Experiments and Root Balls

I'm an experimenter. I like doing stuff just to see what comes of it. Since Brugs came into my life, they are the un-witting victims of several past and present experiments. What are/were some?
Cytokines used to increase bud numbers, giving new cells at lower levels a chance to express themselves as sports.
I only got one sport out of it, and it might have happened anyway, but it was a very interesting concept. I'll play with that some more.
Grafting is still on my agenda, even thought those I did earlier this year bit the dust when I sprayed for mites. I'll be doing that again now that spring is here, and things are more actively growing.
Braiding brug stems has worked OK in a way, but Afterglow wants to outgrow the other two in the braid (i used three colors) so it may be a problem if they don't catch up.

I'm planning and playing with several GA, "messenger', and Mighty Plant experiments too. The stuff is expensive, so we may as well know for sure just how well it does.
I'm doing and learning all I can to create new variegates, and would not be surprised if I come up with something special before the year is out.
But Where to plant everything? I have to move some plants for the sun-loving experiment into the spaces that others occupied last year. (Those that pass with flying colors will be planted in the 'back forty' for breeding.)
I left many in the ground over winter as an experiment to see which returned in my zone. Took plenty of cuttings of course, some of which went into "bury or Bucket' experiments. Bubble buckets proved their worth last year, but I hadn't tried burying them before. 10 inch sticks buried 4 inches underground did great, some bottoms up, some on their sides. Only lost about 3 out of 30 or so. All rooted quickly and well.
Those cuttings rooted with plastic bags put over them put on green growth the fastest; without bags, the put out more better roots.
The branches that were laid under a foot of mulch and manure I haven't had time to check yet, but leaves are sprouting up out of it, so for sure some made it through the winter!
So I have plenty of cuttings to replace any that didn't make the winter, and those that did need moved. What to do with the multiples?? It would be such a shame to trash them!
Sooo; why not (Edited, sorry.)? I don't think its been done before, except for one that was being (edited)) a potential bonsai once (!!??) But why not? It's a proven bloomer, will for sure be a big one, and someone might like a two year old Butterfly without having to put in the two years. I really doubt I'm the only one that hates to compost established plants, so some here may want to consider this for future possibilities, without having to be first. I couldn't weigh the darn thing before posting however, and the shipping might prevent me from ever trying this again!!! But as experiments go, it could prove entertaining and interesting...... I'll try to let y'all know how it goes.
It can be hard to be the first at something, but waiting for others to think of it just takes too long!! I know a neat lady who's tag line is "patience is a virtue, but lets not dillydally". Love it!! My own is "Where are we going, and why am I in this Hand-basket?" which seems fitting here too!
Sorry if some of this seems broken up. Someone is sending in complaints, so I've had to edit.

This message was edited Apr 1, 2005 12:51 PM

It is so interesting to read what you are doing, I just wish I were in a better climate for Brugs, but can't leave them alone anyway, I have them in just about every room in the house waiting for the weather to warm up.
I don't quite understand your rootball compost, do you mean you have a large rootball or several cuttings to put into a compost to see how it does, I have no compost so I would most likely try starting it/them all *LOL*
look forward to reading, and learning more.

Forgot to add that is a beautiful Pink


Doris

This message was edited Mar 30, 2005 9:11 AM

Sounds as if you will be busy this summer Kristi. Keep us posted.

I like hearing about your experiments and hope you post many updates and photos this year. I think the rootball idea is great, and your pink is so gorgeous!

Eileen

I applaud all the interest and the experimental notions. I'd love to see many more posts about your experiments also, Photos included. I'm very curious about the "rootball sold for Bonsai"??? Do you know if it worked? I am and always have been a huge admirer of bonsai anything. Now that I'm "retired" maybe I'll devote some time towards doing more about it. Thanks for this Post!!!
Richard

Thank you for encouragement.
The " rootball compost" sounds like you are confusing two separate things possibly? I'd rather sell the big root ball (or try to) than throw it in a green trash pile, which is a sad but common practice when we get too many plants. I hate to destroy these darlin's, knowing they could have loving homes somewhere! And then there is the group of Brug branches which are under a batch of hay (which I use for mulch). Both experiments seem to be working out well.

In your area you might try the same on a small scale, only I'd also use a bed of mulch under them as well. If the frost line doesn't go too deep, you could bury some as well. You will find one day that you just can't bring all of your cuttings inside; at that time it's nice to know there are extras if needed, and if enough live, you also have plenty for friends! :)
The bonsai thing I know nothing about. I got such a question about the ball in question, and could only tell the person the 'rules' of brug blooms, concerning the need for a 'y'. For that reason, I don't see how this clump could be pruned to be small, and yet still bloom. A cutting from above a y might be used for this, but even then the blooms would be large, and take away from the 'miniature' effect. But I don't know for sure. Try it, and let us know? You might be doing the world of Bonsia a big favor by finding out.

The bloom of "Butterfly" , as well as it's fragrace, is wonderful! I wouldn't be without one! It's best color is in the heat of summer, and varies with soil condition as well. In this picture it grew in full sun, and we were having hot days and cool nights; and I spend a fortune on plant foods and sprays to bring out the best in them all (my poor soil is mostly red sand!). Pictures taken at night also enhance color; But in any light, it is a real beauty!

I love your experimenets and am particularly interested about the root ball concept. Have you tried it? I have had plants "not make it" but the roots still seem good and have not kept them but maybe I should have. However, if you have a root ball there must have been a plant to make it, so what happened to the plant?

Guess I am more than a little confused. Jeanette

Have you tried the GA-3? I am just reading up on it and am considering trying some. I'm thinking it would make for better/stronger basal shoots to make taller trees.

Jeanette

Great experiments. I am experimenting with Messenger and so far find it increases health, growth and blooming (of my hoyas). Usually the first bloom is minimal....I have 12-13 going to open soon after using it.

Keep us in the loop....

Carol

I was so impressed with the messenger last summer, that I asked for and got a whole case of it for my birthday! I'll be using it on everything this year, except for the smallest seedlings, new cuttings, and a few unfortunate 'control' plants. I lost a lot of leaves with the GA, and will wait for better natural conditions to use it again, and with hesitation.

My bucket Brugs this year ranged from small thin cuttings, to 5-7 ft trees. That is what happened to the Butterfly plant that grew from the rootball last fall. Last fall I cut off the main tree trunk about a foot above the ground, and left the root ball to see if it would return this spring. (last year I brought it in). It, and many others are coming back fine! Some of those others may "go" too, since I have the trees that were cut in the fall that will bloom sooner,The bucket Brugs are ready to go in the ground as soon as I find the time and space for them. They've been in gal pots for over a month.

Edited to remove any reference to anything that might be seen a as "against rules"



This message was edited Apr 1, 2005 1:04 PM

Looking Good Kristi!! Joelle

Doris

This message was edited Apr 2, 2005 8:23 AM

I'd think a rootball would live period, with almost any light, dampness, and temps above freezing. I have to say I'd have jumped at one years ago had I seen one, or asked for them from those in the north had I thought of it.
Sorry Kareoke; but I can't talk about it without possibly breaking the new rules. (even though I'm not a business in any way, and so have no business raising as many Brugs as I do!)

Edited before it's done for me...
Nope. Can't talk about it at all it seems, since I've just been told this thread has already been edited...Guess y'all will just have to wonder how all that turns out!!

KAREOKE would you please edit above? Some one is trying to get this thread pulled, and the question you are asking is not allowed.





This message was edited Apr 1, 2005 12:45 PM

The weight is for sure a drawback on a root system this big. Even trimmed it was 17 lbs! That would be 17 dollars if shipped from alabama to chicago priority; so think twice about this.
I think a smaller 1 yr old plant would do ok for all concerned, for growth etc, but the big ones would be better off hand carried to the spring and fall swaps? A real darn shame to toss them!
But the thought has now come up, so this fall try asking some folks if they are going to toss/freeze the rootballs; maybe you can get them for the cost of shipping, or take them/trade them at swaps...It could be well worth it for a really nice tree sized summer Brug.
On to the next experiment!!?? Lol!!