained 2" prepared bonsai stock which is potted into a 5"x3"x2" pot. When a well-established plant is up-potted, there is a nice spurt of vigorous growth to help train a nice small bonsai.

       WORKSHOP II uses a 3 to 5 year pre-trained 4LL8 and a #8 Conversion Kit to create a nice medium bonsai that in a few years can be similar to an 8LS8.

      WORKSHOP III uses a 6 to 9 year old semi-trained 8LS8 and a #17 Conversion Kit to create a nice larger bonsai that in a few years can be similar to a 17LS8 and continue on to Custom Collection standards.

SUMO!, ROOTS! or HAWAIIAN DRAGONS!    See THREE CONCEPTS

      With a good growing environment and with good training the advanced workshop products can reach the stage of development shown at left. These are now identified as item "17LS8" priced at $350 + shipping. Please email for more information.
       IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN SIMILAR RESULTS WITHIN A FEW YEARS AFTER COMPLETING WORKSHOP III! Learn and save money too!

TRUE INDOOR BONSAI

WORKSHOP HANDBOOK

(3rd Edition) Highly recommended for inclusion with all gifts.

       The 3rd Edition TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOP HANDBOOK (24 pages black & white/color softcover; 8.5"x 5.5". The handbook has a the color sheet cover and includes a total of 80 photos, sketches, or graphics! The handbook covers only Fuku-Bonsai's Dwarf Schefflera and includes details about our workshop packages.

TIB-III:      TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOP HANDBOOK

$7.50 + $1.00 postal first class mail (no shipping fee if ordered with other larger items)

FUKU-BONSAI INCLUDES A COMPLIMENTARY PACKET WITH EVERY PLANT!

MagAmpâ 6-40-6

(magnesium ammonium phosphate)

NUTRIENT GRANULES

        A unique pelletized ultra slow-release fertilizer that reliably releases a tiny amount of nutrients over a long period of time! Ideal for houseplant or orchid growth. Repackaged by Fuku-Bonsai with permission to make it available to our customers in small quantities! Fertilizer cannot be sent through the mail so the minimum FedEx shipping fee if ordered alone is $12! No shipping charge for the following small items if ordered with a plant or Micro-Lobster tank.

1/4 cup packet: $1.50 each

        1-cup jar: $5.00 each

2-cup jar: $9.00 each

        1/2-gallon canister: $32.50 each plus $12 shipping; Sorry, no shipping discount on this item.

NOTE: The manufacture is sending us smaller granules in each order and there is no assurance that this product will be available in the future.

                Unique dependable controlled release is due to the chemical composition rather than less dependable coatings. The relatively low nitrogen and high phosphorus ratios produces durable drought-resistant growth recommended for orchids, houseplants, and our TRUE INDOOR BONSAI. Fuku-Bonsai has been using MagAmp in our nursery production since 1973. It is only available to distributors in minimum pallet or container quantities in regions such as Hilo where there is a large orchid industry that needs dependable nutrient release. It is available to professional growers in 50-pound sacks. We have received permission from Sumitomo Corporation of America to repackage to make this ideal product available to our customers.

                INCORPORATION INTO POTTING MEDIA. For stronger growth of potted plants growing in high-light combination indoor-outdoor environments during the warmer seasons. 4" pots: Bury a total of 1/2 tsp. of MagAmp in 4 corners. 8" pots: Bury a total of 1 tsp of MagAmp in 4 corners. 12" pots: Bury a total of 1 tablespoon in several holes in the media. Repeat every 6 months for overlapping continuing fertilizer release.

                MagAmp is a registered trademark of Sumitomo Corporation of America. More information at: http://www.sumitomocorp.com/industry/features/ff_magamp.html Actual N-P-K and Magnesium analysis will vary slightly depending upon the natural components during manufacturing.

(August 2010 photo and updated description)

FUKU-BONSAI CONVERSION KITS

"to pot Hawaiian Lava Plantings" or "enlarge our potted bonsai."

               #8 CONVERSION KIT is usually used for potting an HS8 Small lava Planting or to move a 4LL8 Living Lovable potted bonsai toward a larger 8LS8 Living Sculpture potted bonsai for those who want a bonsai about 8"-12" tall.

                #8 CONVERSION KIT: $15.95 + $12 shipping (Sorry, no shipping discount on this item)

                 With optional matching 9" diameter plastic drip tray; add $6 (includes shipping when ordered with #8 conversion kit)

                There are eight components in the #8 Conversion Kits:

          1.   CULTURAL INFORMATION. There's extensive information and if there are any questions, we're just an email away!

          2.   POT.   8"diameter x 2" plastic pot designed by Fuku-Bonsai and the finest plastic pot available. Note that we prefer ligher colors that are much more attractive indoors. Round pots are great because window light is directional and plants must be frequently turned. So train True Indoor Bonsai so all sides are attractive!

          3.   PLASTIC TIE-DOWN. You can use string or wire to learn to secure the plant to the pot so the plant doesn't shake and allow the roots to grow.

          4.   COARSE BOTTOM MEDIA. Mound this in the bottom center of the pot.

          5.   PLASTIC SEPARATOR. A Fuku-Bonsai innovation to protect the majority of the coarse bottom to assure important drainage!

          6.   BODY POTTING MEDIA. Place 50% around the coarse bottom media and firm down with the top of the plastic separator showing. Add a bit more body media, prepare and position the plant, add remaining media and firm down. Secure the plant with the plastic tie-downs. Water.

          7.   FINE TOP DRESSING. After watering by saturation, drain, smooth and firm down the surface with a spoon, then use as little fine top dressing to create a smooth surface and save any remainder to dress the surface from time to time.

          8.   NUTRIENT GRANULES. The sampler packet should last a year or so. Every 6 months, bury a total of about 1 teaspoon in 3-4 holes for an ultra-slow release of a small quality of nutrients. This ideal fertilizer will not burn roots.

                The #8 Conversion Kit is a large part of the reason that Fuku-Bonsai's plants are the easiest and most successful for anyone anywhere who can grow house plants. Each of the components has been especially selected and matched to the needs of Fuku-Bonsai Dwarf Schefflera True Indoor Bonsai. Many bonsai hobbyists think they can simply use outdoor fertilizers and their outdoor bonsai potting mixes and techniques when they move to True Indoor Bonsai but have problems. Most outdoor fertilizers are formulated for fast release of nutrients for plants growing in bright sunlight. These fertilizers burn the roots of houseplant bonsai that are growing in lower lights. Outdoor bonsai potting soils and techniques hold too much water and plants often die from overwatering. We strongly recommend watering thoroughly by saturation once per week and using our fast draining potting soils and techniques.

               #17 CONVERSION KIT is usually used for potting either the HD8 desk size, HM8 medium size, or the HL8 large size with the medium size the most popular and will develop into an impressive bonsai in just a year or two. The HL8 large in a 17 conversion kit is impressive from the very start and is recommended when a customer wants an a special high-end gift that is very easy care with high success! Potting the HD8 Desk size will also produce an impressive bonsai but it will take several years longer because you'll be starting with a younger less developed plant. The #17 Conversion Kit us usually used to enlarge the 8LS8 Living Sculpture, although it can be used to enlarge the smaller younger 4LL8 Living Lovable. Greater skill is required when enlarging the 4LL8 as the sudden very large root system will often produce dramatic growth that is more difficult to control. The components of the 17 Conversion Kit are similar but in larger quantities and features a 17"x12"x2" deep plastic oval pot designed by Fuku-Bonsai. These are intended for bonsai 12" to 24" tall bonsai. (See photo and more information below)

                 #17 CONVERSION KIT: $45.95 + $12 shipping (Sorry, no shipping discount on this item)

FUKU-BONSAI CONVERSION KITS & HISTORY

                Originally Fuku-Bonsai produced mostly Hawaiian Lava Plantings that were purchased by visitors to Hawaii as premium souvenirs of a Hawaiian vacation. After we opened Fuku-Bonsai to visitors and created our website, we increasingly got requests for advice on how to train bonsai. Hawaiian Lava Plantings are great easy-care gifts for homes and offices, especially for those with no bonsai knowledge or skills as they grow very slowly and it is relatively easy to maintain their shape. But, for those who really want to grow and train bonsai, they grow frustratingly slow!

                The magic of Fuku-Bonsai's Hawaiian Lava Plantings is that it utilizes pre-trained plants. Once rock planted, they retain their shape but grow very slowly. THE KEY POINT IS THAT THE PLANTS ARE PRETRAINED BEFORE BEING ROCKPLANTED! It takes 2 to 4 years to pretrain a plant to be a small lava planting, 3 to 5 years to be a desk size lava planting, 5 to 9 years to be a medium size lava planting, and 7 to 11 years to be a large size lava planting. It then may take up to a year or more to be firmly established. This is consistent with the stated ages in our promotional materials. The reality is that we use older plants when available and establish them for longer periods so our plants generally exceed our specifications.

                Exceeding specification is a Fuku-Bonsai tradition that most customers recognize. Every so often we get notes from customers who think we made a mistake because they received a plant much more developed than the photo appearance. That is not common in bonsai commerce but that's part of why Fuku-Bonsai probably has the highest customer success and repeat customer rate! This really helps our word-of-mouth promotion!

                EVEN AFTER BEING "POTTED" LAVA PLANTINGS GROW AT A SLOWER RATE THAN PLANTS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN ROCK PLANTED!   The upper one is a HM8 Medium lava planting in a 17 conversion kit and shown with an optional black plastic drip tray. As the roots get established in the potting media, the tree will grow faster and can be trained into a larger, more impressive bonsai as it has outstanding branches and the rock adds to the illusion of a beautiful tree growing on a rocky hill. The lower plant is an 8LS8-S (Sumo) that was potted 3-4 weeks ago and already starting to show faster growth. When utilizing larger containers for accelerated growth, the tree is often allowed to grow wildly with branches growing out 3' to 4' at times to get maximum growth for the entire growing season with those seeking maximum growth moving to outdoors when night temperatures are above 50°F. Plants are heavily pruned back and the entire original trunk and rootage dramatically becomes heavier!

                Faster growth is due to the plant having a larger root system, the plant given stronger light (but also more fertilizer and more frequent watering) with better growth conditions. Please go to the portal section titled: "TRAINING TRUE INDOOR BONSAI!" for more information.

FUKU-BONSAI TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ SOIL

            Customers have been increasingly requesting assistance in providing them with a suitable "indoor bonsai soil." Most potting soils in garden shops tend to be mostly organic material that holds too much water. We've been able to help some to develop their own mixes, but this tended to be very frustrating as it was necessary to purchase bags of several items, combine them, and end up with more than what was needed!

            If you are excited about going into bonsai more extensively, it is advisable to learn to create ideal bonsai potting mix. For detailed information, go to LESSON #5: TRUE INDOOR BONSAI POTTING MEDIA!

            We will continue to assist those wanting to make up their own while also making our material available. Unfortunately, the cost of the shipping is more than the cost of the materials. However, it is still suitable for those with a modest number of plants. It is not likely that there would be a significant savings for smaller quantities even with FedEx Ground or Postal parcel post. There may be a unit savings for larger bulk orders as FedEx poundage rates go down after 100 pounds. Please request quotations for specific quantities over 15 gallons.

TRUE INDOOR BONSAI SOIL - Total one gallon

         One gallon (enough to pot a 17x12x2 oval or 4 each 8xD2 pots) weighs about 7 to 8 pounds.

$12 for soil + $18 shipping = $30 per gallon.

(No shipping discount on this item.)

       SPECIAL:   PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION ESPECIALLY 3-GALLON QUANTITIES TO GET BETTER SHIPPING COSTS USING THE LARGEST U.S. POSTAL FLAT RATE CARTON THAT HOLDS UP TO 3-GALLONS!

        $36 for soil + $15 for shipping = $51 for 3 gallons

         (no shipping discount this item)   Email to: david.f@fukubonsai.com

EASY ORDERING!

Print the Order Form, fill in, (and earn a 5% discount) and mail with check to Fuku-Bonsai, PO Box 6000, Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760. Cards can be sent to be enclosed with your gift order or specify a message. OR, call in your order to (808) 982-9880 with your credit card information!

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

                If you've gotten this far, it's likely that you like the idea of training bonsai. When I began in 1962, it was still a very secretive hobby of mostly older Japanese men. Since then I've published over 85 bonsai articles locally, nationally, and internationally and there really are no secrets any more. While there are many kinds of bonsai, the most successful is our True Indoor Bonsai that trains houseplants in the bonsai manner. There are no significant books about this specialty area and the best most comprehensive source of information is in this website.

                Go to the home page and scroll down to: TRAINING TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™

                Good luck! If you have a chance, please visit us and take a workshop. The cost is the same as if you purchased the components above as there's no charge for the instruction by our staff. Please email or call ahead. Workshops can be as short as 30 minutes or two hours or so!  When I began bonsai, it was impossible to find prepared bonsai stock and over the years, I've come to know that this is the key to success. These are the highest quality and the best value available anywhere! Compare with anything available on the Internet and I'm confident you'll join our long-term family of repeat customers!

            ~~~David W. Fukumoto        david.f@fukubonsai.com

*** Go to back to MAIL-ORDER INTRODUCTION

*** Go to Gift List #1: Hawaiian Lava Plantings

*** Go to Gift List #2: Living Lovable and Living Sculpture

*** Go to Custom Collection       *** Go to Order Form

*** Go to Payments by charge cards through PayPal

*** Go to Fuku-Bonsai Home Page

For quantity discounts, quotations, or information, please contact:

            David Fukumoto, founder and president, Fuku-Bonsai Inc.

            PO Box 6000 (Olaa Road), Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760

            Phone (808) 982-9880; FAX (808) 982-9883

            E-mail: david@fukubonsai.com        URL: www.fukubonsai.com

©Fuku-Bonsai, 2012

2012 GIFT LIST #3 WORKSHOP & BONSAI SUPPLY ITEMS FUKU-BONSAI IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TEACHER AND SUPPLIER OF TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™! The reasons: 1. *TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ IS BASED ON DIFFERENT CONCEPTS FROM JAPANESE TEMPERATE CLIMATE BONSAI! The specific plant determines if you can only grow it as bonsai indoors, what care is required, what methods of training are most effective, and the ultimate range of bonsai styling possible. It is useless and confusing to read standard bonsai books written about temperate climate bonsai that are grown outdoors! 2. TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ ARE THE ONLY FORM OF BONSAI THAT EVERYONE CAN GROW! This includes those in Alaska and Maine or Florida, Texas, and California, AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN! Houseplants are shade tolerant tropical plants most efficiently grown in the tropics. This lowers our costs and we grow the finest TRUE INDOOR BONSAI prepared bonsai stock! 3. DWARF SCHEFFLERA IS THE IDEAL PROVEN DURABLE TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ AND FUKU-BONSAI'S PRIMARY SPECIALTY! Our educational materials are for this one specific plant. Our trees have been patiently trained for years with the methods described in our training materials. We supply complete packages with our exact potting media and fertilizers so customers can obtain the same great results. It is much easier to learn how to grow and train a single ideal plant compared to trying to understand the thousands of cultural guidelines, techniques, and styling ideas of the trees grown as bonsai. 4. FUKU-BONSAI CONTINUES TO MAKE OUR TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ "CUSTOMER-PROOF" SO EACH CUSTOMER IS SUCCESSFUL! Every plant shipped includes cultural information and a complimentary packet of nutrient granules. By inviting customers in all parts of the United States to share their experiences, we continue to learn, to share, and develop a stronger commitment to assist. You are cordially invited to request our free FBnews email newsletter. Please email your name, city, state, and email address. 5. FUKU-BONSAI'S TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ IS BASED UPON CREDIBILITY DEVELOPED SINCE 1962!* Besides pioneering this field, those associated with Fuku-Bonsai have been involved in assisting all forms of international bonsai. Fuku-Bonsai's founder David Fukumoto has been nominated for the National Heritage Fellowship (the United States cultural equivalent of Japan's Living Treasure Award), has co-founded many bonsai organizations including Hawaii Bonsai Association, Big Island Bonsai Association, Mid-Pacific Bonsai Foundation, National Bonsai Foundation, and World Bonsai Friendship Federation. He has received the Bonsai Clubs International's Artist, Photographer & Writer of the Year Award. He currently submits an article for each issue of the American Bonsai Society Journal. Fuku-Bonsai Inc. is a Hawaiian corporation of largely Big Island stockholders that is fully committed to promoting the art and culture of bonsai and is the primary financial supporter of the non-profit Mid-Pacific Bonsai Foundation that assists in bonsai education, co-sponsors the Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center and Hawaii State Bonsai Repository, and serves as a liaison with our community. All Fuku-Bonsai employees are invited to become stockholders and play major roles in setting corporate standards of integrity and service. 6. FUKU-BONSAI IS A LEADER OF HAWAII'S CERTIFIED EXPORT NURSERY INDUSTRY! As the first such nursery in 1973, we assisted others and were the first to utilize Federal Express. The Hawaii Export Nursery Association (HENA) is part of the 500+ member Hawaii Floral Shippers Association that has earned a major FEDEX discount rate and our plants arrive within 48 hours to any destination in the continental United States. We guarantee satisfaction and safe arrival of all items shipped directly from the nursery. We ship to destinations where reported low temperatures exceed freezing (32ºF) and utilize shipping heat packs when necessary. To cold regions in cold seasons we recommend shipping to business addresses where someone would be able to accept parcels. *7. FUKU-BONSAI'S WORKSHOP PACKAGES ARE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THEY INCLUDE THE FINEST PREPARED BONSAI STOCK AND OUR SPECIAL POTTING MEDIA!* There are no secrets. In selecting bonsai stock, compare the one inch above the soil and the half inch below the soil. Our youngest Introductory Workshop Package (IWP-8) prepared bonsai stock has been professionally trained for 3 to 4 years. 8. FUKU-BONSAI HAS THE HIGHEST VALUE PRODUCTS! The "average" middle-aged per capita income in the United States is estimated at above $50,000 per year. There are about 2,000 hours in a year so this works out to be about $25/hour. That's the price of our: 1) HS8(M) Small size Dwarf Schefflera Lava Planting with melamine dish, 2) 4LL8 Dwarf Schefflera Living Lovable potted bonsai, or 3) IWP-8 Introductory Workshop Package! One hour of "average" work for our entry-level high quality items! NOW THAT'S A GREAT DEAL! Fuku-Bonsai is fully committed to continue to be the most successful teacher and supplier of True Indoor Bonsai workshop and bonsai supplies. I invite comments, suggestions, and recommendations as we continue efforts to improve and introduce an expanded range of products to allow everyone to learn and enjoy the art and culture of bonsai! FOUR WORKSHOP PACKAGES! POTTING HAWAIIAN LAVA PLANTINGS: Instead of ordering a Hawaiian Lava Planting with saucer and gravel, consider ordering a small HS8 or desk HD8 with a Fuku-Bonsai #8 Conversion Kit and follow Lesson #1: Potting. OR order a medium HM8 or large HL8 with a Fuku-Bonsai #17 Conversion Kit and create an impressive super easy-care potted rock-planted bonsai! WORKSHOP I - ECONOMICAL ENTRY LEVEL OR FOR GROUPS: INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP PACKAGE has 10 carefully selected components and features a 2" prepared bonsai stock already pretrained for 2 to 4 years with a lot of character and compact, shallow root system. Create your first bonsai. Ideal for teaching beginner groups or for schools. Quantity discounts and teacher assistance available. Most adults have no problems completing it unassisted with the extensive cultural information sheets. At the Fuku-Bonsai Cultural Center we've had youth groups that included those that were FIVE TO TEN YEARS OLD that successfully completed with some adult assistance! The result will develop into a bonsai similar to 4LL8-Sumo. For more information, go to INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP PACKAGE. WORKSHOP II - OUR BEST VALUE WORKSHOP! Start with your choice of a 4LL8 Living Lovable in either Sumo, Roots, or Dragon styling and with our #8 Conversion Kit, up-pot to create a medium size bonsai that in a few years could look like our 8LS8 Living Sculpture. This is a nice size to start a satisfying life-long hobby! Nicely priced and great for gifts for someone interested in starting. Those needing assistance are invited to email Fuku-Bonsai. For more information, go to WORKSHOP II. WORKSHOP III - THE MOST POPULAR WORKSHOP AT THE FUKU-BONSAI CULTURAL CENTER! As long as you can grow houseplants, you should be successful. This workshop is really great for those who have already grown our plants. If you have not, we recommend that you start with either Workshop I or II before visiting Fuku-Bonsai and taking Workshop III. There's a lot that we can teach you one-on-one if you already have no problem growing our plants and familiar with basic repotting. If you cannot visit Fuku-Bonsai, but can email photos and information, consider joining the free Fuku-Bonsai Study Group to get personalized assistance. 1962 -2012: David and Myrtle Fukumoto celebrate 50 years of bonsai and sharing a blessing! Myrtle and I began growing houseplant bonsai in our newly-wed apartment and a few years later was asked to teach an Adult Evening Education Course at a time when there were no books on tropical bonsai and bonsai was a secretive hobby. Myrtle's backyard nursery provided badly needed prepared bonsai stock and along with our mimeographed handbook, student success soared! So it is almost natural that Fuku-Bonsai is geared to teaching and providing the best possible prepared bonsai stock, pre-trained, and semi-trained bonsai. We are committed to your success and invite you to email if you have questions regarding our plants. Quantity discounts and teacher assistance available. ~~~ David W. Fukumoto, president and founder, Fuku-Bonsai Inc. david.f@fukubonsai.com
For more workshop information, please go to the "WORKSHOP" portal at www.fukubonsai.com/3a2a.html or www.fukubonsai.com/3a2a2.html	*FUKU-BONSAI INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP PACKAGE!* (ALSO KNOWN AS "WORKSHOP I") THIS IS THE EASIEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL WAY TO LEARN (OR TEACH) BONSAI FOR ANYONE ANYWHERE WHO CAN GROW HOUSEPLANTS! IT IS THE BONSAI EDUCATIONAL HOLY GRAIL DEVELOPED AFTER 48 YEARS OF RESEARCH. Ideal for individuals learning bonsai! Ideal for those willing and able to teach bonsai to large or small groups! Bonsai clubs successfully teach beginner classes to new members. (ITEM# IWP-8) $24.95 EACH + $12 SHIPPING; FREE SHIPPING WHEN 3 OR MORE SENT TO THE SAME US ADDRESS! SPECIAL 8 / BULK-PACKED: 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING! 8 for $150 ($18.75 each including shipping!) SPECIAL 16 / BULK-PACKED: 50% OFF + FREE SHIPPING! 16 for $200 ($12.50 each including shipping!) This is a special quantity discount for Introductory Workshop Packages only and cannot be combined with other quantity discounts.
Morgan and Delaney visit us in 2002 and were one of the first to take the Premium Keiki Bonsai Workshop. They were great! We no longer offer the this workshop after we developed the lower cost Introductory Workshop Package. LEARNING TRUE INDOOR BONSAI IS SIMPLE if you utilize the exact same materials used at the Fuku-Bonsai Kurtistown nursery. We can assist you to use the special components in our True Indoor Bonsai Soil. Our products are the highest quality, the best value, and our materials perform! Fuku-Bonsai's True Indoor Bonsai Soil is unique and designed to be fast-draining utilizing aggregate components that are much larger than any known aggregate-type bonsai soil available. Small parcels are costly to ship and you save when you pool orders! CONVERSION KITS include a plastic bonsai pot and three grades and amounts of pre-screened, pre-measured potting media and are as described near the bottom of this section. While it's more costly to assemble the kit and to ship it from Hawaii, customers find it is preferable as comparable potting mixtures are not available. We are familiar with our potting media and can better advise. NUTRIENT GRANULES! Fuku-Bonsai has received permission to repackage to smaller quantities to make available this difficult to obtain ultra slow release fertilizer normally available only in professional 50# sacks. Nutrient Granules is a unique pelletized fertilizer that very reliably releases a tiny amount of nutrients over a very long period of time. It is especially recommended for Fuku-Bonsai's True Indoor Bonsai, houseplants, cactus, and orchids. My experienced bonsai friends think I've made bonsai too easy and even a sharp four-year old child can do it! My customers tell me: "EASY IS GOOD!" TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOPS FOR CLUBS OR CLASSES! Fuku-Bonsai is committed to teaching bonsai and each workshop participant being successful! It's simple to teach bonsai basics as the principles are now very well known and you need not be an "expert" to teach basic bonsai. Our workshop packages are for most adults without a teacher. The kit is successful with children if there's an adult "coach." Success does not depend upon the teacher. Rather, it depends upon the prepared bonsai stock used in the workshop. Fuku-Bonsai's workshops are designed specifically for those who want to grow indoor bonsai without the need to set up supplemental lights. If the workshop participants can grow houseplants, they can grow our True Indoor Bonsai! Most older bonsai clubs focus on traditional outdoor Japanese-type bonsai which is a difficult horticulture challenge and demands discipline, developing an extensive knowledge of plant culture, and the patience to work with seasonal factors. And the trees must be grown outdoors! Each year more people want to grow a less demanding form of houseplant bonsai. Bonsai clubs gain new members by sponsoring "CREATE YOUR FIRST BONSAI" classes and are using our easy-care plant stock for success and continuing interest! Increasingly, bonsai clubs are also offering True Indoor Bonsai workshops including more advanced materials. Our plants are ideal in colder climates such as Alaska and the northern states. They are ideal for apartments. They are much easier in the dry warmer part of the country too! For group Living Lovable Workshops I recommend ordering 1/3 of the plants as "sumo!", "roots!", and "Hawaiian Dragon!" stylings so there will be wide variation within the group. Consider purchase of one 8LS8 and one #17 conversion kit as a larger "teacher demonstrator kit". Training aids and teacher assistance are available. Contact us if you're an individual needing one unit, or a school teacher needing 60 units for two classes of students! Please email me for more information and assistance! ~~~David W. Fukumoto at david.f@fukubonsai.com
WORKSHOP II & WORKSHOP III THERE REALLY ARE NO SECRETS TO PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY BONSAI! The best bonsai are patiently trained and utilized trees "born to be bonsai" with a lot of lower trunk character within 1" of the soil line and a shallow compact root system within 1/2" of that soil line. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PRICES OF WORKSHOP II AND WORKSHOP III, GO TO GIFTLIST #2 POTTED BONSAI	WORKSHOP I uses a 2 to 4 year pre-trained 2" prepared bonsai stock which is potted into a 5"x3"x2" pot. When a well-established plant is up-potted, there is a nice spurt of vigorous growth to help train a nice small bonsai. WORKSHOP II uses a 3 to 5 year pre-trained 4LL8 and a #8 Conversion Kit to create a nice medium bonsai that in a few years can be similar to an 8LS8. WORKSHOP III uses a 6 to 9 year old semi-trained 8LS8 and a #17 Conversion Kit to create a nice larger bonsai that in a few years can be similar to a 17LS8 and continue on to Custom Collection standards. SUMO!, ROOTS! or HAWAIIAN DRAGONS! See THREE CONCEPTS With a good growing environment and with good training the advanced workshop products can reach the stage of development shown at left. These are now identified as item "17LS8" priced at $350 + shipping. Please email for more information. *IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN SIMILAR RESULTS WITHIN A FEW YEARS AFTER COMPLETING WORKSHOP III! Learn and save money too!*
	TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOP HANDBOOK (3rd Edition) Highly recommended for inclusion with all gifts. The 3rd Edition TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOP HANDBOOK (24 pages black & white/color softcover; 8.5"x 5.5". The handbook has a the color sheet cover and includes a total of 80 photos, sketches, or graphics! The handbook covers only Fuku-Bonsai's Dwarf Schefflera and includes details about our workshop packages. *TIB-III: TRUE INDOOR BONSAI WORKSHOP HANDBOOK* $7.50 + $1.00 postal first class mail *(no shipping fee if ordered with other larger items)*
FUKU-BONSAI INCLUDES A COMPLIMENTARY PACKET WITH EVERY PLANT! MagAmpâ 6-40-6 *(magnesium ammonium phosphate)*	NUTRIENT GRANULES A unique pelletized ultra slow-release fertilizer that reliably releases a tiny amount of nutrients over a long period of time! Ideal for houseplant or orchid growth. Repackaged by Fuku-Bonsai with permission to make it available to our customers in small quantities! Fertilizer cannot be sent through the mail so the minimum FedEx shipping fee if ordered alone is $12! No shipping charge for the following small items if ordered with a plant or Micro-Lobster tank. 1/4 cup packet: $1.50 each 1-cup jar: $5.00 each 2-cup jar: $9.00 each 1/2-gallon canister: $32.50 each plus $12 shipping; Sorry, no shipping discount on this item. NOTE: The manufacture is sending us smaller granules in each order and there is no assurance that this product will be available in the future.
Unique dependable controlled release is due to the chemical composition rather than less dependable coatings. The relatively low nitrogen and high phosphorus ratios produces durable drought-resistant growth recommended for orchids, houseplants, and our TRUE INDOOR BONSAI. Fuku-Bonsai has been using MagAmp in our nursery production since 1973. It is only available to distributors in minimum pallet or container quantities in regions such as Hilo where there is a large orchid industry that needs dependable nutrient release. It is available to professional growers in 50-pound sacks. We have received permission from Sumitomo Corporation of America to repackage to make this ideal product available to our customers. INCORPORATION INTO POTTING MEDIA. For stronger growth of potted plants growing in high-light combination indoor-outdoor environments during the warmer seasons. 4" pots: Bury a total of 1/2 tsp. of MagAmp in 4 corners. 8" pots: Bury a total of 1 tsp of MagAmp in 4 corners. 12" pots: Bury a total of 1 tablespoon in several holes in the media. Repeat every 6 months for overlapping continuing fertilizer release. MagAmp is a registered trademark of Sumitomo Corporation of America. More information at: http://www.sumitomocorp.com/industry/features/ff_magamp.html Actual N-P-K and Magnesium analysis will vary slightly depending upon the natural components during manufacturing.
(August 2010 photo and updated description) FUKU-BONSAI CONVERSION KITS "to pot Hawaiian Lava Plantings" or "enlarge our potted bonsai." #8 CONVERSION KIT is usually used for potting an HS8 Small lava Planting or to move a 4LL8 Living Lovable potted bonsai toward a larger 8LS8 Living Sculpture potted bonsai for those who want a bonsai about 8"-12" tall. #8 CONVERSION KIT: $15.95 + $12 shipping *(Sorry, no shipping discount on this item)* With optional matching 9" diameter plastic drip tray; add $6 (includes shipping when ordered with #8 conversion kit) There are eight components in the #8 Conversion Kits: 1. CULTURAL INFORMATION. There's extensive information and if there are any questions, we're just an email away! 2. POT. 8"diameter x 2" plastic pot designed by Fuku-Bonsai and the finest plastic pot available. Note that we prefer ligher colors that are much more attractive indoors. Round pots are great because window light is directional and plants must be frequently turned. So train True Indoor Bonsai so all sides are attractive! 3. PLASTIC TIE-DOWN. You can use string or wire to learn to secure the plant to the pot so the plant doesn't shake and allow the roots to grow. 4. COARSE BOTTOM MEDIA. Mound this in the bottom center of the pot. 5. PLASTIC SEPARATOR. A Fuku-Bonsai innovation to protect the majority of the coarse bottom to assure important drainage! 6. BODY POTTING MEDIA. Place 50% around the coarse bottom media and firm down with the top of the plastic separator showing. Add a bit more body media, prepare and position the plant, add remaining media and firm down. Secure the plant with the plastic tie-downs. Water. 7. FINE TOP DRESSING. After watering by saturation, drain, smooth and firm down the surface with a spoon, then use as little fine top dressing to create a smooth surface and save any remainder to dress the surface from time to time. 8. NUTRIENT GRANULES. The sampler packet should last a year or so. Every 6 months, bury a total of about 1 teaspoon in 3-4 holes for an ultra-slow release of a small quality of nutrients. This ideal fertilizer will not burn roots. The #8 Conversion Kit is a large part of the reason that Fuku-Bonsai's plants are the easiest and most successful for anyone anywhere who can grow house plants. Each of the components has been especially selected and matched to the needs of Fuku-Bonsai Dwarf Schefflera True Indoor Bonsai. Many bonsai hobbyists think they can simply use outdoor fertilizers and their outdoor bonsai potting mixes and techniques when they move to True Indoor Bonsai but have problems. Most outdoor fertilizers are formulated for fast release of nutrients for plants growing in bright sunlight. These fertilizers burn the roots of houseplant bonsai that are growing in lower lights. Outdoor bonsai potting soils and techniques hold too much water and plants often die from overwatering. We strongly recommend watering thoroughly by saturation once per week and using our fast draining potting soils and techniques. #17 CONVERSION KIT is usually used for potting either the HD8 desk size, HM8 medium size, or the HL8 large size with the medium size the most popular and will develop into an impressive bonsai in just a year or two. The HL8 large in a 17 conversion kit is impressive from the very start and is recommended when a customer wants an a special high-end gift that is very easy care with high success! Potting the HD8 Desk size will also produce an impressive bonsai but it will take several years longer because you'll be starting with a younger less developed plant. The #17 Conversion Kit us usually used to enlarge the 8LS8 Living Sculpture, although it can be used to enlarge the smaller younger 4LL8 Living Lovable. Greater skill is required when enlarging the 4LL8 as the sudden very large root system will often produce dramatic growth that is more difficult to control. The components of the 17 Conversion Kit are similar but in larger quantities and features a 17"x12"x2" deep plastic oval pot designed by Fuku-Bonsai. These are intended for bonsai 12" to 24" tall bonsai. (See photo and more information below) #17 CONVERSION KIT: $45.95 + $12 shipping (Sorry, no shipping discount on this item)
FUKU-BONSAI CONVERSION KITS & HISTORY Originally Fuku-Bonsai produced mostly Hawaiian Lava Plantings that were purchased by visitors to Hawaii as premium souvenirs of a Hawaiian vacation. After we opened Fuku-Bonsai to visitors and created our website, we increasingly got requests for advice on how to train bonsai. Hawaiian Lava Plantings are great easy-care gifts for homes and offices, especially for those with no bonsai knowledge or skills as they grow very slowly and it is relatively easy to maintain their shape. But, for those who really want to grow and train bonsai, they grow frustratingly slow! The magic of Fuku-Bonsai's Hawaiian Lava Plantings is that it utilizes pre-trained plants. Once rock planted, they retain their shape but grow very slowly. THE KEY POINT IS THAT THE PLANTS ARE PRETRAINED BEFORE BEING ROCKPLANTED! It takes 2 to 4 years to pretrain a plant to be a small lava planting, 3 to 5 years to be a desk size lava planting, 5 to 9 years to be a medium size lava planting, and 7 to 11 years to be a large size lava planting. It then may take up to a year or more to be firmly established. This is consistent with the stated ages in our promotional materials. The reality is that we use older plants when available and establish them for longer periods so our plants generally exceed our specifications. Exceeding specification is a Fuku-Bonsai tradition that most customers recognize. Every so often we get notes from customers who think we made a mistake because they received a plant much more developed than the photo appearance. That is not common in bonsai commerce but that's part of why Fuku-Bonsai probably has the highest customer success and repeat customer rate! This really helps our word-of-mouth promotion! EVEN AFTER BEING "POTTED" LAVA PLANTINGS GROW AT A SLOWER RATE THAN PLANTS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN ROCK PLANTED! The upper one is a HM8 Medium lava planting in a 17 conversion kit and shown with an optional black plastic drip tray. As the roots get established in the potting media, the tree will grow faster and can be trained into a larger, more impressive bonsai as it has outstanding branches and the rock adds to the illusion of a beautiful tree growing on a rocky hill. The lower plant is an 8LS8-S (Sumo) that was potted 3-4 weeks ago and already starting to show faster growth. When utilizing larger containers for accelerated growth, the tree is often allowed to grow wildly with branches growing out 3' to 4' at times to get maximum growth for the entire growing season with those seeking maximum growth moving to outdoors when night temperatures are above 50°F. Plants are heavily pruned back and the entire original trunk and rootage dramatically becomes heavier! Faster growth is due to the plant having a larger root system, the plant given stronger light (but also more fertilizer and more frequent watering) with better growth conditions. Please go to the portal section titled: "TRAINING TRUE INDOOR BONSAI!" for more information.
FUKU-BONSAI TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ SOIL Customers have been increasingly requesting assistance in providing them with a suitable "indoor bonsai soil." Most potting soils in garden shops tend to be mostly organic material that holds too much water. We've been able to help some to develop their own mixes, but this tended to be very frustrating as it was necessary to purchase bags of several items, combine them, and end up with more than what was needed! If you are excited about going into bonsai more extensively, it is advisable to learn to create ideal bonsai potting mix. For detailed information, go to LESSON #5: TRUE INDOOR BONSAI POTTING MEDIA! We will continue to assist those wanting to make up their own while also making our material available. Unfortunately, the cost of the shipping is more than the cost of the materials. However, it is still suitable for those with a modest number of plants. It is not likely that there would be a significant savings for smaller quantities even with FedEx Ground or Postal parcel post. There may be a unit savings for larger bulk orders as FedEx poundage rates go down after 100 pounds. Please request quotations for specific quantities over 15 gallons. TRUE INDOOR BONSAI SOIL - Total one gallon One gallon (enough to pot a 17x12x2 oval or 4 each 8xD2 pots) weighs about 7 to 8 pounds. $12 for soil + $18 shipping = $30 per gallon. (No shipping discount on this item.) SPECIAL: PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION ESPECIALLY 3-GALLON QUANTITIES TO GET BETTER SHIPPING COSTS USING THE LARGEST U.S. POSTAL FLAT RATE CARTON THAT HOLDS UP TO 3-GALLONS! $36 for soil + $15 for shipping = $51 for 3 gallons (no shipping discount this item) Email to: david.f@fukubonsai.com
EASY ORDERING! Print the Order Form, fill in, (and earn a 5% discount) and mail with check to Fuku-Bonsai, PO Box 6000, Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760. Cards can be sent to be enclosed with your gift order or specify a message. OR, call in your order to (808) 982-9880 with your credit card information! CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS If you've gotten this far, it's likely that you like the idea of training bonsai. When I began in 1962, it was still a very secretive hobby of mostly older Japanese men. Since then I've published over 85 bonsai articles locally, nationally, and internationally and there really are no secrets any more. While there are many kinds of bonsai, the most successful is our True Indoor Bonsai that trains houseplants in the bonsai manner. There are no significant books about this specialty area and the best most comprehensive source of information is in this website. Go to the home page and scroll down to: TRAINING TRUE INDOOR BONSAI™ Good luck! If you have a chance, please visit us and take a workshop. The cost is the same as if you purchased the components above as there's no charge for the instruction by our staff. Please email or call ahead. Workshops can be as short as 30 minutes or two hours or so! When I began bonsai, it was impossible to find prepared bonsai stock and over the years, I've come to know that this is the key to success. These are the highest quality and the best value available anywhere! Compare with anything available on the Internet and I'm confident you'll join our long-term family of repeat customers! ~~~David W. Fukumoto david.f@fukubonsai.com * Go to back to MAIL-ORDER INTRODUCTION * Go to Gift List #1: Hawaiian Lava Plantings * Go to Gift List #2: Living Lovable and Living Sculpture * Go to Custom Collection * Go to Order Form * Go to Payments by charge cards through PayPal * Go to Fuku-Bonsai Home Page For quantity discounts, quotations, or information, please contact: David Fukumoto, founder and president, Fuku-Bonsai Inc. PO Box 6000 (Olaa Road), Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760 Phone (808) 982-9880; FAX (808) 982-9883 E-mail: david@fukubonsai.com URL: www.fukubonsai.com** ©Fuku-Bonsai, 2012