panda’s 23-26 little Christmas tree entry

[pandacular]

Picea glauca ‘Conica’ - dwarf Alberta spruce

We had already decided to get a living tree that would be maintained along with my other trees before this contest, but I may as well make an entry for this one. I think it will be an interesting tree to design, as my idea of a Christmas tree is opposed to many of the design characteristics of a bonsai—it is a young, symmetrical, and straight tree. That is the vision plan to aim for this tree, though it certainly could become a bonsai someday. I’m am curious to find out if it will grow out of its role as a Christmas tree.

I trimmed this tree before dressing it. Also cleaned the pot between this picture and taking it inside.

and finally, as a proper Christmas tree.

 

[pandacular]

I bought a pot for this tree today, and in the spirit of Christmas, it’s red!

 

[pandacular]

I repotted this tree today into a mica drum pot. I think the pot pairing is excellent for my Christmas not-a-bonsai, but I’m not satisfied with the angle or centeredness. There were some huge structural roots that limited my options in flattening the root ball. Next repot will be much better!!

 

[Bonsai Forest]

Nice and healthy branching. Super nice material there!

 

[pandacular]

It’s very dense, which I’m hoping enables the tree to have a strong regrowth after going hard at the roots. I’ve noticed that people get aggressive with these on top and bottom and don’t have the best regrowth afterward, so trying to do one at a time.

I potted it in about 50/50 pumice and akadama.