Shishigashira

[Cattwooduk]

So I picked this one up a few months ago but haven't had time to do anything with it at all because of when I bought it, and then having a baby.

I liked it's shape, the cultivar has nice densely growing and small leaves, so I assume it fits well for bonsai.
The lower trunk is fairly thin diameter and a bit longer than I'd like I think.
The roots from what I could see digging into the soil also don't look great at all.

I'm currently trying to air layer off the top branch as I don't want it, if it takes I'll have another bit to play with one day.

Am I right in thinking next spring I could cut away some of the lower bark and ground layer myself some new roots and potentially get some better nebari?

 

[Vin]

You are correct. You'll want to make sure the layer is below that graft.

 

[Cattwooduk]

Below? I was thinking above the graft to get rid of it?

 

[Vin]

Below? I was thinking above the graft to get rid of it?

LOL! You got it right. I was meaning to say make sure graft is below the layer. I'm a ding-dong. I have a grafted Shishi as well but it's intended for the garden. I may strike a cutting next time I prune it just to see how well they do. Keep us posted on yours.