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Author Topic: A zelkova project  (Read 24484 times)

Judy

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #15 on: January 28, 2012, 08:42 AM »
Very nice radial spread on the roots there.  Looks much better in the wider pot, I wonder if a rounded edge would set it off a bit better though.  But looks like you will have fun.  Remember to take photos as you repot and do your cuts, I wish I had progression shots of some of my trees.... And of course post them!
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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #16 on: January 30, 2012, 11:34 AM »
Judy,

I found the off- white pot on the left down in my collection.  Maybe that one would be better.  The other green rectangle I had thought of using is to the right.

It's funny how the camera angle messes with the perpective.  The off-white pot is about an inch wider on all sides than the rectangle.  It is less deep.  It's about 1 inch interior depth, and the green one is 1 1/2 inch.

When I repot, I'll see what the root structure looks like and if I can get them down to the white pot level.  It may be that I will have to get there in stages.

As to soil, should I go with boon's mix?  Or add some pine bark?
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John Kirby

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #17 on: January 30, 2012, 06:39 PM »
either pot works, the point is, get the tree in to the shallow pot by reducing everything that grows down. you need to prune back to the solid wood of the tree base. You may still have the old Bonsai Today issues from your prior adventure, look back tot eh edition on repotting. Essentially you end up with the atrunk with the surface roots sticking out. Uncross anything the crosses and make the roots come out something like spokes. Doing the hard work up front will rapidly accelerate the development of this tree.
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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #18 on: January 30, 2012, 07:35 PM »
Thanks, John!  That's what I was planning.  I'm thinking there shouldn't be much growing straight down since it's an air layer.

Now, soil...

Back in the day, I had never heard of akadama.  I used turface.

I now have akadama (double red line brand) and some Beam Clay brand pumice.

I also have an unlimited supply of granite grit that I can seive out of my horse arena.

And, back in the day, we used to put in about 1/3 organics in the form of "Natures Helper".   But, I'm thinking the modern thought is to forego the organics entirely?
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John Kirby

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #19 on: January 30, 2012, 08:07 PM »
The Akadama, sieved, and the pumice together are fine. You are in a hotter place, maybe a 2/3 akadama and 1/3 pumice mix. I would also put Sphagnum on the surface of the soil, after wiring the tree in very well and watering it until the water runs clear. Should be fun. JOhn
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scottroxburgh

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #20 on: January 30, 2012, 09:57 PM »
I am not sure if you have seen this post by Jonas, but it outlines an option...

http://bonsaitonight.com/2011/06/10/the-best-repotting-of-the-year/
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John Kirby

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #21 on: January 30, 2012, 10:07 PM »
Scott, great pick up- exactly what I was talking about. Well, more with the board pinning, but the level of root removal is about right.
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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #22 on: January 30, 2012, 10:37 PM »
I have NOT seen that!  Whoa!  That does look like some fun! 

I think I can get my roots that flat.  If I put a board under, I'd have to use a thicker pot than the one I was planning on using.

And I can see how using chopsticks creates the undulations...

I wonder how long it took them to do that?  (Gotta remember to get a sprayer.)

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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #23 on: January 30, 2012, 10:56 PM »
Upon closer inspection, I saw that the example tree had some fairly large roots right at the trunk that didn't lie entirely flat.  These kept the bottow of the trunk elevated a little off the board.  I was wondering if it might be a good idea to use "fencing staples" to nail those down closer to the board?  (They're U shaped nails. Sharp on both ends.)  I use them to nail wire fencing onto wooden posts.  Never thought of them as bonsai tools!

I can see how the galvanized nails helped put some curves in the roots.  I wonder how long they kept the board attached?  And. would galvanized screws work just as well?  Might make it easier come repotting time.  Just unscrew the screws from the board.

I promise if I do this, I'll photograph my efforts!

Oh, and John?  I've been paying attention to the thread about the spaghnum moss.  I think it will most certainly help during our summer.  Expecially if I go with the shallow pot.
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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #24 on: March 19, 2012, 10:39 PM »
Today, I did the repot.

The roots were better than I expected, very little crossing roots.

I used screws to arrange the roots.
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MatsuBonsai

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #25 on: March 19, 2012, 10:40 PM »
Pics or it didn't happen.  :)
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John Kirby

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #26 on: March 19, 2012, 10:41 PM »
Pictures?

(man that Matsu dude is fast. Doesn't he have a pregnant wife to tend to? Wasting his valuable sleep time on the internets..... :'(
« Last Edit: March 19, 2012, 10:43 PM by John Kirby »
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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #27 on: March 19, 2012, 10:47 PM »
Geez!!!  You SOBs are demanding!  I've been having trouble posting pics, I guess they're too big, so I made 'em smaller!

Here goes nothin'
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Adair M

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #28 on: March 19, 2012, 10:49 PM »
And now for the screws:
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MatsuBonsai

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Re: A zelkova project
« Reply #29 on: March 19, 2012, 10:54 PM »
Quote from: John Kirby on March 19, 2012, 10:41 PM
(man that Matsu dude is fast. Doesn't he have a pregnant wife to tend to? Wasting his valuable sleep time on the internets..... :'(

She's in the other room watching bad TV.

Quote from: Adair M on March 19, 2012, 10:47 PM
Geez!!!  You SOBs are demanding!  I've been having trouble posting pics, I guess they're too big, so I made 'em smaller!

Looking good.  Wayne was complaining in chat the other day that it's hard to take pictures while repotting.  Looks like you've got a thing or two to teach him.  :)
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