AusBonsai

Hi guys

could somebody please give me some advice on the most suitable medium is for planting mangroves to be used as a bonsai subject.

I have been growing about 30 plants (Rhizophora mangle ) for about two years, but i dont think i used the correct substrate as it is to soft and allows to much oxygen in , thus preventing the need for aerial roots.

Any advice would be great as im not prepared to buy mangrove mud from the internet, i would rather mix my own, if i can

many thanks

Is your Mangrove planted in a pot with drainage holes in the bottom?
If yes, then perhaps you could try blocking them up, this will reduce the oxygen uptake from the roots would it not?
I don't grow Mangroves so I am only guessing this would work for you.

Hi saff
If you google something like "how do I grow mangroves in pots?" or "mangrove bonsai", you will get thousands of entries. Some are at least interesting and you might like to ignore those that deal only with 'pot' .

There seems to be a variety of opinion and expereince with respect to growing the aerial roots. Some write of needing a low oxygen soil environment, while others go for replicating the rise and fall of the tides. Some experimentation would be useful, so keep good records!

There is also advice from Qld on growing them, though they point out that you can't source them in Qld from the wild as all mangroves and their seeds are protected.

All in all, it appears relatively easy to grow mangroves in pots, or in aquaria, so you shouldn't have much trouble. Getting aerial roots might be a challenge. Maybe it is a matter of age of the tree as well.

Remember that many or most of the sites are from overseas with different species, but there are some aussie sites too.

Good luck and keep us all informed of your progress.
Roger