"About Feng Shui Plant"

The Nageia Nagi in an egg shape pot.

When I worked at the nursery, we sold a lot of Money Trees (Pachira aquatica) and Lucky Bamboo. People would always ask if Money Trees or Lucky bamboo really bring good luck or fortune. I always tell them if you believe so then they will. And I also told them the same fortune comes if you pay attention and treat your surroundings (environment) nicely. You will feel the positive energy flow, and everything will go smoothly and accordingly. We decorate our home with live green plants for a constant fresh and vibrant look. Good Feng Shui is essentially filling your Living place with good positive energy. Buddha's teaches that everything is a reflection of our minds, so everything can be changed by our minds. Chinese always say a good person always dwells at a place of good fortune (good Feng Shui). That means we should have a generous mind toward everyone and everything, and we will always bring own good luck. You do not have to spend a lot of money or energy to chase something not belongs to you.

More! Grow more!

I covered this pot of Nagi with the fire clay on 2/9/2008. Since then the root and stem were cracking the shell of seed and popping out fast.

Those seeds seem more loosing up and active. 2/20/08

Cose up look, there are more stems poping out from the seed. Compared these two pictures with those I took on 2/12/08.

"Joys and Dilemmas"

This picture I took on 2/9/2008. It shows the progress of the Nagi since 2/3/2008.

2/12/2008 Wow, they are growing fast and many of them are already popping out from the fire clay.

A close up look! 2/12/2008

This morning when I wake up, the first thing I did was to check the Nageia Nagi seed. When I saw the stem is popping out from the seed I was so happy. But then I saw some Fungus gnats flying around, and they came out from the soil when I sprayed water. I question myself, should I kill them? Buddha teaches us we should respect and love every being. What can I do to avoid harming them. The Venerable Master Chin Kong told us we can negociate with insects. If they can feel your sincere concern toward them, they will cooperate with you. Maybe I should make some pots as their special treat.

This quote gave me some insight, it is from the book "Path to Peace" by Venerable Shi Wuling.

" all beings fear death.

all beings tremble at violence.

all beings yearn for safty and comfort.

put youself in the place of another

can you then

threaten any being

or harm any being? "

~ Venerable Shi Wuling

The difference between covered and uncovered with clay pebbles

These lovely and healthy Nageia Nagi seeds were just imported from Taiwan, cleared USDA inspection on 1/4/2008. I kept most of the Nagi seeds in the refrigerator and took one third of them and soaked them in water for two days to help germination. I changed the water every day. Some I planted directly into flower pots. Those pots are without drainage holes so I have to spray the water evenly and carefully to prevent overwatering.

There are 30 healthy Nagi seeds in the white rectangle pot (71/4"x31/2"x3").

50 Nagi seeds in a black slab pot (6"x4"x31/2")

72 Nagi seeds in this apple green rectangle pot (9"x51/4"x4")

I planted 100 seeds in this great looking boat shape resin pot.

I planted the Nagi seed in these pots on 1/13/2008. I took these pictures on 2/3/2008.

The pot covered with hydroton clay pebbles grew fast, the roots are already starting to pop out. Hydroton is a porous, hydroponic growing medium made from fired clay. The other three pots, they did not grow at all. Maybe the clay pebbles kept the moisture and heat in, so they were germinating faster? I read that hydroton also helps circulate oxygen.

Since the ones with regular soil did not grow, I am going to try and cover the other three pots with clay pebbles.

Begin My Journal

Ha! Last post I forgot to upload the pictures. This was my first Nageia Nagi mini forest (planted on 2005). Because of how nice these looked, I began to have an interest in plants. I enjoy every moment of watching the seed grow into a little tree.

About two years ago, my brother bought me a Seed Planting Guide and some Nageia Nagi seeds from Taiwan. I followed the guide and planted the seeds. They grew very nicely. From there, I decided to get more seeds from Taiwan directly, so I could make some small forests of bonsai for my friends.

To follow my practice of Buddhism, to love every being and our environment, I am trying to grow my plants without using chemicals and without killing any insects. For the last two years, I have not grown by that way successfully. I lost thousands of nagi seeds. I tried many kinds of soil mix. But it is important that I grow the mini forests this way. And I know I will eventually be successful.

Starting with now, I will take notes, pictures, and share my interest and effort with growing without chemicals and without killing with whoever would like to do something good for our earth.
I'm open to opinions and suggestions on planting techniques here on this blog. Thank you.