I have a 10 year old ginkgo that I wanted to move from its growing pot into a semi-bonsai pot, i.e, the kind that is deeper than the usual pot, but looks more like the plant is intended for bonsai because the pot is wider than deep. I bought a suitable pot from the local bonsai place and we talked about what I needed to do. But when I tried to do it, I found that the ginkgo has a knobby root about halfway up the root mass that, if left intact, would mean the plant couldn't go in the pot at all. The books talk about cutting right into big roots, but I've never done it. Wish I'd taken a picture at the time, but I was too wrapped up in the task. I did go ahead and cut, but sure am worried now. Any thoughts on whether I did the right thing?
Repotting ginkgo
Hopefully the tree was still dormant? Trees are often started from cuttings that were stuck 6-8" deep. When you start with nursery stock, you often have surgery to perform to get rid of the bottom 3/4-7/8 of that cutting, which means you'll be severing the trunk, with a fair fraction of the plant's roots that were attached to it. It's all part of making the transition from nursery stock to bonsai pot. As you get more familiar with root work and the species you're working with, you'll get a better feeling for what you can/should/shouldn't do, and you'll gain the confidence it takes to be more comfortable.
If you left a fair amount of roots after removing the one you referred to, and the plant was still dormant, you should be just fine.
I started repotting yesterday at 1 and worked until dark, then picked up where I left off this AM at 7 and worked 'til 7 - tomo and Sat will be repeats before I'm done with the deciduous stuff that needs repotting. Then, there's about a 2 week break before starting on the evergreens. I love the pruning because it takes vision and planning, but repotting is drudgery; although I have to say I was so wrapped up in it I was astounded at the hour both times I came in for a drink. ;o)
Al
Wow, I can't imagine that much potting! You must have an amazing back yard. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Yes, the plant was still dormant, and it did indeed feel like I was cutting trunk, but there was plenty left over. One other thing. Should I have put some kind of cut paste on the wound?
No protection necessary over the wound.
One of 2 grow benches. Each bench is 16' long, 2 sides/2 tiers, plus all the plants I have placed around the yard and decks
How long have you been doing this?
It depends on how you measure. I started (perhaps 'attempted' is a better word) bonsai around 1990. I quickly discovered I didn't have the skills to keep my trees alive, so I put the trees away and started studying. I studied the art itself; but mainly I concentrated on soil science and the physiology of woody plants. When I started again with live trees around '95, I was very pleased that I knew enough to keep my trees alive and healthy. I continue to study and learn and am enjoying bonsai more now than ever.
Al