Beware the mallsai

From BonsaiWIKI

Many trees described as "imported bonsai" are in reality simply rooted cuttings potted in plastic containers decorated with glued on stones and a ceramic fisherman figurine.

Because we usually find these plants in a discount centers or malls, we affectionately call such atrocities "Mallsai".

This is actually one of the better ones in terms of health and potential for survival. The plant is a two-year rooted cutting in a ceramic container the exact size of a 2" liner pot, making it easy for the grower to transfer the rooted cuttings to their final container for shipment.

A flotilla of mass-produced mallsai in the garden center, priced to move at $6.99. Many mallsai perish within a few weeks due to a combination of factors plaguing a new hobbyist. Juniper is a popular mallsai plant because it is hardy and will remain green for several weeks after its roots die.

DEFYING GRAVITY: One characteristic of mallsai is that the gravel is glued in place on the soil surface. This keeps the planting intact during shipping, but it also restricts the air-to-soil interface.

Mallsai - the PROs and CONs

Mallsai have had a mixed effect on the general public: On one hand they provide accessibility and inexpensive exposure to growing trees in containers. On the other hand, the proliferation of mallsai has led to a negative impression of the bonsai art, and these throwaway ornaments, intended to be enjoyed for a few weeks, give true bonsai a bad name.

We shouldn't disparage mallsai too much. Many a bonsai enthusiast became exposed to bonsai through these mass-produced products. But trying to grow a mallsai can be a discouraging and frustrating experience! The cards are stacked against the Mallsai owner: the plants may be a lush, verdant green, but such trees are acclimated to high humidity environments and dependent on very regular watering. Small containers are used because they are inexpensive and easy to ship. Taken from the greenhouse and subjected to less-than-perfect conditions, the trees may become hopelessly stressed and die within just a few weeks. Like cut Christmas trees, many of these plants will remain green for weeks after the plant's death.

Once friends and family learn that you are "a bonsai person" they will begin offering you mallsai in various throes of death. We have a collection of several.

SAVING A MALLSAI

The following suggestions are intended to improve your chances should you become owner of one of these items as a gift. You will develop an instinct for a plant's health over time.

1. Immediately remove the glued-on rocks and decorations from the surface of the soil. It may be necessary to scrape or peel the stubborn glue away. This glued-on mess will make watering difficult and prevent the exchange of air with the soil.
2. Ease the tree out of the pot to inspect the root ball. If it is difficult to remove, then skip this step.
3. Smell the soil. If it is putrid or bone dry, some emergency steps are in order:
4. Immerse the tree in water for several hours. Generally 15 minutes is adequate to completely saturate the rootball, however without knowing the history of the tree, we must assume that this is a rescue operation.
5. Immediately prune away at least one half of the foliage. Use a sharp pair of scissors to prune away twigs, not individual bits of foliage. Most Mallsai are hopelessly underpotted and will have already overgrown their containers by the time they are sold.
6. Once the tree becomes dormant, repot it in Fall or Early Spring.
7. Learn more about the particular species of tree you have acquired. 90% of these trees are evergreen, Chinese Juniper of some type, which should be grown outdoors. The balance are a mix of tropical and subtropical trees, which can be grown indoors with some success.