Hedera Helix--Ivy

fredtruck

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I got this hedera helix as a standard greenhouse starter, in 2001 in March.

ul ivy.jpg

I cut back the growth several times a year, when it seems to be getting out of hand. It started out as a triple trunk tree, but one trunk died early on. It now has a very thick trunk that has tremendous taper. It also is developing some nice movement.
 

Jester217300

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That's awesome, Fred, I love it. Has the trunk thickened much in your care? Or is it close to the same size as when you bought it?
 

fredtruck

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The trunk was about .25" when I started this project, and that was with 3 trunks. They were just strings. The trick is to take an ivy bonsai seriously enough to get it past the first few years.
 

Nybonsai12

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Wow, bet most wouldn't have the foresight for this! really interesting tree. You've obviously brought out the best in the material since 2001, nice work as always from you
 

GrimLore

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Who would have ever :) That is truly unique! Now I have to avoid looking at it when the Wife is around :p Nice one!

Grimmy
 

fredtruck

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The trunk has continued to develop on this ivy bonsai, but now some of the branches have become comparatively heavy. I repotted this bonsai this morning, and used this Korean mirror-shaped pot my son gave me about 10 years ago. I think the pot is a good match for the ivy.

ul ivy 3-20-16_Panorama1.jpg
 

coppice

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I talk these up. Too few take the time to keep them in shape. Nice tree.
 

Zach Smith

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The trunk has continued to develop on this ivy bonsai, but now some of the branches have become comparatively heavy. I repotted this bonsai this morning, and used this Korean mirror-shaped pot my son gave me about 10 years ago. I think the pot is a good match for the ivy.
Very nice work, Fred!
 

mcpesq817

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That's a really great tree Fred, wow. Do you mind me asking how tall it is? I think this is the ivy i have growing wild in my neighbors' yards which ends up growing in mine. I complain about them, but I might have to start some myself. Of all things, they also had porcelain berry vines, of which I dug up 4 last summer.
 

rockm

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"English Ivy" is an invasive pest in these parts. It is almost as bad as Japanese honeysuckle. I've been looking for one with a nice trunk like Fred's tree has. Not that easy to find one with any character or substance, like this one. Good job!
 

Flounder61

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Fredtruck: So you started w/a thin ivy, and you just keep cutting back the growth? I have 2 going.....any tips?????
 

fredtruck

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Well...I didn't start out with a specific plan. I just assessed the tree as it went along, and worked with what I had at the time. That was possible because I grew the tree from 3 cuttings that fused. It would have been different if I had begun with a giant ivy plant which I then cut back.
 
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