In a message dated 6/26/05 12:13:37 AM, writes:
Anybody tried bonsai with variegated plants?

Before you get to the culture part, consider the taste part. Some variegated
plants may work as bonsai, others will look ungepatchked (over-busy). The
variegated Portulacaria might make a good bonsai. I find the plain green one a
trifle boring.
You are right in that it might be culturally a little more difficult. The
green part of the plant has to support the white part, just as if it were
supporting a crop of flowers or fruit. However, I know of no reason not to give it
plenty of sun. Follow the usual rule, as much sun as it will take short of
burning. Get it used to the sun gradually.

I've got a few variegated Portulacaria afra cuttings I got at Home Depot.

That will take a few years to become a bonsai. Putting them in the ground
is a good idea while you work with something more suitable.
Iris

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variegated Portulacaria might make a good bonsai. I find the plain green
one a
trifle boring.
Ya, The ones I've seen pictures of are very boring personally. My bonsai
buddy that does them does a lot of combo styles -cascade/windswept, etc...
so none of his are boring. Only one formal upright and ok... that one is
boring LOL. I'll have to sneak over and take pics of some of his and post
them one day... They make very interesting gnarled roots and trunks..


I've got a few variegated Portulacaria afra cuttings I got at Home
Depot.

That will take a few years to become a bonsai. Putting them in the
ground
is a good idea while you work with something more suitable.
LOL Everything I have, with one exception, is a cutting of some sort. All of
mine are pre-bonsai! If I stuck everything in the ground that wasn't ready
to be bonsai'd my patio would be empty LOL. I told my bonsai buddy to give
me all the cuttings, and I'll give them back in a few years when they are
trees . The one bonsai tree I do have was decimated by a goat but came
back like nuts-every four weeks I'm taking it back for advice because it's
growing like crazy! It's my only bonsai though. I find it great how we're
all different in what we work with . And I think I'll stick half the
variegated ones in the ground and see what happens in a month

Iris
Keep the good advice and opinions coming! I love it!

Susan L. Marsh
www.susanszoocrew.com

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