natural rock pot

[bonsaiboy50]

I have had this rock for a few years and want to plant it up with a bonsai. Only problem is , it come from a headland at the beach and is therefore very salty. I have tried and failed to get a juniper to grow in it so am going to try a fig this time. I will also try and seal the cavity ( I have drilled a drainhole in the bottom) to exclude the salt from potting mix. Love to know if anyone has had any success with rocks from the beach, any tips would be most welcome
regards Bonsaiboy50

[Ray M]

Hi bonsaiboy50,
Before planting anything else, try soaking the rock for about three weeks. Get a container that will completely immerse the rock. Put some Seasol in the water and place the rock in the bath. Change the water and Seasol at the beginning of each week. Give the rock a good hose off before putting in the new solution.

Regards Ray

[bonsaiboy50]

HI Ray, Thanks very much for the reply. Sounds like a great idea. I will try it out and hopefully I wil be able to get a plant to live on this rock
regards Greg

[Jamie]

if you have a camp oven big enough immerse the rock in clean plain water into the camp oven and put it on a fire for several hours boiling, this should help too. tops ups are needed.