Ryan's Bonsaiclopedia

          Many complex topics in bonsai require years of experience to fully understand. The objective of my Encyclopedia of Bonsai or "Bonsaiclopedia" is to cut down on that time for you so that any beginner can carry out important operations on your bonsai with more confidence. Some techniques I describe will also cater to more intermediate and advanced readers. I am aware that on many topics, I am probably not the first bonsai artist to attempt to explain these issues, but I hope I can consolidate a library of other online resources here that will be useful to you all in a unique way. If there is a topic you'd like to see me explain and analyze next, comment below or let me know directly!

Bonsaiclopedia topics I have already written about:

  1. Where do bonsai come from?
    1. Yamadori / Yardadori / Wild Bonsai
      1. Simplified Protocols for Yamadori Collection, Aftercare, and Initial Bonsai Training - A Honeysuckle Raft Case Study.
      2. Applying Dendrology to Estimate Age of Wild Yamadori Bonsai
    2. Growing From Seed
      1. Bonsai Seed Myths
      2. Years 0-2 Growing Plan
      3. Bonsai From Seed: Essential Steps for Success - Full Lecture
  2. Repotting & Root Pruning
    1. When to Repot
    2. Repotting Considerations: The Water & Sugar Equations
    3. Repotting Scenarios for a Shohin Privet and Intro to Bonsai Soil (planting position & nebari decisions)
  3. Pruning
    1. The Cost of Sex - Reasons to Control Flowering and Fruiting on Your Bonsai

  4. Tropical/Indoor Bonsai
    1. What's in a Grow Tent? The Science and Tools Behind Keeping Indoor Bonsai Healthy
  5. Ceramics
    1. Modern Methods for Kintsugi Ceramic Repair
    2. Refining the 2-in-1 Step Method for Kintsugi Ceramic Repair
  6. Tanuki / Phoenix Graft Styling
    1. The Unsung Merits of Phoenix Graft/Tanuki Bonsai - A Japanese Larch Example.
  7. Species-Specific Information
    1. Roberta Walters' Azaleas 101 - A Guide to Seasonal Azalea Care
    2. Unusual Species for Bonsai
      1. Invasive Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica & related species) for Bonsai
      2. Crazy for Catalpa! Bonsai prospects for an unusual North American native
      3. Reviewing the Germination Habits of Brewer's Oak aka Quercus garryana breweri / Seed Experiment #1 - Survival Methods for Early Germinators
      4. Purshia tridentata (Antelope Bitterbrush) for Bonsai?

Bonsaiclopedia complete topic idea list (links will get updated as I go along):

  1. Pruning
    1. Clip and Grow Basics
    2. Trunk/Branch Taper Basics
    3. Ramification Basics
    4. Double Flush Pine Pruning (eg Japanese Black Pines)
    5. Single Flush Pine Pruning (eg Japanese White Pines)
    6. Other Conifer Basics
    7. Deciduous Basics
  2. Bonsai Style specific information
  3. Wiring
    1. Wire Types
    2. Wiring Basics
    3. Dewiring Basics
  4. Fertilizer Basics
  5. Winter Preparations
  6. Carving Basics
    1. Carving on Softwoods
    2. Carving on Hardwoods
  7. Growing from Cuttings
  8. Growing From Seed
    1. Growing Thicker Trunks
    2. Transitioning to branch development
  9. Grafting
    1. Approach / Root Grafting
    2. Thread
    3. Scion
    4. Fusing Cuttings/Seedlings
  10. Collecting & Transplanting
    1. How to Get Permits
    2. How to Scout Land Online
    3. What to Look for in Wild Trees on the Ground
    4. How to Safely Transplant
    5. How to Ensure Recovery
      1. Timeline for Styling
  11. Bonsai Group Plantings
  12. Pot Pairing Basics
  13. Suiseki Basics
  14. Kusamono Basics
  15. Formal Bonsai Display Basics
  16. Ceramics
    1. Pot Styles
  17. Suiseki
  18. Kusamono
  19. Root Stands
  20. Three-Point Displays
  21. Species-Specific Information
  22. Bonsai Natural Inspiration Landscapes
  23. Bonsai Glossary
P.S. Shoutout to my friend Tiffany who came up with the "Bonsaiclopedia" name! 

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