Woods, There is an interesting technique when working with new pine seedlings that involves cutting off the first growth of roots entirely. I know this sounds extreme but it is done for a very good reason. This eliminates the taproot and encourages a good radial root system that will be very important for the formation of a good nebari in the future. Check out the link below. I did this for the first time last spring and experienced about 40% mortality in a group of Scots Pines. Pines like full sun and I am not sure about attempting this under the less than ideal growing conditions indoors. I understand the impatience but starting seeds for bonsai indoors just to gain a few months on a decades long project is not really a good move in my opinion. I assume the Dri-Zits is an Oil-Dry/fired clay type product, correct? Have you used it for plants before? I ask because some of these products may not be stable when moistened. Assuming that it is OK I would go with a mix of the Dry-Zits and Perlite. Ditch the other components for pines. Don't forget to sift out the fine dust. This is important especially for the pines which require excellent drainage. If the peat moss is the long fibered type it can be used as a component of your Azalea mix, otherwise ditch it as well. As for pot size I would not go any larger than 2-3 inches. dia. larger sizes would stay wet too long. Don't pot them too shallow in the pot as this only shades the lower trunk and inhibits the formation of lower buds/branches. Give the seedlings as much light as you can manage. Supplemental lighting would help if you want to go to the trouble. Norm Here is a link that might be useful: Pines from seed.

Hi everyone, I'm in southern california and a lot of the nurseries are in trouble. I got a few 1 gallon cycas revolutas recently that I'm offering for trade. Cold hardy, super long lived. Make beautiful specimens in landscape or containers. Check my trade list and email me. Thanks, Genez Here is a link that might be useful: My trade list

XMark, Fabulous collage of some of your big and small plants. I don't think I've seen an A. d. that hadn't branched in flower. And the A. p. - what a crown of leaves for a prince(ss) of an Aloe. I question I beg an answer for, though - where did you get your C. uter? I am willing to cash out my 401K for it, so don't hold back.

I assume you are talking about those poor trees in small pots with glued rocks on them sold as "bonsai"? I despise those things. Infact just last week a bought an adenium(desert rose) that was in that situation. Sometimes, and dont tell the stores, Ill break the glued rocks so at least the poor plants can get some water and air. My guess in combination with lack of sun is that it has some root rot. Its probably in a very moisture retentive soil so I would re-pot into some quick draining mix. Plain miracle grow despite their claims holds water too long unless you add a ton of perlite or something similar. There are many soil recipes in the container forum that can help you out. More experienced palm growers will be along shortly. Mike