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Lime Sulfur

Picture
By Janet M. Palmer

Warning: Lime sulfur corrosive and must be handled carefully. If splashed into eyes or swallowed seek medical attention immediately. It is recommended you wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles for protection. Read the entire product label before using lime sulfur.

What is Lime Sulfur?
Lime sulfur is a foul smelling liquid that when applied to the deadwood of a bonsai tree produces a distinctive bleaching effect to the deadwood. This bleaching effect is not permanent as lime sulfur exposed to oxygen causes the wood to oxidize back to its natural color so it is recommended to reapply annually. 
Lime sulfur was originally produced to kill insects, bacteria, and fungi on trees.

How to use Lime Sulfur
It is best to work outside (unpleasant odor) and cover your work surface as lime sulfur will stain anything it comes in contact with. Have an absorbent cloth on hand for spills of excess lime sulfur on the wood. 
  1. First clean and prepare the deadwood.
  2. The area to be treated should be dampened with water. If lime sulfur is painted on to dry wood, it tends run of the wood instead of being absorbed by the wood. By insuring the wood is damp but not wet, the lime sulfur better penetrates the deadwood (also the moisture is necessary to achieve the desired bleaching effect of the wood). However, excess water on surrounding areas can cause the lime sulfur to rundown the wood and bleach areas not intended to be bleached. 
  3. Pour a small amount of lime sulfur in a dish. Do not apply directly from bottle as it will spoil the mixture. 
  4. Use a paint brush to apply lime sulfur. Match size of brush to size of deadwood to be treated. Do not overload your brush with lime sulfur.  It is better to apply several thin coats over a period of hours as a thick coat will cause yellowing. Begin at the highest point of the dead wood. Do not allow lime sulfur to spill into the leaves, bark, or the soil. If there is spillage in surrounding areas, flush with water immediately.  ​
The warmer the weather the sooner the bleaching effect takes place. Do not allow rain or irrigation to wash off treated area. It is suggested that you allow the wood to dry in a protected area for 24 hours away from wind and sun. After drying, return the tree to its usual location.

Picture
Coloring Lime Sulfur
A stark white finish is not always desirable for all species of trees. Lime sulphur can be tinted with a water-based black ink to produce a more in depth effect to the tree. ​

Updated: February 10, 2021
All images © 2010-2021.
All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Activities
    • Next Meeting
    • 2020 Schedule
    • Show
  • Education
    • About SDBC Education
    • Beginner's Classes
    • Beginner's Class Schedule
    • Workshops & Skills Classes
    • Private Lessons
    • Just for Fun
  • Resources
    • Evaluation Card
    • Newsletter
    • Photos >
      • 2020 Winter Silhouettes
      • 2018 Fall Show
      • 2018 SD County Fair
      • Spring 2018 Show
      • 2018 Cal Shohin Seminar
      • GSBF Convention #40
      • 2017 Fall Show
      • 2017 Spring Show
      • 2016 Fall Show
      • 2016 Nisei Week Trip
      • 2016 Spring Show
      • 2016 Bonsai-A-Thon
      • 2016 Winter Silhouettes
      • 2015 Fall Show Photos
      • 2015 Nisei Week Trip
      • Bonsai Stolen from San Gabriel Nursery
      • 2015 Spring Show
      • 2015 Bonsai-A-Thon
      • 2014 Fall Show
      • 2014 Nisei Week Trip
      • 2014 July Bus Trip
      • 2014 Spring Show
      • 2014 Bonsai-A-Thon
      • 2014 Winter Silhouettes
      • 2013 Fall Show
      • 2013 Spring Show
    • By-Laws
    • Club Library >
      • Books >
        • Show Books
      • DVDs
      • Periodicals
      • Beginner Recommendations
    • Vendors
    • Safari Park Bonsai Pavilion >
      • Bonsai Pavilion Trees
      • Pavilion Volunteer Workday 2014-11-01
      • Pavilion Volunteer Workday 2014-10-18
      • Pavilion Volunteer Workday 2014-06-07
    • Articles >
      • Lime Sulfur
      • Bougainvillea Bonsai
      • Soil: It's What Goes in the Pot
      • 'Lyn's Bonsai Soil Mix
      • Back-Budding
      • REBS 2014 Show
      • 2014 Boxwood Dig
      • Club History
      • Club Logo
      • First Show May 1966
    • Remembering... >
      • Remembering Marty Mann
      • Remembering Ko Tsushima
      • Remembering Harry Hirao
      • Remembering Bob Meyer
      • Remembering Big Dave Rochester
    • Video >
      • 2019-2021 Videos
      • 2015-2018 Videos
      • Video
      • More Video
    • Past Presidents
    • Stolen Bonsai
  • Membership
    • Membership Form
    • Membership Benefits
    • Volunteer
  • Study Groups
    • Shohin Study Group
    • All About Bonsai Study Group
    • Ficus Study Group
    • Oak Study Group
  • About
  • Contact