Can I put a Bougainville over a rock

I S A A C · May 15, 2018

I know I could do it but I was curious if it was a good idea, all the reaserch I've done says use pines and hardy growing trees but Bougainvilles are so pretty and I love the look of bonsais on rocks so just wanted to ask the experts.

Vin · May 15, 2018

Back in the 60's there was a saying: "If it feels good, do it". For me, I use a variation of that saying in bonsai: "If it looks good, do it". That's my two cents..

GrimLore · May 15, 2018

I S A A C said:
I know I could do it but I was curious if it was a good idea, all the reaserch I've done says use pines and hardy growing trees but Bougainvilles are so pretty and I love the look of bonsais on rocks so just wanted to ask the experts.

Tricky question

The answer is yes BUT the way I see the root systems on them here it would seem to me a task taking 7 - 10 years if all goes optimal.

Now if starting with a trunk of 2 - 3 inches left to grow to that size it would be easier. The few larger roots could be bound to the rock along with the mass amount of fines right from the start.

That being the case the fines would need to be trained in such a fashion to flourish below the surface of the substrate while very slowly removing them from the rock leaving the rock covered with several larger roots. They would then become an above ground transport system for the fines which are essential.

There is more of course but hey if you have a few there is no harm trying in a tube or similar for starters

Keep in mind along the way they do best root bound and well draining.

Grimmy

Cadillactaste · May 15, 2018

Depends on the roots...mature roots would be harder to look natural. Usually is done with young roots so it can mature to grip the rock. A long term project. But can be done.

A photo of the tree your considering doing a ROR project with?

GrimLore · May 15, 2018

Cadillactaste said:
Depends on the roots...

They don't have a lot of heavy root so one must work it as I said for best results, training the fine ones to below the base - they are nothing like Azalea and other plants for that reason. Cool plants though!

Grimmy

Cadillactaste · May 15, 2018

@GrimLore ...I guess I am remembering this bougainvillea I used to have. Look at those roots. This is what I am envisioning...they may have. Could be wrong. Jim Lewis taught me a lot with this tree. Taught me...not all roots are desirable...some are just a hot mess.

GrimLore · May 16, 2018

Cadillactaste said:
Look at those roots.

Yes... Very few large ones that are needed, common for the plant type. Only the fines underneath and at the surface keep the plant alive. So to train one over rock, tedious at best. Unless wrapped it would be next to impossible to have fines which would dry on the rock itself - it all happens under the surface

Grimmy

Cadillactaste · May 16, 2018

GrimLore said:
Yes... Very few large ones that are needed, common for the plant type. Only the fines underneath and at the surface keep the plant alive. So to train one over rock, tedious at best. Unless wrapped it would be next to impossible to have fines which would dry on the rock itself - it all happens under the surface

Grimmy

It's a shame I don't have the photo of the rock I worked under those roots. Looked so fake...I removed the rock and deleted the photo.

I am just pointing out...this could have been one ugly ROR. And healthy roots left in the soil. Thus my comment. We have no idea what the poster tree looks like. But the roots on this one...can be found on EBay...at least a few years ago when searching...they were very common. I have not looked for them since my winter disaster a few years back. Focusing on just keeping the nicer cascade I have. Larry won't leave the lower grow shelf alone. Uses it as a sunning spot for his big old head. So no room to winter one.

It would take a long term project to grow roots this size...shown as the hot mess. Honestly...not worth the effort when other trees have far quicker root growth.

Leo in N E Illinois · May 16, 2018

Key is the quality of the rock, make sure it is not too small, bigger often is better. It needs to suggest a rock outcrop with it's shape and color. It should not be too gaudy, nor too boring. It should create a believable image.

Picking the right rock is as difficult as picking a perfect pot for exhibition, maybe more difficult, as you never change rocks once the tree and rock are fused together.

Cadillactaste · May 16, 2018

Leo in N E Illinois said:
Key is the quality of the rock, make sure it is not too small, bigger often is better. It needs to suggest a rock outcrop with it's shape and color. It should not be too gaudy, nor too boring. It should create a believable image.

Picking the right rock is as difficult as picking a perfect pot for exhibition, maybe more difficult, as you never change rocks once the tree and rock are fused together.

Mine was boring as all get out...good point there!

I S A A C · May 17, 2018

So I can plant over a rock, as long as it’s a good rock and I will hopefully post pictures of the Bougainville an another question may sound dumb but I was wondering how would I bonsai it given all the parts hard enough to bonsai don’t have leaves and I’m worried if I cut off the leaves it would surely die or am I wrong side note the pot came with two Bougainvilles any thought on what I should do with the other one?

Cadillactaste · May 17, 2018

Please post a photo...currently we have no idea if the information can be used for your tree. Each tree is destined to it's own path.

JosephCooper · May 17, 2018

Yes, bouganvillea probably can be put on a rock without much problem. Just make sure when you put the tree on a rock, bury most of the rock in a larger pot to protect the delicate roots you will need.

I S A A C said:
I’m worried if I cut off the leaves it would surely die

Bouganvillea are really tough, you can take off every last leaf and it will come back.

Cadillactaste · May 17, 2018

JosephCooper said:
Yes, bouganvillea probably can be put on a rock without much problem. Just make sure when you put the tree on a rock, bury most of the rock in a larger pot to protect the delicate roots you will need.

Bouganvillea are really tough, you can take off every last leaf and it will come back.

Yes, if it's strong and healthy.

I S A A C · May 19, 2018

I’m going to keep the Bougainville alive but my grandfather (who’s been doing bonsai for along time) said you have to train it and a whole bunch of other stuff and I’m very curious about it if y’all have heard about “training” a Bougainville I need pointers and I’m very confused about shaping it I’ll post pics in my next post, but I also don’t even have a rock yet.

Cadillactaste · May 19, 2018

I would imagine picking your grandfather for understanding would be more rewarding. He can show you...compare your tree to his more finished trees.

But here is my bougainvillea as I purchased it. And where it is currently.

Establishing a canopy could be considered training.

I S A A C · May 21, 2018

Cadillactaste said:
I would imagine picking your grandfather for understanding would be more rewarding. He can show you...compare your tree to his more finished trees.

But here is my bougainvillea as I purchased it. And where it is currently.
View attachment 192900

Establishing a canopy could be considered training.

View attachment 192901

that's one heck of a trunk! I couldn't even imagine mine looking like that how did you get the trunk to grow like that and get so thick I'll hopefully add pics soon but the wasps are always crowding that area.

bonsaichile · May 21, 2018

I S A A C said:
I’m going to keep the Bougainville alive but my grandfather (who’s been doing bonsai for along time) said you have to train it and a whole bunch of other stuff and I’m very curious about it if y’all have heard about “training” a Bougainville I need pointers and I’m very confused about shaping it I’ll post pics in my next post, but I also don’t even have a rock yet.

Why dont you ask your grandfather for help? The best way of learning is not in an online forum, but with a teacher

Cadillactaste · May 21, 2018

I S A A C said:
that's one heck of a trunk! I couldn't even imagine mine looking like that how did you get the trunk to grow like that and get so thick I'll hopefully add pics soon but the wasps are always crowding that area.

Thanks!
I believe this one grew this way. I only developed the canopy. Possibly a root cutting grown out. That's my take on it. I had a few tell me to pass on the ugly duckling. Lol but an angle change and grown out. I never regretted the purchase.

They all have to start somewhere. I would ask your grandfather for direction. Maybe he's hoping for that commaderae.

I S A A C · May 21, 2018

I've asked and he said "it's a long and tedious process to train a Bougainville " but I'll send him a pic and ask about direction given mine doesn't or at least I can't see anything but when I get home I'll post a pic or two of my Bougainvilles.

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