Planting Sideways?

christensena

Hello, I'm new here and new to Bonsai-ing... So, this may be a silly question:

I just purchased my first tree from a garden center (an alberta spruce - I know, not the easiest to train or keep alive) and did my first cutting. It's natural inclination is probably to be a formal upright (possibly a literati with training). As I am not terribly interested in formal uprights I figured maybe I could just repot it sideways, and hopefully it will either continue at an angular tradgectory or start re-curving upwards to give it a nice dipping shape.

My question is this: Does that even work? Is it wise to plant your tree sideways? Will that kill it?

Perhaps I'll post pics later when I get home from work... AND if I can figure out how. Although I'm nervous to post as I have a feeling that I mauled my tree, and it's going to die... but I'm somewhat optimistic about it. That, and I'm afraid of a comment like that "Looks like a bush hog ran over it" one. Thanks for the help!

-Andy

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Height_Thief

Planting your tree sidways will not kill it. Make sure the root ball is in your soil. I took a Serissa and did that. I was looking to make a forest planting and used this method instead of planting a lot of individual trees. I believe this is called the rift method. I will now let my limbs grow up from the main trunk that is sitting at dirt level.

So again, No it will not kill your tree. Remember where the root ball is and water there. If you are going to do it now. I do it, but don't recommend it. Stress on the tree in the heat. The best time to do stuff like that is in late, late winter, or early early spring. But, if you are going to do it now, I do mine at night when its cool out. Doing stuff like that now is taking a big chance. Let us know how it goes and what you decided to do.

Cquinn

Post a pic. I promise I won't make that comment.

waltr

Yes its doable. Trees in nature get pushed over from wind or over forces and live. The top will then grow upward.
I've even seen spruce in the suburbs that have the base growing sideways with a vertical top.
Look around and for picture.
As a bonsai I think it would be much more interesting than a straight tree.

christensena

Thanks for the help! It's very reassuring. Unfortunately, I did actually do it yesterday, and yes... in the afternoon sun. Oh well, if it doesn't make it, I'm only out 15 bucks, although hopefully a few of the cuttings from it will root as I planted them in some soil mixed 1 to 1 with perilite and covered them with plastic. I realized after I did it that I should have waited till more of a dormant period (through reading up here).

Thanks again for your help, this forum is great and friendly!

oh, and I'll post some pictures when I get off work.