I got this semi-dwarf water jasmine in what I think was a decent deal at Wigert's. The trunk is particularly well developed at a 4 inch diameter at the base. The nebari isn't too bad and there's a pretty good shape on the taper.
That said, there's some obvious things that need to be corrected and I'd love to get some advise.
- Do the nebari that are growing straight down need to be removed?
- What would be a good front for the tree? I really like the side with the hole in the trunk but it hides a lot of the interesting branching structure and nebari development.
- Should I use a knob cutter to cut off some knobs that have developed around the point where the trunk tapers and allow it to heal?
- What would be some good directions to wire the the branches?
- Is this tree ready for a bonsai pot or should it remain in the nursery pot for a while? The roots have almost colonized the entire pot. I'm satisfied with the trunk girth tapering from 4 inches at the base to 2 inches at the first branch, but I'm not sure if I need to keep it in this for nebari development if I have to cut off some of the downwards growing nebari.
I'd also appreciate any other general adivse or tips for this tree.
by joshimmanuel
2 Comments
You bought a pretty cool trunk. For me pic one looks best, a good broad relatively even nebari spread and movement and taper in the trunk. Branch placement is not perfect but can be worked on.
As for you questions:
1: Not sure what you mean, nabari are by definition surface roots that run to almost horizontal. You can remove a possible taproot (very likely already done if it was present). Big downward growing roots can be pruned. What we are trying to get is a a “shin”, a dense mass of fibrous roots underneath the base that is highly efficient and compact enough to withstand work while in a bonsai pot.
2: 1 As specified above.
3: This tree is so knobby I would just lean into it.
4: Depends on your design. Some might go for a standard triangle shape with branches that bow down. Others may style it into an olive tree shape. The next may go for a banyan tree look. Decide the style before the design.
5: Look up the proper timing for repotting these and get some good bonsai substrate. Choose between pond basket, this pot or a bonsai pot based on your plans for the tree and the current root development.
Do the nebari that are growing straight down need to be removed? Yeah, I’d trim those vertical ones back to an outward-facing bud so they don’t compete with the rest of the roots.