I have a butterfly maple probably 2 yrs old and I was wandering if I could use a root over rock.

rhawes

Shohin
Messages
262
Reaction score
84
Location
Lancaster, PA
USDA Zone
7a
I was just wandering if this was done with maple or not. I think it would look really cool on my butterfly maple.
 

leatherback

The Treedeemer
Messages
13,937
Reaction score
26,880
Location
Northern Germany
USDA Zone
7
Yes. Root over rock maples can look very good. Mostly trident maples are used because they melt into the rock. But other maples can work well too.
 

Shibui

Imperial Masterpiece
Messages
7,545
Reaction score
15,222
Location
Yackandandah, Australia
USDA Zone
9?
The problem at 2 years old is the roots may be too stiff to really follow the contours of the rock. ROR looks best when there are no gaps between rock and root and that is difficult to get with older roots.
As mentioned, Trident has faster growing roots so much better. JM can work but is best with a lower rock and will take years for the roots to grow well and hold the rock well.

I find 'butterfly' is less tolerant of dry than most other Japanese maples. Any bonsai with rock in the pot dries out quicker than normal pots so be prepared to water more or put up with burnt leaves in summer.
 
Top Bottom