Possible...or wishful thinking

[Cadillactaste]

My very small Procumben...I have been advised to grow out 3-4 years without touching it. (Which I am fine with) but...so would prefer to have some direction with it when I do develop it.

That said...this appeals to me. Is it possible? (Sorry I found this in google imagines...no recognition went to the creator of said bonsai)

 

[Poink88]

It is possible but I personally do not believe it is worth it. First, it will take more than 4 years. Given that time, I will develop something out of a proper shimpaku instead. The initial material is very cheap, it is your time and effort that is valuable.

JMHO.

 

[bonsaibp]

You could do a tiny version of that, you could let it grow out, you could do anything you wanted with it. The number one ingredient in bonsai is time so it is mostly a matter of whether you put time into something or you buy the time by getting something bigger or more developed. It also depends on what you want to achieve with your bonsai. If you want cute little trees in pots you can do that, if you want to create world class bonsai you can do that as well but probably not with material like this. Not every little tree needs to be grown out for several years or more. You can make fun little trees from this kind of juniper. As your skills and knowledge increase you'll likely not be satisfied with this type of material but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it now. Personally I usually suggest starting with 5 gallon size plants just because they usually give you more options. Everyone has different goals and objectives when it comes to bonsai- and they are all valid. Not everyone had to strive to be the next Kimura. More power to those that want to try but it's important to remember that it's just as ok to have some cool little trees that give you pleasure. If one wants to go further that's great but not everyone does and that's great too.

 

[Vance Wood]

My very small Procumben...I have been advised to grow out 3-4 years without touching it. (Which I am fine with) but...so would prefer to have some direction with it when I do develop it.

That said...this appeals to me. Is it possible? (Sorry I found this in google imagines...no recognition went to the creator of said bonsai)

Lets look at the truth. Your little Procumbens is an example of cutesia, those little trees sold in bonsai stores, and big box stores for the "Oh that's so cute" crowd. Welcome to bonsai. We are glad to have you here and don't really care how you got here.

Here is the truth. The little Procumbens might be turned into a bonsai now if you took the time to find someone who knows about styling a bonsai and is willing to reduce down the mass of foliage enough to reveal some branching and, in doing that, being able to train those branches into a bonsai form. It would be preferable that this person would be willing to show you how to do this.

Unless you desire to have a Litterati style bonsai (those are the real thin with tall trunks and minimal branches) you need to pay attention to the size of the trunk. In bonsai the illusion of size and age is based on the size and nature of the trunk. Essentially the trunk needs to be 1/3 the height or 1/6 the height of the tree, or any ratio in-between. The Litterati does not follow this rule as the tree you found that attracted you, does or does not. Credible bonsai fall into this parameter so as you can see this little Procumbens needs to be grown out a lot to thicken the trunk or have the top cut down severely to confirm with the size of the trunk.

Again there is one great principle involved in making bonsai: Good bonsai are not made by growing smaller stock into bonsai but by cutting down larger stock into bonsai. Larger trees will have bigger trunks, better bark and mature foliage on mature branches. Cutting this stuff down by 50% tp 75% will make small bonsai with big tree characteristics. This rule is even and often true when starting with natural dwarf trees known as Yamadori. As to time; the four year marker will be pretty good with the cut down and style what's left, and more like twenty for the grow up, train and style.

 

[A Random User]

My very small Procumben...I have been advised to grow out 3-4 years without touching it. (Which I am fine with) but...so would prefer to have some direction with it when I do develop it.

That said...this appeals to me. Is it possible? (Sorry I found this in google imagines...no recognition went to the creator of said bonsai)

Where I live, and because of the amount of intense sun we get...
I would not reduce a juniper to such bare foliage, especially seeing
that it the foliage is still juvenile. If I did I would go out in a week
and find most of it drying up and turning brown.

 

[A Random User]

Also, I would suggest seeing that you are starting to venture on to different
material... That you go visit the local Home Depot or Lowes for a juniper or
two to work on. Don't go to the "Bonsai" and indoor house plant section.
Instead go out to the outdoor plants and see what they have available.

It obviously is not going to be the best material, but will be perfect for
learning and starting out... Besides, they are cheap and when one gets done
there are always more.

 

[jk_lewis]

Good bonsai are not made by growing smaller stock into bonsai but by cutting down larger stock into bonsai.

This needs to be drummed into people's heads -- with a bat, if necessary.

At the very least, please print it out and paste it up over your potting bench.

 

[Eric Group]

It is possible but I personally do not believe it is worth it. First, it will take more than 4 years. Given that time, I will develop something out of a proper shimpaku instead. The initial material is very cheap, it is your time and effort that is valuable.

JMHO.

4 years? Yes, it will take more than that- I would think it would take more like 40! LOL That little juni he has it nothing more than a seedling, and the tree in the pic is at least 20-30 years old... These are very slow growing trees... Not like a Trident or Japanese Maple or an Elm that will throw out 5-6 feet of growth (or more sometimes) if lefty unrestricted in one season.

Cadillac, the tree you aspire to create was probably field grown for years, streaked to create a vertical growth habit and while you might get there one day from the tree you are starting with, I completely agree with Dario that your time and effort is what is valuable... You can sometimes find Procumbens that are sold in nurseries which are much more mature, already streaked up to grow taller, thicker... And would much more easily be trained into a style like you want. I would encourage you to look around at the big box stores in your area and the regular nurseries for some mature Juniper material to work with then try to create your own tree from it. You will learn a lot more that way and speed the process up by decades..

 

[Vance Wood]

4 years? Yes, it will take more than that- i would think it would take more like 40! Lol that little juni he has it nothing more than a seedling, and the tree in the pic is at least 20-30 years old... These are very slow growing trees... Not like a trident or japanese maple or an elm that will throw out 5-6 feet of growth (or more sometimes) if lefty unrestricted in one season.

Cadillac, the tree you aspire to create was probably field grown for years, streaked to create a vertical growth habit and while you might get there one day from the tree you are starting with, i completely agree with dario that your time and effort is what is valuable... You can sometimes find procumbens that are sold in nurseries which are much more mature, already streaked up to grow taller, thicker... And would much more easily be trained into a style like you want. I would encourage you to look around at the big box stores in your area and the regular nurseries for some mature juniper material to work with then try to create your own tree from it. You will learn a lot more that way and speed the process up by decades..

yes cut down and develop: Start with trying to find trees with good sized trunks.

 

[Gene Deci]

Good bonsai are not made by growing smaller stock into bonsai but by cutting down larger stock into bonsai.

This needs to be drummed into people's heads -- with a bat, if necessary.

At the very least, please print it out and paste it up over your potting bench.

The thing is, absolutes seldom are. I'm sure you also have seen great trees that were started from seed. I certainly agree that is not for most folks but there are always exceptions. Drumming things that aren't true into peoples heads with a bat tends to stifle creativity.

 

[Paradox]

The thing is, absolutes seldom are. I'm sure you also have seen great trees that were started from seed. I certainly agree that is not for most folks but there are always exceptions. Drumming things that aren't true into peoples heads with a bat tends to stifle creativity.

Sure things can be started from seed, but unless you were 10 when you planted it, youll never see it become a great tree. Your children might, but most likely it will be your grandchildren that will see it.

Cadillac, it will be a very long time before that little baby juniper could look like the big one.
Is that a current picture or one from last year? I also suggest you getting bigger stock to work with.
Dont get rid of your little one though. My first tree was very much like that little one. Its grown alot over the last 2 years and I still enjoy seeing its progress even though I look for much better material.

 

[Poink88]

4 years? Yes, it will take more than that- I would think it would take more like 40! LOL

LOL. I used 4 because she provided the range of 3-4 years. I know it will take a lot more than 4 years...but admit I didn't think it will be 40 either (I thought 10).

I personally am a "chop big trees down" guy and encourage it but know it is not for everyone. Some prefer starting from seed and tiny cuttings. That is fine, just not for me.

That said, I just purchased some tiny quince cuttings...for my wife to enjoy the flowers, not to be a bonsai (for now).

 

[Gene Deci]

Sure things can be started from seed, but unless you were 10 when you planted it, youll never see it become a great tree. Your children might, but most likely it will be your grandchildren that will see it.

Cadillac, it will be a very long time before that little baby juniper could look like the big one.
Is that a current picture or one from last year? I also suggest you getting bigger stock to work with.
Dont get rid of your little one though. My first tree was very much like that little one. Its grown alot over the last 2 years and I still enjoy seeing its progress even though I look for much better material.

Again an absolute, "unless you were ten when you planted it." The tree that was from seed that I was thinking of was around twenty five years old when I saw it, if I remember correctly. I understand that almost no one wants to take that much time. It just bothers me when people say it can't be done when in reality is only very difficult to do.

 

[Cadillactaste]

To be honest...I just wish for this tree down the road...NOT to look like its exact style but over sized and hung over the edge of a pot and called a cascade. This was an impulse buy while waiting to become a member accepted. So sadly my first tree...I like the looks of the styled tree...not that I need one styled like that. But, was hoping for a vision to take this small tree. I am fine with say...a miniature style ***cough***cute tree for this pathetic box store run of the mill tree. As Bob suggested. I do not expect show quality...or anything. I like the looks of the literati which appeals to me. And wish to be able to have some sort of vision with this tree.

I do appreciate all your advice...but would like to find a style that I like that this tree could pull off.

 

[Vance Wood]

The long and the short of it you have received information/advise from many levels of experience and now it is up to you to choose and then hold to your choice with out guilt or shame.

 

[Cadillactaste]

The long and the short of it you have received information/advise from many levels of experience and now it is up to you to choose and then hold to your choice with out guilt or shame.

Thanks Vance...so much to chew on for food for thought.

 

[jk_lewis]

I do appreciate all your advice...but would like to find a style that I like that this tree could pull off.

Here you go . . .

 

[Cadillactaste]

Here you go . . .

OH I LIKE THAT! I would not mind a mame bonsai...one that takes this box store tree beyond what it was destined for. That photo takes a cookie cutter box store tree and shows it can be made into something more! Very excited to go that route with this tree...I think you found something more the tree was capable of. And I am grateful!

I believe you asked if it was last years photo...so I did take photos of it today...it seems to grown...taller. (Or to my imagination it has)

 

[GrimLore]

I would keep it that size or smaller and find a smaller primitive pot. That could be a very nice little specimen and you can play with it rather then forget about it for years.

Grimmy

 

[KennedyMarx]

Are those rocks glued on the top of the soil?