Glass bowl

[Karyn]

Hi Guys,

Massive newbie alert here!

So, I've always been keen to get into bonsai, years ago I had a little Port Jackson Fig which I loved, but it unfortunately passed away due to teenage years resulting in neglect RIP little fig.

So, I have this glass bowl which I've been thinking about turning into some sort of little garden but couldn't decide what sort to make! Succulents, marginals, leafy tropicals... I figured that most would quickly outgrow the bowl (except the succulents of course) then had a crazy idea today... bonsai! So here I am, procrastinating and avoiding doing study work and investigating this line of thought... I haven't found much at all about using a glass bowl, I'm not sure if this is because it's not possible, or just not traditional...



So, my question at this point is; is it possible to grow a tropical bonsai indoors in this glass bowl? I'm thinking another Port Jackson Fig... I have quite an affinity for those guys

I would layer it the same as any plant, using pebbles in the bottom covered by mesh, then possibly activated charcoal? (thoughts? I've not done this before but have seen it recommended several times for regular plants), potting mix to be planted in, then small gravel /moss on top.

Thoughts?

[ubphu]

Make sure you drill a hole in the bottom of that bowl

[Roger]

Hi Karyn
Welcome to AusBonsai! Great place for bonsai enthusiasts.

Your glass bowl is an interesting one for bonsai. Don't know where in Australia you hail from, which could make a difference.

However, the main problem is that the bowl doesn't have any drainage - holes in the bottom. Water will accumulate and stagnate and not be good for the bonsai. Charcoal would work, but you would be changing it very often, and it won't get oxygen into the water. If you can find someone who can drill some holes in the bottom without breaking it, it could work.

The second issue is the shape. With the top opening so much smaller than the widest point, getting a tree out once it has established its root system will be difficult, especially in a fragile container such as this. Would could think about cutting it in half - there are a number of ways of doing this, but might not be worth the effort. Regular bonsai pots are much less troupble

Just my views.
Roger

[Andrew F]

Id look into wabi kusa if you are intent on keeping plants in the bowl.

[Karyn]

I had thought of making it a bowl with water plants. I kind of dismissed it because I thought the water would get too grubby and would require frequent cleaning (disturbing the plant frequently). I didn't realise there was a form to it though!

(I see much more investigation/further procrastination ahead of me... )

[Brian]

Well it really unsuitable for bonsai, but perhaps you can do a terrarium with ferns. If you are serious about bonsai then purchase a bonsai pot for $15- and join a club.

We are a very friendly helpful bunch of people that will assist you.