I have a Jaboticaba tree about 12-15 inches tall and growing in a regular pot much deeper than what I see with the bonsai's. Can this be converted to a bonsai or is it too late. Thanks, as you can probably tell, I have no experience with bonsai's but this is a very nice tree and I have had it for a couple years now.
It definitely can be a bonsai. It actually has a pretty nice form to begin with. Hopefully others will chime in that have done more bonsai than I have, but I've watched it be done quite a bit. Anyhow, you will want to trim up the top and get it into the shape that you want. The tricky part is going to be the root pruning. Root pruning is just as it sounds, cutting back the roots. If it has a lot of really healthy roots (it looks like it does) you'll want to trim them back gradually. I also tend to take the conservative route. Go with what others say. Anyhow, trim an inch or two of the roots and then repot it in a fitting size pot. In a few of months, if it seems happy, take it out and trim the roots back again and again in a fitting pot. I don't think that I would try to get it crammed into a really small bonsai pot, it's a little big already to do that. But, I do think that with patience, you could get it into a med. size pot. However, if in a large bonsai pot, it's usually a little bit easier to keep up with the maintanence.
so, did you decide to give it a try?
Thanks for the post and sorry I didn't reply earlier. I haven't made up my mind if I want to risk the health of the plant being an extreme novice as far as bonsai is concerned. The size has been controlled by the pot so far. I guess I would have to take it and have someone experienced try it if I go the bonsai route. Thanks again
No worries. I was curious to that as well, however, I was also hoping that by bumping the thread up that other folks might give their input as well.
I think it could be a great bonsai. Go buy a book for beginners bonsai, and just do a little reading. It's a lot easier than you think.
