Bonsai with Air Plants

I know that the bonsai purists will gag at this idea, but until my new Schefflera arboricola specimen fills in, Tillandsias seem right at home perched beneath their canopy; like little bromeliads under a banyan tree. Besides, since when did I ever follow the rules? If the goal is to emulate the tree's environment, then the air plants are certainly preferable to the standard issue bare gravel, since you aren't likely to see bare gravel in the rainforest. Now I just need some moss...

I received the bonsai at my doorstep right before we left for our trip, and I didn't recognize the name at the end of the heartfelt card that was included. Eventually I realized that it was from one of my mother's nurses who went above and beyond for her. Now that my mom has passed and I have no one to care for, this bonsai will help me through my 'empty nest syndrome.' Like my mom, it will take on a tortured shape from its circumstances (while staying beautiful, of course), and as a result, it will need a little extra attention. While the gift has given me lots of smiles, I have to admit that my first reaction upon receiving it was to call my mom and tell her all about my gift.

Ahem. Where was I?

Anyways, I was especially thrilled because the Schefflera is an ideal plant for a tropical plant lover like myself to train into a bonsai. I plan on letting it form aerial roots to take on a banyan shape, and then I'll repot it into a larger container. Maybe some moss would look nice too!

While scheffleras make excellent houseplants and survive dim situations, placing it in the bright indirect light of my balcony will result in smaller leaves and more vigorous growth. The leaves will be clipped back once the plant has acclimated to its new home, and I might even completely defoliate and tip prune the plant if it seems healthy enough. That way I can begin planning its shape and training.

Have any of you tried bonsai before?

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