Where does everyone else get their rocks for root over rock?

sheepinajeep

Hi there,

Maybe I did a wrong search on line, or maybe everyone else lives in great areas so they can find a rock outside, but man, I am having a rough time of it!

I kinda feel like a freak BUYING a ROCK for my plant (especially when I used to live in an area where I think there was a ton of cool ones), but I also don't want to make a mistake and find what I consider a cool specimen, and then have it break in half down the road, for whatever reason. That's what we have around here....some slate like stuff that you can chuck against each other and they'll shatter into a million pieces.

I know the rock should have characater and grooves and niches and not be a flat river rock. I also know that the rock shouldn't be flashy like quartz or stuff like that....

Anyhow, I was wondering if people use rocks sold for aquariums (are they even safe?) and what type? I've seen the lava rock, and also some sort of other stuff, but once again, not sure if they are safe.

And oh yes, I have looked for the Japanese Ibigawa (sp?) rock....came up empty on that one as well!

Or if you purchased them on line, where did you go?

Thanks for the input!

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diatribe

sounds like a good excuse for a road trip. I get mine out of my backyard, but sometimes I will take a trip to the mountains just to explore and find good ones there.

Peace,
Diatribe.

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andrew lenden

anything suitable for aquariums is most likely to be safe as it would harm the fish if it altered the ph. this can be a good source as you can rummage through and pick the shape you are after. also try garden centres which sometimes stock waterworn limestone which has nice fissures and again you can rummage but in my own experience is limited to junipers, elms and yews that,ll do well on limestone.If you buy online you are probably limited to one piece which may be the wrong shape for the tree when it arrives. greenwood gardens (uk) used to stock ibigawa rock at a price. i have a good source of chinese cemented rock structures that when broken up can provide some useful and interesting rocks for root over rock. ultimatly the best option though is to get out into the hills! cheers, andrew

TreeBay

Around here they sell lace rock and lava rock for use in aquariums. If there is a rockery in your area (check out your yellow pages under building supplies or rockeries) you can probably save quite a bit by hand picking your own.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to scrounge or collect some interesting stones. Wear dark colored clothing, and if one of your neighbors catches you, drop the rocks and run in the direction opposite your own home for at least three blocks before doubling back.

Wrap the rocks in moist sphagnum moss, and when you get back home, keep them in the shade, misting occasionally until they become acclimated. Superthrive is optional, but some people claim it helps their rocks avoid transplant stress.

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patmac

Wrap the rocks in moist sphagnum moss, and when you get back home, keep them in the shade, misting occasionally until they become acclimated. Superthrive is optional, but some people claim it helps their rocks avoid transplant stress.



Ohhh Man! I didn't do this with the last batch of rocks I collected do you think they will be ok. I don't want to loose these rocks they have some real potential.

Thanks Matt I needed that this morning.

(Still laughing) Patrick

taipan(deceased)

Come to my home and i will take you rock hunting!

On the othe rhand if you don't want to spend 20 hours in a plane then...

You can always try a landscaping supplies store, or raw materials,rocks etc look in the yellow pages in your area.

They usually sell in bulk but don't let that put you off, Just show up explain your looking for bonsai rocks and ANYONE will say yeah go have a look.
It will cost you about 10% of the price you will pay in a pet store.

Happy hunting
Tai

sheepinajeep

....do you know how many people are going to show up on your doorstep to go Rock Hunting in Australia? Wish I could jump on a plane and go....!

Thanks everyone....I have a better idea of what is acceptable, and I might go rock hunting or look it up in the trusty wusty handy dandy phone book.

Bonsainut

Where are you at Sheep? I collect in the Mojave desert but it is kinda hot out there right now(understament). Come over in November and Ill show you some sites .

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Lethal Use of Farce

Robert

Hi, Here are a couple of things I don't think were mentioned about rocks for "root over" planting.
First of all, make sure it's a "hard" rock. Someone mentioned Limestone, but limestone will erode over time. Sandstone also will erode, and actually "melt"......so go for something truly hard.
Also, choose a rock which is big enough. I've seen some nice trees over a rock where the roots have almost completely covered the rock. When the job was done the proportion of the rock to tree was fine, but in time the tree grew but the rock didn't. This is especially true if you're doing tridents...which grow VERY fast. You should also choose a rock of a color which will contrast with the roots...that is, if the roots are light colored, choose a dark colored rock. It'll be more noticeable. I've seen tridents which have tan roots on a tan rock, and it just didn't look very effective.
Hope this helps.

Robert......in Sta.Cruz

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Robert.........in Sta.Cruz