My first corker - Progression

[Srt8madness]

Now that I've got it I'm really happy with the value. Only baseline pics so far, no progress made yet.

The nebari is a bit of a mess (kept in a can too long as a seedling IMO), but frankly I don't think it detracts THAT much. Still looks good to me. The seedlings I'm growing, that's another story.

Like my girlfriend says, it was bigger than it seems in a picture but seriously I am impressed. Bark looks awesome. Lots of branches, included good low branching.

Here are the challenges
1. Picking a front. I don't think the front is currently as presented.
2. Trunk splits in two up top. Removing the older portion would removed vast majority of apex. But there is some severe inverse taper/swelling from a host of branching. Could be fixed but would become a deadwood feature. The younger part would leave a scar too.

 

[Srt8madness]

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[Srt8madness]

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[Scorpius]

I currently have nine different, I believe, corkers in my collection currently. I love em!!!

 

[DanaWhicker]

I think the first pic in the first post is potentially the front. Or maybe rotated a few degrees counterclockwise...

 

[Srt8madness]

I think the first pic in the first post is potentially the front. Or maybe rotated a few degrees counterclockwise...

Im leaning towards that, which is exact opposite of how seller had it positioned. Only problem is there is a branch that comes straight out at you. I think the true front might have to be repositioned when repotted (likely '24 or '25)

 

[DanaWhicker]

Im leaning towards that, which is exact opposite of how seller had it positioned. Only problem is there is a branch that comes straight out at you. I think the true front might have to be repositioned when repotted (likely '24 or '25)

If I made that the front, I was thinking remove that branch. It's a bit hard to advise via a 2D pic, but you provided plenty of them and I do see the branch you are referring to. There are some taper issues with the trunk as well but that can be worked on over time.

 

[tangledtanuki]

How long have you been growing them?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

This branch stands out as one to remove. It’s too heavy for its height on the tree. Any idea on the cultivar?

 

[Srt8madness]

This branch stands out as one to remove. It’s too heavy for its height on the tree. Any idea on the cultivar?
View attachment 455244

Something Nishiki related, from Brussels current selection. I say related because it seems Nishikimatsu just means cork bark?https://bonsai.shikoku-np.co.jp/en/...menishiki-easy-to-grow-without-much-care.html
If thats the case I'll never know.

Agreed about that branches thickness, it's basically been grown like a second apex. That made me wonder if it should become the new apex given the whorl swelling issue at the top of the main trunk (pics in post 2). Could I just reduce that whorl down over time?

 

[AcerAddict]

Something Nishiki related, from Brussels current selection.

I was gonna ask if this was the one you bought from Brussel's during their Labor Day 20% off sale. Looks like it has some good potential.

 

[Srt8madness]

Definitely is, and better than I expected. I can see the thought that went into growing this. There is a long branch going left (post #2 pic 1) that initially I found odd. Then I realized that when the branch BVF suggested is removed, the long branch will take care of that negative space, and can be carefully pruned for back buds as and ramification.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Nishiki-matsu is just the generic term for corkbark black pine.

 

[Srt8madness]

That's what I figured. So no dice on anything more specific