the_vietnamese_way

[Arnold_K]

... to produce bonsai-pots.
This was my first attempt to create a training-pot
using cement-mortar like it is utilized in Vietnam.
Maybe I will continue this method, if the result is reasonably fine.
Tomorrow the pot will be seperated from the construction-platform.
If it's okay, I will report.

 

[MrWunderful]

Wow looks very nice. Bet it weighs a lot!

 

[Arnold_K]

@MrWunderful what is "a lot"?

But you are right of course. Such "pots" are a bit heavier than their clay-fellows.

 

[Tieball]

Well...the wind will not likely blow this pot over. Nice work. How did the top rim turn out?.....Or is that a discovery when the platform construction is separated?

 

[Arnold_K]

yes, Mr. @Tieball
if it turns out good, I will show ...

 

[Tieball]

I like those concrete pots in Vietnam. They seem to always look ancient from the weather....the heat and the humidity.

 

[Arnold_K]

@Tieball you might think I am a complete fool, buta
I think concrete is even better than wooden or plastic-containers for trainingpots. Why?
Because of the micro-climate a "mineralic-container" provides for the roots ...
(Well this is stricly imho of course ...)

 

[AZbonsai]

That's one large pot! Looks great.

 

[Arnold_K]

@AZbonsai

I fear, that my first attempt is not that "great", but thank you! ...

 

[AZbonsai]

@AZbonsai

I fear, that my first attempt is not that "great", but thank you! ...

People are always harder on themselves then they should be!

 

[Tieball]

It will be interesting to see what tree you put in your first concrete pot. Curious....will you “weather” it first for a season or two before use? (Leaving it outside on the ground to develop “ground patina“ and cure with the climate.)

 

[Anthony]

After finishing, it should be soak /cured for 6 weeks in water.
Change water every week.
As in pot under water.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[AlainK]

After finishing, it should be soak /cured for 6 weeks in water.

I agree with that : everyone that has ever put his hands in cement knows how corrosive it can be.

I'm not a chemist, a physician/physicist, or even a landscape worker, but using a cement pot before it rested at least 2 months outside in the rain is to me a very risky plan.

 

[Crawforde]

The aluminum based mortars should be safe more quickly than Portland cement based mortars.
I threw mine in the pond for a couple weeks.
once algae started to grow all over them I assumed they were safe. The trees didn’t seem to mind.

 

[Arnold_K]

Well gentlemen,
@Anthony @AlainK @Crawforde
these are very valuable advices for me!
Many thanks for those, since I am new to that stuff.
Basically I am using Portland-Cement.
I was going to use the training-pots (if at all) between late summer and beginning of autumn.
Until then I will store the pots in my little pond.
Thank you for your respons again. I really appreciate that! ...