What plants are suitable for decorating shale stone (absorbent rock) bonsai? Variety recommendations

Because shale stone is porous and brittle, it is highly malleable and can be shaped into all kinds of forms. And because it absorbs water strongly, plants can be grown on it, so shale stone can be used to make all kinds of bonsai. Shale stone is often a favorite of bonsai enthusiasts, so which plants are suitable for decorating shale stone bonsai?

Maidenhair fern

Maidenhair fern is evergreen all year round, with slender, glossy black stems and light green fronds that are thin and delicate, giving the whole plant a graceful, elegant look.

Selaginella uncinata (peacock moss)

Selaginella uncinata can root anywhere, with very thin stems and many branches. Its leaves are fine and dense with a sapphire-like sheen, and its stems and branches creep along the ground, giving a soft, graceful feel.

Sagina japonica (pearlwort)

The stems of Sagina japonica mostly grow in clusters, spreading slightly, and its leaves are opposite and linear, giving it an extremely beautiful overall shape. In spring it also blooms small white flowers that are especially lovely.

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (lawn pennywort)

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides has an umbrella-like form and very strong coverage ability, forming a dense patch in a very short time. It is evergreen all year round, and its stems and vines have a trailing, cascading feel. It also gives off a fragrance, so using it to decorate a shale stone bonsai has a distinctive charm.

Clover

Everyone is familiar with clover. Its emerald green leaves are small and exquisite, and its stems are especially soft, so it can cling to shale stone. When the flowering season comes, small white, yellow and red flowers add accents, making it very picturesque.

Acorus gramineus (stone sweet flag)

Its shape is similar to grass leaves, and its flower stalks are green. Planted on shale stone, it gives people a feeling of thriving prosperity and vitality.

Saxifraga stolonifera (strawberry begonia)

Saxifraga stolonifera is an evergreen herbaceous plant that can creep and grow over soil and rocks. Its leaves are umbrella-shaped and emerald green, growing in clusters that look very lively.

Sedum sarmentosum (stringy stonecrop)

Sedum sarmentosum is a grass that grows among rocks on hillsides and has no strict requirements for its living environment, making it extremely easy to keep alive. Its leaves are relatively thick and opposite, looking very cute, and its stems and leaves are also soft, so they can hang down naturally, giving a lovely cascading beauty.

Besides herbaceous plants, woody plants are also often used to decorate shale stone bonsai.

Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum)

Sageretia thea is a common material for bonsai and is known as one of the "Seven Sages" of bonsai. It can also survive among rocks and has a peculiar tree form, giving an antique, elegant beauty when paired with shale stone.

Serissa japonica (snow rose)

Serissa japonica is relatively short and evergreen all year round. In June it blooms small white flowers that look elegant and lovely, with a beauty much like being wrapped in silver.

Pinus parviflora (five-needle pine)

Pinus parviflora is a superior plant for making bonsai. It is relatively short, grows slowly and stays evergreen all year round. Its needles are short and grow in clusters, and its branches are dense, giving it a beautiful and moving overall form.

Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki (small-leaved Buddhist pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki is also relatively short and suitable for use in shale stone bonsai. Its leaves are short and very dense, and its trunk is vigorous and sturdy, with an ancient, rugged beauty.

In addition, elm, banyan, azalea, Ilex cornuta (Chinese holly) and Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper) can all be used to make shale stone bonsai.