BONSAI SUCCULENTS

Pachyforms as bonsai

Because they develop individual character, pachyform plants have led to the emergence of a new horticultural art called ‘Bonsai Succulents’. The proportional relationship of plant body/trunk to branches of pachyforms naturally gives the impression of an older plant.

Easier care than traditional bonsai

One of the great advantages of pachyforms as bonsai is that they are generally hardier, easier to care for, and unlikely to die should one forget to water them (the main cause of death of the hundreds of temperate bonsai trees sold to first time owners).

Opportunity for unique bonsai styles

Pachyform trees, because of their thick trunks, quickly develop the natural look of an older bonsai tree. Because the growth pattern of pachyforms is not the same as that of many of the species used in traditional bonsai, the standards with these species are more informal and with different training templates than those used in traditional bonsai.

The Art of Cooking

SMOLA

A New Form of Horticultural Art

The late Rudy Lime, one of the founders of the practice along with Larry Grammer and others, has suggested the term SMOLA (Succulents as a Medium of Living Art) to define the training and display of these plants in select pots. Anyone who has been to cactus and succulent shows in southern California has seen examples of SMOLA, which besides pruning and training includes a focus on presentation with carefully selected pots, rocks, sands, and gravels.

A New Form of Horticultural Art

Anyone who has been to cactus and succulent shows in southern California has seen examples of SMOLA, which besides pruning and training includes a focus on presentation with carefully selected pots, rocks, sands, and gravels.