Pacific Madrone is one of those plants that has a bad reputation for transplanting and root work. I simply don’t see them used in bonsai yet. While they are a different genus, (Arbutus) than Manzanita, (Arctostaphylos), in a number of ways they share similar traits. I wanted to see if some of the techniques I’ve had success with on Manzanita would work with Madrone. I like to start with small nursery material. Younger well started plants seem more able to deal with the stress and I’m not out of much if things don’t work. I acquired this Madrone in a 1gallon pot. Note the warning at the top of the label in caps. Guess I know what I’m getting into!
Slipped out of the pot to see root ball. I successfully barefooted some Manzanita last fall. But started a little earlier. Some of the new root growth here is 3-4” long. Note how the roots are almost transparent like Manzanita’s are. Very fragile.
Barerooting started. The soil used was a fine fir bark, sawdust mix. This is breaking down quickly. It will create the soggy, anaerobic conditions that typically doom these plants if they remain in it. I’ll be removing as much of this nursery mix as possible.
The tree fully barefooted. I use a chopstick to poke and gently vibrate the soil out. This is what I do with Manzanitas successfully. It is slow, delicate work. I avoid pulling and tearing roots as much as possible. The result is a pretty intact root system with little roots in the soil removed.
Repotting in a pond basket. I’m using my regular mix I use for pines with this one. I use the chopstick to gently vibrate soil thru the root mass. I’m fine with roots coming up through the soil as I fill as there is less chance of matting. I simply cover them with more soil and continue the chop sticking.
Finished. This one will spend winter in the greenhouse. I’m optimistic but will know better by mid spring next year if I passed or failed. I kept the nursery tag on as a reminder of accepted opinion of the risk. I plan to update this thread next year.
Slipped out of the pot to see root ball. I successfully barefooted some Manzanita last fall. But started a little earlier. Some of the new root growth here is 3-4” long. Note how the roots are almost transparent like Manzanita’s are. Very fragile.
Barerooting started. The soil used was a fine fir bark, sawdust mix. This is breaking down quickly. It will create the soggy, anaerobic conditions that typically doom these plants if they remain in it. I’ll be removing as much of this nursery mix as possible.
The tree fully barefooted. I use a chopstick to poke and gently vibrate the soil out. This is what I do with Manzanitas successfully. It is slow, delicate work. I avoid pulling and tearing roots as much as possible. The result is a pretty intact root system with little roots in the soil removed.
Repotting in a pond basket. I’m using my regular mix I use for pines with this one. I use the chopstick to gently vibrate soil thru the root mass. I’m fine with roots coming up through the soil as I fill as there is less chance of matting. I simply cover them with more soil and continue the chop sticking.
Finished. This one will spend winter in the greenhouse. I’m optimistic but will know better by mid spring next year if I passed or failed. I kept the nursery tag on as a reminder of accepted opinion of the risk. I plan to update this thread next year.
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