Bald Cypress Article

rockm

Just a thought,

but you may develop root problems with this tree using a soil that doesn't drain adequately in your climate. Bald cypress can and does develop some root rot if they're kept in inadedquate soil in less than ideal climates.

Colder weather can contribute to this, especially if the tree is left in soggy soil in a hard freeze. Although Bald cypress are extremely hardy trees--I leave mine outside unprotected other than a thick covering of mulch on the roots in Virginia (Zone 7)--adjustments have to be made in accomodating them.

I do so with soil and container that allows the worst of the snow and rain to drain through the soil while the tree is dormant.

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vince

I have been thinking about this, and think i will take Thomas's advice and pot it up in a large pot with drainage, i can have the best of both worlds this way, dont have to worry about overwatering, and can slow down when cold, then put in garage to overwinter. Thanks.

Bone-sigh

I'm no expert at all. But I live in Florida where HUGE Bald cypress trees can be seen growing deep in rivers and lakes, with having submerged root systems their whole lives. I don't think they could grow very well, much more thrive for years upon years, if it's true that having their roots constantly wet (talk about poor drainage!) gave them root-rot. From what I know Baldy's don't get root-rot from too much moister. But, like I said I don't know everything, only what I have heard and seen.

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Adam_MA

I believe Ron Marting gave a great explanation as to why the Bald Cypress can survive in it's natural habitat best in THIS post here.

Adam

rockm

A BC growing in a swamp in Fla. is alot different than a B.C. growing in a pot in Scotland. Freezing temperatures combined with restricted roots and soggy soil will give BC root problems.

Making comparisons between what a tree can take as an inground native tree and a container grown one in a different climate can present some problems.

Ralph

I just realized that s a local customer to Dallas Bonsai, there is no "monthly newsletter" for me. Is it a useful read?

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Adam_MA

There is a "Monthly Newsletter" I get it in my inbox every month. In the newsletter they highlight articles and tips that folks have written to share with the bonsai community. Is it a useful read? That's up to you...

Adam

Bone-sigh

Adam,
Thanks for pointing me to the thread where Ron Martin explained how a BC can get root-rot. I was ignorant as to the "how" and "why" BC's could get this. I only have experience with them here in Florida where they grow like weeds and are indestructable (a gross exageration, but you know what I mean!-hehe)

Until next time,
Ryan

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"If God meant for us to run around naked, we would have been born that way!"

----a Quote from my uncle's fridge

grampz

Mr. vince, I definately think you have made a sound decision to follow methods that have worked in many climate conditions and locations...which is why i saw no need to comment on your post...

As previously noted...twice I have mentioned I will NOT recommend this method...Ron Martin and Tom Stout [BonsaiMon] both, of which I have the greatest amount of respect for, have warned against growing in water...I just know what has worked for me in the past and is currently working once again...I have gone to some lenghts to try to explain in detail the method I am using in hopes one of these two would let me and others know if this is like what they have had problems with...or if there are enough differences in the way I am doing it that it could possibly be accepted as an alternative method...I have also been very up front in inviting ANYONE who has used a method similar to this to share problems they have had...

After the, inappropriate in my opinion, way Mr. Ron was treated in another thread, and judging by his last response, I doubt we will be hearing from him on this or any other issue in the very near future...Our GREAT loss...he has much knowledge to share...I am still Hoping Mr. Mon will share his thoughts on this, and I would also like to hear the EXPERIENCES of others...not just the thoughts and opinions of those who have never tried anything like this...

This is my adaptation of a method that I learned from a Cajun friend from Westwego while I was living in New Orleans...He was not into bonsai, but when it came to trees, he was probably the most knowledgeable individual I have ever met...He had several contracts and also did a tremendous amount of on-call work for many of the most prestigous courtyards in the Quarter...many of those trees planted in very large containers, and very few that were actually growing in real mother earth...

I am not advocating everyone should use this method...I am only sharing with others what seems to work for me, and asking for anyone who has had failures with similar methods to also share those experiences...

Regards
Behr