AusBonsai

So i know palms can never really be made as a true bonsai, due to ther fask they can be trained in the way a bonsai normally is. I was just wondering if they can be kept smaller via regular root pruning, do they tolerate that? The reason i ask is i'm after a couple of palms which are far too large for pots but due to their rarity i dont want to plant them in the garden here at our rental property so would just like to keep them going in pots. Anyony tried this?

John

Greetings,
I have always been advised not to work with palm trees. Give them away or put in the bin.
If you would like a bonsai that looks like a "palm tree", grow some jacaranda seedlings. They root prune well and don't mind being tip pruned.
They look like palms from a distance.
You are welcome to attend Bimer's September meeting, Saturday 3rd, 12.30. Church Hall Safari St West Chermside. I'll bring one to show you.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

Yes they can survive in pots. Mrs Pup has a collection of dwarf Rhapis palms in pots and has had them in there for 20 years.

There is a specific society for growing them in Japan, with some being in the very high dollar value, especially the variegated ones.

You do not have to re-pot too often and add a couple of pieces of charcoal to the mix.

Cheers Pup.

Palms can and do make beautiful bonsai. Why would you use another spicies to imitate a palm when you can use a palm. Dwarf Date palm, Sago palms, Rhaphis palms, some of the cycad palms and others are suitable for bonsai. here are some pics
Dwarf date chris

chrisatrocky wrote:

1630857-20081105022143.jpg

which palm is that?

Cycus revoluta (Sago Palm) is what it is

chris