|
Sat, Oct 21, 06 at 11:59
| Hi, I'm new here and new to bonsai although I'm a knowledgeable gardener and nursery professional.
I recently purchased a 5 gal. size white Himilayan champaca tree that I would like to train as a large bonsai. I was reading some info found on google that said I should prune off up to 2/3 of the roots, but to do this when the tree is dormant. Does anyone know when these evergreen trees are in a dormant stage? Thanks for any help or links you can offer. The tree was expensive and I don't want to kill it. wanda |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| If this is your first foray into bonsai, don't chop that much (plus I'm not familiar with the tree and some react badly to that kind of cut). The general rule is 1/4 to 1/3, so be conservative this time out - getting a new tree into a bonsai pot is not usually the way to go anyhow. Bonsai pots (theoretically, anyway) are meant to be the 'final' ones for trees that have been trained over time - years - and trying to suddenly stuff one into a small pot isn't the best idea. Just use some wider and somewhat lower than the rootball allows after the cut and gentle spreading outward (sometimes just a loosening the circling - and brittle - roots), with a good sized drain hole (or two). Your main focus should be on the soil mix - coarse loam with a lot of grit for fast drainage - whether small aquarium pebbles, or chicken grit from a farm feed store, crushed lava rock or pumice (rinsing away small dusty bits), and adding in some pine or fir bark in 1/16 - 1/8" bits. An orchid mix is often a good base, with just a little 'soil' mixed in. Dormancy is usually late fall, but if in doubt, late winter (Feb.) would work too - you'd be a better judge of that for your area). |
|
| Thanks, Lucy! Helpful info. Keep your fingers crossed for me. wanda |
|
| Wanda, you sure are brave. I would be afraid to experiment with such a valuable tree. You might also want to ask about dormancy on the CA forum. There are a significant number of growers knowledgeable about this tree on that forum. I have a friend with one that is flowering now, so I doubt that they are dormant now. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Bonsai Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.