Dwarf Elephant Bush Bonsai Workshop, 11/23

Learn basic bonsai techniques to start transforming plants into bonsai. Learn why it is important to have a good soil mix, root-prune, repot, and choose the right angles when repotting. Take this knowledge home and apply it to other plants as well.

In this class we will work on the Dwarf Elephant Bush, an evergreen succulent bonsai.

'Jade' the Dwarf Elephant Bush, a hardy stout grower native to Africa with super low water needs.

I am an evergreen succulent shrub known for my reddish brown stem and variegated cream and green leaves. Keep me in a location that has direct sunlight a few hours a day. A southern or western facing window works well. To water, submerge my pot in water up to the rim for 5-10 minutes and then let me drain thoroughly. Do this about once every 10-14 days, or when my pot feels light. Dry, warm apartments might make me dry out quicker, so check the weight of my pot. Take me outside on nice days in summer for warm summer air.

Symbolism: Jade is a popular good luck charm in Chinese culture, thought to bring in financial energies. This beautiful succulent plant has vibrant green leaves symbolic of growth, renewal and abundance. It's round leaves resemble jade coins which is symbolic of prosperity and wealth. It is a traditional gift for businesses and many business owners place a Jade Plant near the entrance of their restaurants or shops, or in a southeast location to bring prosperity and success. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, Jade Plants are set on top of stock and investment certificates so they will increase in value during the coming year.

This class is for beginners to intermediate.

TOTAL SEATS: 5

Materials Provided: One handmade bonsai planter in small white*, one bonsai tree, soil, decorative rocks, necessary tools for repotting. Other materials on site available for purchase.

*You may opt for a small gray planter on site for an extra $15.

About the instructor/s:

Matthew Puntigam lived and worked in Tokyo for 7 years learning bonsai techniques and garden skills while apprenticing at a garden design and bonsai shop. He opened Dandy Farmer in 2016 to bring the art of bonsai to the NYC community.

Host or Publisher The Bonsai Shop by Dandy Farmer