Wilson
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I love the bark on these! Keep up the good work!
Arakawa Maple
- Thread starter Mellow Mullet
- Start date
Mellow Mullet
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I did, I already have some that have taken from the first trimming
Mellow Mullet
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Update:
This one really exploded this year, I think it was due to the really cold winter, I have noticed that I get better growth after a brutal (for here) winter vs. a warm one. I think they get better rest. I worked on thinning it out and wiring the branches, I only got the bottom half done, need to get the top on my next off days. Thanks to all who offered me advice on this tree, I think it is starting to shape up some.
Before:
After, I know it doesn't look like I did much, but almost every branch on the lower portion is wired, minus the two that I broke, arakawa seems to be more brittle than the rest.
This one really exploded this year, I think it was due to the really cold winter, I have noticed that I get better growth after a brutal (for here) winter vs. a warm one. I think they get better rest. I worked on thinning it out and wiring the branches, I only got the bottom half done, need to get the top on my next off days. Thanks to all who offered me advice on this tree, I think it is starting to shape up some.
Before:
After, I know it doesn't look like I did much, but almost every branch on the lower portion is wired, minus the two that I broke, arakawa seems to be more brittle than the rest.
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Shaping up nicely MM. That base is nice too! LOVE me some arakawa!!
Mellow Mullet
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Thanks, M5, I do, too. There is a lot more of that base under there, I hope to expose more of it at the next repotting and get it in a shallower pot. I managed to root some cuttings from it so I hope to grow a couple more.
Do you see anything that I need to do or could do better?
John
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Next time I would go for the shallower glazed pot. I assume you left some of the longer shoots untrimmed for further branch development?
Mellow Mullet
Masterpiece
Yes, I just trimmed out the ones that I felt weren't needed and wired the rest, or, at least the bottom half, I will tackle the top on Monday. I also cut every other leaf off on each branch on the inside to make it easier to wire. Hopefully they will be set by the end of May and I will unwire (I always hate doing that) and cut them back and hopefully get a second flush of growth to wire. Sound good?
Mellow Mullet
Masterpiece
I am also on the hunt for a pot, it will have to be pretty big (so expensive) so I am trying to find the right one so it will be a one time purchase. The one that it is in is what I had on hand at the time.
Mellow Mullet
Masterpiece
Finished wiring this one out today. Once the branches set, I will cut it back and hopefully get a second flush to wire again.
AndyJ
Shohin
Hi John. Hoping to get a few cuttings from my Arakawa this year. Please can you pass on any tips as to what you did? Length of cuttings, timing, pitting mix etc.
Many thanks,
Andy
Mellow Mullet
Masterpiece
Andy,
I really didn't do anything really out of the way to root these. I have several large pots filled with used Bonsai soil mixed with potting soil that I stick stuff that I trim off in. The lengthy is usually just whatever it is when I cut it off.
Typically, the "right" way to do it is to cut them to two - three nodes. Remove all the leaves but two at the top and trim the bottom right at the node and dust with rooting hormone, then stick them in the dirt. You could tent them if you like.
AndyJ
Shohin
Thanks Mello - I'll give it a go this year
thumblessprimate1
Masterpiece
Yo tambien
0soyoung
Imperial Masterpiece
Moi aussi
Mellow Mullet
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watashi mo
Mellow Mullet
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I just trimmed this one one up and added a few wires to get it ready for Spring, which looks like it will arrive in February this year. It still needs a little more wiring, but I am gonna wait to see what kind of growth new growth that I get before I do it. I have already has to repot a couple of elms and some crab apples that have started growing. I hope to repot this one too.
Before
Starting to get some decent branching
After
I am sorry for the poor photography, it was raining outside and I brought this one in to work on it. The lighting was not all that great for photography.
Before
Starting to get some decent branching
After
I am sorry for the poor photography, it was raining outside and I brought this one in to work on it. The lighting was not all that great for photography.
dirk hoorelbeke
Omono
Coming along nicely
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
I agree is coming along nicely @Mellow Mullet! One reminder is to not go too aggressively with its apex. Arakawa tends to develop weak apexes as they age. If I leaf prune mine or perform partial defoliation, I will not touch the apex too much. Proceed with caution!
Mellow Mullet
Masterpiece
Thanks, M5, I will keep that in mind. I am currently trying to develop the apex. I wish you lived closer...
Brian Van Fleet
Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy
This tree has a nice shape and trunk line, and maybe it’s just in the photos but the double apex stops the eye, and if one was gone, the other line would improve taper and change the movement dramatically, but potentially in a good way...?
