Separated a ground layer
- Thread starter RichKid
- Start date
RichKid
Shohin
New haircut. Eric the soil it's in now that's the actual rootball is just regular soil which worries me a little. The rest of the tub is filled in with crushed granite. Maybe I won't repot it instead just slip it out of the tub and into the raised bed for the winter over a board to keep the roots from growing down. That way it will have drainage for sure and the benefit of the ground to help strengthen itself. Any thoughts?
RichKid
Shohin
My main concern is that the roots won't grow into the crushed granite out of the soil since it's such a different medium.
coh
Imperial Masterpiece
They may not, but as long as you keep the moisture in the main soil mass OK, you should be alright.
My general procedure with layers is to disturb the new root mass as little as possible for the first year or two. I usually use sphagnum in my layers (though I'm experimenting with a more typical bonsai mix this year). I wait until the root mass is busting out of the sphagnum, then remove the layer, and pot it up in a fairly small container (a bit larger than the new root mass) using a somewhat more open soil mix...but I won't place a sphagnum ball into a pot surrounded by completely inorganic soil. I transition to the more inorganic soil over several repottings. Others may have different procedures but this seems to work pretty well for me.
Definitely good to cut back the top and shelter the tree from too much sun or wind for a couple of weeks...then gradually increase the amount of sun exposure if it seems to be doing well. Remember, the new tree is now entirely supported by a relatively small root mass compared to what it had before removal.
Good luck...
My general procedure with layers is to disturb the new root mass as little as possible for the first year or two. I usually use sphagnum in my layers (though I'm experimenting with a more typical bonsai mix this year). I wait until the root mass is busting out of the sphagnum, then remove the layer, and pot it up in a fairly small container (a bit larger than the new root mass) using a somewhat more open soil mix...but I won't place a sphagnum ball into a pot surrounded by completely inorganic soil. I transition to the more inorganic soil over several repottings. Others may have different procedures but this seems to work pretty well for me.
Definitely good to cut back the top and shelter the tree from too much sun or wind for a couple of weeks...then gradually increase the amount of sun exposure if it seems to be doing well. Remember, the new tree is now entirely supported by a relatively small root mass compared to what it had before removal.
Good luck...
Eric Group
Masterpiece
Disturbing the roots again in the near future if the scariest option to me. Leave it where it is At LEAST until next Spring, and if it is doing well, leave it til the following one..
Removing those branches you cut back should give the roots a chance to catch up and then it will grow what it needs up top and only what it can support with the new roots as it gains strength... Once you see new growth, it should be fine! If you don't see any for a couple weeks don't worry... If it starts dropping leaves and branches turn brown/ black, then you are in trouble!
Good luck!
RichKid
Shohin
If it were going to drop leaves and turn black that would happen relatively quickly right?
The next time you try this, you might want bigger and more drains than ones poked into it. I like the looks of it trimmed back. let it build up from here.
I have used my trusty chop-stick like a lance and poked many holes through soil ball. Do that monthly till next spring
I have used my trusty chop-stick like a lance and poked many holes through soil ball. Do that monthly till next spring
RichKid
Shohin
What does poking holes do? I added a little bark to the granite today. I really hope this tree makes it. Of course the past few days all of a sudden are the hottest days of the year! Some of the leaves look stressed. I'm gonna keep it in shade w no sun for the next few days at least. Hopefully that will reduce some heat stress off it.
