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White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

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White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk was created by Joshuaarkirk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30590
My bonsai has begun to develop some white stuff on the base of its trunk, it can be scraped off and also exist somewhat on the surrounding soil. It lives inside as I have nowhere to put it outside. It is also watered with tap water. Hopefully you can get a better understand of it from the attached photos. I was wondering whether this white stuff is an issue and what is causing it?
Thanks in anticipation,
Josh

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Replied by Bonsai Bender on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30591
2 Questions:
1) Have you been fertilizing a lot recently?

2) Do you have Hard Water in your area?
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Replied by Joshuaarkirk on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30592
1. I would say I fertilise every 10 days approximately.
2. It is rather hard, although sometimes I water it through my water bottle which has a filter in.

I am still very new to owning a bonsai so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Replied by Bonsai Bender on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30598
It's most likely mineral deposits from your hard water.
I would brush the trunk and nebari with a soft toothbrush and a mix of 50/50 water/white vinegar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it off by watering the tree.
Do not use this method on the leaves.
Also, it will return if you continue using you hard water.
Last Edit:7 years 1 month ago by Bonsai Bender
Last edit: 7 years 1 month ago by Bonsai Bender.

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Replied by Joshuaarkirk on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30603
Great, thanks. I will try that today.
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Replied by Bonsai Bender on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30607
Let me know how it goes for you (with some Photo's). I like it when people follow up with their progress. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.
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Replied by Bonsai Bender on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30608
I also wanted to add that you need not to worry about the pH level due to the acidic nature of vinegar. Since you have a Chinese Plum and they like soil on the side of acidic (pH 5.5).
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Replied by Joshuaarkirk on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30616
Thanks, I will post photos tomorrow for you as I can't get white vinegar till then
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Replied by Joshuaarkirk on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 1 month ago #30665
Voila! Thanks very much. Do you know of any good guides to learn how best to trim a bonsai also? My bonsai is getting a lot of deadwood and I'd rather have some new shoots.
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Replied by Bonsai Bender on topic White stuff on base on my Chinese plums trunk

Posted 7 years 3 weeks ago #30850
Sorry for the late reply. I read your post while waiting then completely forgot about it until today.
Here is a good guide:
www.bonsaitoolchest.com/v/vspfiles/cares...inese-sweet-plum.pdf
They back bud really well but don't hard prune it (taking off all the leaves)
Clip and grow should be your method of styling. If you feel the need to wire some branches do so in Fall making sure the wire is removed before spring.
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