Today we'll learn how to do a Root Over Rock Mame.
The same basic technique can be used for any other size Bonsai,
you will need to have wire or some other material to secure the bigger roots though.
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Photo 1. Pot and Rock.
As you can see the supplies are simple enough.
I have a recycled standard black plastic pot and a rock of my choice.
This message was edited Apr 17, 2008 5:24 PM
Photo 2. The Rock.
Note the small depression towards the offset center of the rock.
This natural bowl will be used to hold a small amount of soil for the finished tree.
Such a small rock will require diligence to keep the tree alive when she is finished.
This message was edited Apr 17, 2008 5:24 PM
Photo 3. The Tree.
Here is the small tree we are using. It is a Privet Hedge.
I've had her potted like this for a year.
I gathered the tree from my yard early last year.
I have no idea to the true age of the tree.
This message was edited Apr 17, 2008 5:25 PM
Photo 4. Tree Closeup.
Note the pretty decently thick trunk on such a small specimine.
I chose this tree for the nice shape of the trunk.
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 10:50 AM
Photo 5. Taproot to be removed.
Note the taproot. It is mainly used to anchor a tree in the ground.
A problem it won't have in my garden.
Off with it!
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 10:51 AM
Photo 6. Removed Taproot.
I simply made a clean cut with sharp shears and removed the bulk of the taproot.
Note, there are plenty of feeder roots left for the tree to survive with and anchor to the rock.
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 11:17 AM
Photo 7. Protective mud ball.
I have encased the rootball in a clay/sand/organic matter ball.
The heavy clay content keeps the trees roots attached to the rock, securing it in place.
Note the soft stick used to help support the trunk in it's desired position.
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 11:19 AM
Closeup of the stick support.
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 11:20 AM
Partly filled growing pot with good loamy well draining soil.
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 11:21 AM
almossssst
so very close....
Post away! I am gonna add the text now so you know what these photos mean. ^_^
Well, my per day edit limit has been reached. That really sucks.
I'll finish this tomorrow I guess.
I am going to try this definitely! Need to find a rock now. How big should the depression in the rock be?
I am getting some amur maple seedlings to experiment with and I have a sugar maple that I've saved last year.
This message was edited Apr 18, 2008 2:30 PM
Cool. Im still waiting until Im allowed to add the rest of the text LOL.
Jocie, have you got room for one more pupil? I'm standing in line and waiting for more instruction. Ways too cool.
Kim
LOL. Yea, come on in .Ill go ahead and try to finish this post. "crossing fingers".
Well, I added more but Im at my limit again. This is starting to suck. lol
My next tutorial will probably be how to train a tree with wire that or how to make your own soil. Maybe both lol.
Jocie, questions please. As I observed;
1. the soil used to "mold" around the root base, isn't an ordinary potting soil (which won't provide that consistentcy -- sticky). What type of soil, is that what bonsai's language call muck? How do we go about making it? Or am I ahead of my pending lessons? lol.
The soil that you've partially filled the pot.
2. What type of soil to use in the pot that is partially filled - and add on to the planting over the rock and root ball.
Thank you.
Kim
Not ahead at all, thats why I posted this, to share my love of Bonsai!
It's real fun, no one in my family here really cares about gardening so this makes me feel good hehe.
The soil I use is some I mix myself. These are not exact measurements as I never measure anything.
My soil is basically solid clay so I amend it slightly for planting.
1 gallon of clay.
1 gallon of chopped leaves or other type fine compost.
1/2 gallon of sand or small stones.
Mix this all together very well.
When you make a ball of this mixture it should stick together pretty well.
Not like glue though. You do want it to drain well.
I use this to pot the trees for training and as a finished Bonsai soil. My all purpose mix I guess lol. (I use it for all my plants.)
For securing the root to the rocks I use a sturdier clay mixture (less sand and organic matter).
It isnt solid clay though, just enough that it really holds the roots to the rock.
There really is no exact science to the soils mixture.
Bonsai really are just like any other plant, just a bit more high maintenance in moisture and feeding needs.
To fertilize them I use a slightly weaker strength of Miracle Grow liquid feed and I soak them in it in a tub of water until completely saturated.
Im not against adding slow release fertz to the soil though. Anything to help keep the work down LOL.
I do water from the top about once a month to help leech the soil of mineral buildups.
LOVE your info! Definately interested in your "wiring" tutorial ☺
Same here, family could care less :( It's nice to be among my own kind LOL!!
LOL!
I'll try and write it up tonight.
I brought a couple hopefuls inside to train whilst hubby hunts lol.
The shape of these should be great "fun" to try and place over a rock and then pot, LOL.
I'll make sure to take pictures as I wire.
Jocie, when you did the Mame root over rock, did you not wire the trunk to the rock before you filled up the training pot?
Kim
I didn't no, but you could.
Im really lazy lol. There are times I forget I have a plant wired and the tree actually grows around the wire and it looks nasty. LOL
You could use all sorts of things to attach it though. If you're more diligent than me you can definately wire it.
I am using electrical tape on my jade plant. The succulent limbs wont get scarred that way. I padded it with something on the sticky side so it doesnt harm the "bark".
When it's time to lower the limbs I just pull down slightly and reattach to the pot. Simple and it works!
It's hard for me to do really intricate work with my fingers, the Fibro makes me shaky and my hands jerk and jump lol.
Easy to snap a delicate limb off. Sucks I love Mame so much, LOL!
Hah, I don't know about deligency. But I tried to wire my wisteria, and neglected for the whole growing season, guess what? lol, talking about nasty ingrown cut of copper wire into the vine's trunk. There! You are sharing your creativity with the use of electrical tape with Jade plant. Thank you, I sure keep that in mind if I've enough time to tackle that later....
Thanks Jocie.
Kim
Youre welcome Kim.
I am about done wiring this one cascade. I'll try and get it finished tonight and maybe get it posted.
I'm looking forward to seeing your cascade Jocie.
Kim
Ive posted it now. Gotta pot her up today so she can grow grow grow! lol
I love bonsai and I love seeing people excited and enthusiastic about it. I normally don't go out of my way to disagree with folks unless I think the information they posted might be bad for plants or diminish the growing experience of those that might adopt the advice for incorporation into their own growing program. I hope I don't dampen the enthusiasm of this thread, but after reading the soil recipe:
1 gallon of clay.
1 gallon of chopped leaves or other type fine compost.
1/2 gallon of sand or small stones.
I feel obligated to say that I strongly disagree that it is appropriate for use in any container planting, and believe it especially inappropriate for use in the shallow containers we regularly use in bonsai culture. This soil will be extremely water-retentive, difficult to impossible to grow in, and probably 100% saturated and devoid of air in shallow containers.
The basic soil science that explains why it would be inappropriate can be found here:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/719569/
Al
Ive been using this recipe for years with very good success.
The soil drains just fine and the roots grow wonderfully through it.
I have no problem with root rot or any other such things.
I am even using it on my Jade and have been for a good long while.
-Jocie.
