Buttonwood Bonsai in Florida

First of all, I love going to see my bonsai students in Florida. They are very enthusiastic people. Growing up in Thailand, I knew tropicals. There are 5-6 different types on ficus bonsai in Thailand. The Tiger Bark Ficus (taiwan) and the buttonwoods are also fun to work on. All these are developed as bonsai a little differently than pines and junipers in our northern states.

So Henry has the collected buttonwood in the picture below. If this had been a collected Sierra juniper in my own state of California, you might tell me to throw it away. (…maybe I would have.)

But this is a Buttonwood living in Florida. It is now about two feet tall. If a buttonwood is well taken care of, it will grow and show us something that could become a bonsai. This one did it. The picture below is about two years later with leaves pruned and branches wired.

After only three years this very new bonsai in the picture below was shown at the EPCOT Center in Orlando, FL.

Henry really did as good job. He did not over-prune. He waited until he had something to work with. But the story is not over. I just returned from Florida and have more pictures. I’ll post further developments and the first look at healthy buttonwood roots – if you are interested.

Photo credits to Henry R.

7 responses to “Buttonwood Bonsai in Florida”

Henry R. | May 20, 2009 at 5:23 am |

We love when Boon comes to Florida, and I think our trees are really starting to improve under his supervision. I know that every member of my group can’t wait for Boon’s next visit!!
Howard Smith | May 20, 2009 at 6:58 am |

Really nice development sequence – I look forward to seeing the new pictures. When choosing a pot for a buttonwood, do you go with an unglazed to blend with the rugged, dynamic deadwood or a glazed since it is a tropical? Or is it case by case?
zen wa isoge | May 20, 2009 at 7:30 am |

haha, so glad you didn’t toss this one. it’s nice to see. thanks
Henry R. | May 20, 2009 at 7:56 am |

Personally, I like unglazed pots, but I’m willing to listen to any ideas!
Boon | May 21, 2009 at 8:37 pm |

Howard,
I agree with Henry. I think unglazed pot works better with the dark live line and deadwood.
But some other people prefer glazed pot. For glazed pot, i think cream color or dark blue will be the best.
Juan Andrade | May 22, 2009 at 1:25 pm |

Hi Boon:

Nice development. Would really like to see how BW roots develop in your soil mix.
chuhin | May 22, 2009 at 6:41 pm |

Hi Juan,
Good to see you on the blog. Living in Costa Rica, this is a tree closer to your neighborhood.