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Suggested Books For Bonsai Enthusiasts: Part 2

Suggested Books For Bonsai Enthusiasts: Part 2

July 3, 2026

A second selection of tree-ish books you might enjoy. None of these books are about bonsai, but like the list in Part I, they may illuminate why bonsai captivate us. The first two books I’ve read and think are marvelous, and the last one has been recommended to me many times, including by readers of […]

Correcting Water pH For Better Plant Health

Correcting Water pH For Better Plant Health

June 26, 2026

When we drink water, our kidneys adjust the blood pH to 7.35-7.45. Plants also have the ability to change pH around their roots, up to 1.5 pH points. But in more extreme pH situations, plants suffer. Water pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions. If you have more hydrogen ions, you have acidic water. If […]

How Hard Water Can Limit Plant Growth

How Hard Water Can Limit Plant Growth

June 19, 2026

Do you have white buildup on your faucets? If so, you have hard water, which can cause yellowish foliage, few blooms, and lack of vigor in your bonsai. If you see whitish stains on sinks and leaves, the problem is hard water from dissolved salts. This isn’t table salt, sodium chloride, but rather calcium and […]

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