Bonsai?

Studdlygoof · #1 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 06:57 AM

I have several indoor/outdoor bonsai that keep me more then busy at home but was wondering if anyone had ever tried one in the vivarium...I know it would throw of the porportions of the viv but thought that a tropical tree such as Ficus or a Dwarf Schefflera Arboricola would be cool over time because of their trailing root structure...just a thought...any ideas/comments?

Tindomul1of9 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 10:04 AM

I had done a little research in the past on this subject. But I never did anything with it, seeing as how I have no experience with Bonsai. In theory though, I suppose if you give the bonsai adequate drainage, and perhaps you are able to remove it easily (either because its still in its own pot, or because its in a removable container of somesort) to trim it etc... I don't see why not. Why not be a pioneer and give it a try. Ficus was one of the Bonsai with which I had come to the conclusion it would survive inside a tropical viv.
I had also thought about temperate Bonsai just to be able to get fall colors inside a viv. But then Im asking for too much. Unless I actually cycle the vivarium.

kwiky · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 10:25 AM

i did it in a young boa constrictors viv, it took exellent and worked a treat, i took mine out of its pot and planted it directly but apparently they then grow huge, like a normal tree, unfortunatly as the snake grew it destroyed its enclosure but i have an old (bad) pic of it before

and after the snake grew and destroyed it, it now looks like this

Studdlygoof · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 12:40 PM

You just gave me the confidence kwik...what the hell...if it doesnt work ill just throw something else in its place...thanks

kwiky · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2007, 10:22 PM

no problem mate, just remember to post up a pic or two

Studdlygoof · #6 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 07:05 AM

Will do...just ordered a 10" Dwarf Schefflera Arboricola off the net...will post pics as soon as i get it planted

Landon · #7 (**permalink**) 02-07-2007, 06:33 PM

Kevin (on the site here) has a very nice sheff in a viv right now. it acclimated very well. the root structures on it are great and grow fairly readily. you could shoot him a line for some info.

kevin@tropicalinhabitants.com

i have a few ficus benjamin in vivs. theyll grow out of the top if you let them. they grow pretty fast once established, and would make a nice bonsai if properly trained. they also form some nice ariel roots if kept in very humid conditions. ill try and get a few current pics of them.

ive never tried bonsai in a viv for one of the reasons Tindo stated. its hard to get every where you need to when your tree is constricted by a glass box. if you have a large easily accesable tank i dont think anything is out of reach. definatly get some pics up when you get it. ill post my ficus pics. even though they arent bonsai-ed you can get a feel for whats possible inside a viv.

oh, and as far as drainage, the ficus dont seem to need any more drainage than any of the other common terrestials. they do need drainage, but moist soil isnt going to kill them.

Studdlygoof · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 06:56 AM

All good points...the front of my viv is going to be open so it will be very accessable for prunning and shaping...glad to hear your benjamin do good...sheff and benj are pretty much along the same lines as far as care goes...i am a little worried about the moisture content of the soil and figured on doing a 50/50 soil mixture with sand and soil to encourage good drainage...i'm very interested in the aeiral root structure groing and so purchased a root over rock style bonsai...can't wait to get it in place once it gets in...look forward to your pictures and will post mine as soon as everything is complete...

Tindomul1of9 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2007, 10:09 AM

THis is too exciting! I can't wait to see what it looks like. A few years back my mind was toying with the idea of miniature maples turning red in the autumn. I even tried growing them from seed. Ofcourse you are way better off with ficus.

Studdlygoof · #10 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 05:59 PM

Was at the Baltimore Aquarium this weekend (if you havent gone yet and are in the area I suggest going...they have some wicked Dart Frog setups and a sizeable tropical rainforest) and was in the new Austraila (sp?) exibit and saw this tree up on the rocks and it was kinda the same kinda idea i had for the bonsai in a viv...just thought id post the picture for giggles...i have a lot of photo's of the different tank setups they have up there too if anyone is interested in checking them out PM me or i can post them...