My raft style azalea "stump"

[Zac chandanais]

thought I'd share this. I pulled up a 15+ azalea from the yard and tried to divide the 6-8 trunks to make 3-4 trees and this little guy was growing off to the side all by himself and I immediatly thought raft. I'm new to bonsai so Ive never done a raft style before. Any tips or comments are appreciated.

Zac

 

[jk_lewis]

I don't buy it as a raft. I suggest you plan it for a semi cascade, or sharply slated tree. Next repot (2-3 years), plant it a bit more upright . . . but not a lot.

 

[Zac chandanais]

Ok good call. I appreciate the tip. How do you think before I get some branching/foliage? It's was pruned back hard in late winter. It came off of the original plant shown below. (Sorry it was dark )

 

[jk_lewis]

If it lives, it will sprout quite a few new, soft branches. Leave these 100% alone for at least a year -- two if you can stand it. After two years, they will still be tiny and very brittle. Wire them CAREFULLY and don't try any severe bends all at once. Repot in the following year, primarily to avoid damaging/breaking the tiny new branches.

 

[Zac chandanais]

Great thanks!

 

[barrosinc]

as jkl said, I would go semicascade too