Styling idea for an unknown species (sorry)

[daniel]

It's a tropical that I bought from Erik Wigert on vacation in FL. He said it's very similar to a boug in it's ability to root cuttings and other behavior. Sorry, I just can't remember what it was. Anyway, here are some pics. He gave me some thoughts on it--he said either a slanting style (obvious) and the other was to cut the trunk after the first branches (just above roots) and make it a shohin (a pretty impressive one by his and my own measure--I'm leaning toward this one myself). I just want to get others' opinions of it. Thanks!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

You will want to go with plan "B". In my opinion the trunk above the first branches is too straight with no taper - and it is not a fixable problem. I would chop it back hard and continue to develop the new structure you already have in development.

 

[GOZTEK]

i beleive that is a kind of privet i have 2 very very similar

 

[HotAction]

As per usual, Nut is on the money.

 

[TeKmInIbI]

The long trunk is quite ugly, i'm not one to give advice... but if it were my tree, i would chop that back HARD.... which is what Bonsainut advised i believe

 

[Tiberious]

If you get rid of that straight branch you could have a nice shohin in time.

 

[daniel]

Thank you, Tiberious. I appreciate the POSITIVE comment...

Actually, I did chop it back hard, as I saw what b-nut originally spoke of. I agreed, and thought that the long portion of the trunk would make another nice little tree once it roots! Once my camera battery charges, I'll post pics of it. It will make a killer shohin, I believe. There is a little branch selecting to do, so I hope you guys can help with that aspect. I'm having a little bit of a difficult time, as there are positives and negatives of each branch. You'll see what I mean once I can post the pics.

Also guys, spare me the "...it's as ugly as (insert name here)'s mama..." comments. I'd rather have constructive criticisms. Thanks.

Daniel

 

[BUBBAFRGA]

Did you camera every get charged.....Would like to see the progress on this one.

Thanks

 

[JasonG]

I too look forward to more pics.... From what I can see in the first picture you don't really need to get rid of many, if any at all of the branches. They all can be wired and found a home for. The 2nd reason I would keep them all would be to help heal the cut and strengthen the tree after you just chopped off a big part of the tree.

I see 2 distinct designs for this tree, each a very good little tree in 5 years. You have a nice start though....

Oh, this tree is barely prettier than Harrys big white a..... hahaha