I'm new to the art of Bonsai here and have had a Portulacaria afra for a few years now and would like to start pruning it better and take clippings to create some new ones as well.

What is a good soil mixture for this type?

What books are good resources for this type of Bonsai?

What website(s) have good pruning advice for this type of Bonsai?

Will this type tolerate direct sunlight after having only limited amounts of direct sunlight for two years?

What styles of Bonsai work best through pruning and wiring for this type?

What soil type is best for clippings to create a new one (and how long to use this soil type)?

What is the perfered PH level for the soil and water?

What size pot to use (and for how long) for new trees from clippings?

Does anyone know if there are still any retail stores in the Milwaukee, WI area that sell Bonsai supplies? I recently went to where one should have been but it was closed up.

Thanks,

brian

See PM I cannot post links yet
-Paul

Hello,

A Fleshy, softly woody shrub or small tree up to 3m to 4m, often sprawling; occurring on dry rocky hillsides and in succulent scrub. Portulacaria afra, also called "Elephant Plant" or "Small leaf Jade" is relatively new in bonsai but one that almost anyone can grow. It can withstand long periods without water making them excellent plants for beginners. Advanced students of bonsai find them excellent material because they adapt to any style and develop relatively fast.

Lighting: It can be grown outdoors in full sun or indoors with sufficient light.
Temperature: Portulacaria will tolerate a variety of growing conditions. Since it is tropical it must be protected from cold temperatures (below 50).
Watering: Always allow the soil to approach dryness before watering. Although it is a succulent, Portulacaria is not as particular about overwatering as most other succulents.
Pruning and wiring: This is a plant that adapts to almost any style bonsai. As a succulent, water is contained in the trunk and branches, they tend to droop from their weight. This characteristic makes them excellent for long cascades.


Thanks.