Need styling help with possible literati.

[RockyJon]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum so forgive me for my blunders putting this post up.
I'm also new to bonsai. New, I mean I have been doing it for about 10 months now.
I have been trolling through Bonsai Nut for the past few weeks and enjoying the ton of knowledge in here.

I currently have about 26 trees in various stages, including this one..... A JBP which I bought in its current state about 6 months ago. I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with it.
I bought it with a view to develop a literati, but I'm undecided....

Also, I'm not sure what to do around the base of the tree.... I thought I could repot it in a nice round pot and hide the base in soil....

I'm open to your thoughts and feedback as to which direction I should go...

Regards
Rocky J

 

[just.wing.it]

Is that a graft?
Can you get a better pick of the base, more light, maybe something next to it for size reference....?

 

[RockyJon]

Hi Just-Wire-It,
Thanks for the reply....
It's night time here in the Southern Hemisphere ATM, I'll take some better shots tomorrow.

I'm not sure of the history, so not sure if it was a grafts.
I thought it might have been left in a small pot and the roots had fused around the base.
About 3 weeks ago, I did tidy up and cut some of the uglier roots that were wrapped around the base.

Cheers

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy Rocky Jon....

I was wondering why I was singing .....

As I went for another cup of coffee...
Then I remembered!

I'm with a literati, as it may be it's only salvation.

I'd Probly cut the upward growing branch off in time...

And pull a Dav4 on the other growth....dropping it down, and making it purty.

Odd.....but nice!

Sorce

 

[RockyJon]

I just found this photo I took a few months ago, I'll take more tomorrow, but it shows you the base the way it was when I bought it.

Cheers

 

[just.wing.it]

I just found this photo I took a few months ago, I'll take more tomorrow, but it shows you the base the way it was when I bought it.

Cheers

Wow, yeah I see what you're saying now.
Don't know if you can straighten those roots out, probably fused like you say.
I wouldn't worry about the base too much at this point. It may grow into its own, and in time, might look really cool.
I'd just worry about keeping the tree healthy and happy until you have more branching to work with.
Looks like it'll be really nice some day.
I'm a sucker for bunjin/literati.
Also, I don't know exactly when is a good time to repot this type of pine, but your soil looks a little too water retentive.

 

[just.wing.it]

On second look at the branching you already have.... I'd wire it up this Autumn, and just place some primary branches.
Then build more smaller branching from there.
It's off to a good start as is, I say.

 

[RockyJon]

Thanks JWI, I appreciate the feedback.
I surpose the soil is looking saturated because we have just had 4 days of none stop rain.
Its mid winter here at the moment, so I'm not too sure what I can do with this wee fella!
I've heard of a good book on pines which I need to get.

 

[Vance Wood]

There is a lot of work associated with this tree, the base is the major problem. Eventually you are going to have to deal with it and open it up or layer it above the existing roots. If you try to do either one now not knowing what you are doing you are likely to lose the tree. If you wait a few years by the time you feel confidence in doing either.

As to the Literati style? If it were mine and I had to make a Bunjin of the tree I see only one good solution and it is as follows. Take the first branch on the left and trun it into a falling branch that can have side branches designes off of it. Take the second branch on the left and wire it down and ove to the right. Then allow and encourage more branching on this one branch and establish a subtle triangle shape. Everything about that branch should be jinned

 

[RockyJon]

Thanks Vance, I see your vision and appreciate your feedback.

Here's another shot of the base.