How to make your bonsai's trunk look older.

[Jan]

Thanks for reminding me of Colin Lewis’s book, “The Art of Bonsai Design”, and the Sphagnum Wrap Technique, I’m certainly going to give it a go on an elm that could use a bit of “character” in its bark.

Mr. Lewis says to hold a layer (20mm packed loosely) of moist sphagnum around the trunk – I think I’ll try an onion bag to hold it in place, that should allow a bit of air flow and easy moistening of the moss. There is a patience factor – he says to keep it in place and moist for up to two years and watch out for roots trying to sprout. He used it on elms and hawthorn so I’ll try it on an elm and see how it goes in two years.

I’m a sphagnum fan - using 50% or more in my growing mix to start cuttings and nurse transplants with reduced root systems. Since I’ve been using it everything I’ve used it on has responded enthusiastically – cuttings strike quickly and the lignum tubers on the eucalypts I tried are powering ahead. Maybe it is just my climate but it seems to be working for me.

Jan.

[Orion]

Don't forget to give us results bretts and jan:)

[Pup]

I agree Orion but I must admit I am keen to try this with at least one of my trees. Spag moss is magic stuff that just seems to chase any bad stuff away.

It does not Brett does it now

[kvan64]

sphagnum moss does wonder things. It revived a piece of drifted wood for me, remember?