Hawthorn Re-pot Question

Ian_Homer

Hello All,

Some while back I asked for some thoughts on this little problem and Matt kindly offered advice but needed better pics.

Finally got round to them, now that re-potting time is almost here.

My problem. I have always been troubled by this "flying root" off the tree which acts as a drainage channel to the hollowed out centre. This is how I bought the tree.

In the re-pot, unless I see major problem - I intend to remove this root and slightly carve the inside better to ensure good drainage. From the one side you can see in the detail pic how it does contribute to the "nebari" effect - while the other side is certainly lacking.

Also, given these alterations - and that on the better root side the tip of the tree is "away" from the viewer - which side do you see as the future front and given my choice of pots any style and colour ideas (Rectangle / Oval - Green of foilage / Grey of Bark etc..?

Look forward to your comments.
Ian.

Attached Images

	hthorn1.jpg (47.6 KB, 107 views)
	hthorn2.jpg (49.2 KB, 74 views)
	hthorndetail.jpg (56.9 KB, 89 views)

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John Dixon

Ian,

First of all, I like your tree. It looks like it is old enough to be blooming, and that, in and of itself, makes the tree noteworthy.

In my opinion 18948 is the front (first pic, with the suspect root on the left). It appears that it is the current front. I base this opinion on the sharied trunk. The back is not as dramatic and hides most of it (if I am seeing it correctly). The bow of the apex looks appropriate, and with some downward movement of the primary and, especially, secondary branch, I really like the styling and proportions. A nice rounded apex will suit this bonsai nicely.

The root is a tough problem. It sounds like you might have to proceed with removal but, especially if you make the current back the new front, removal of the root will reduce the taper of the buttress.

Just a suggestion, but have you considered a partial removal of the upper root? Two avenues here:

1) Removal of enough upper root to eliminate the "flying" aspect and seal it allowing it to heal over. If necessary, with enough removed it could be stapled or otherwise wired down to a shape of your liking. A slight tilt during repot could also minimize the flying apsect of the root.

2)Instead of allowing it to "heal", remove the upper part of the root and blend it in to the existing shari. If so, take care to not extend the wound down into the soil. Leave a section of live material ABOVE the soil line to prohibit rot of the shari. It would also be advisable to channel the shari so excess water runs off to the side AWAY from the trunk.

For pot choices, I think an oval suits it better than a rectangle (I wouldn't rule out a round either). For glaze, without knowing the blooms color, I would like a very light gray, green, or white crackle glaze. A color that adds contrast to the bloom color would also be highly advisable.

Just a few observations, since I think that is what you are asking for. I know from your work that you have the skill and talent to produce a great specimen out of this hawthorne. Good luck with it, and keep us posted.

Warmest regards,

John

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John Dixon

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Ian_Homer

Hi John,


Thanks very much for your comments. You are right - the very kind of feedback that I am looking for.
Yes, the first pic is the current front. (and probably will remain so)
It is always nice not to be "blinkered" with your own thoughts and consider what others might do. This is the beauty to me of these forums. After a while any individual can form their own direction on the basis of ALL the input given by others.

This is really how Clubs or regular meetings at Bonsai Nurseries work, evaluating the "general" feeling and "direction" a certain tree should go in. I am afraid that with my work committments I do not have the time for such meetings and hence this forum is GREAT !

The tree actually does flower White. I have had this tree for about 2 years now and this is the first re-pot. I have a Light Green Oval made already with this tree in mind - but given my available choice are still open to suggestions.

Thanks for your input again John. I will certainly consider your points and post updates as I go on.

Best Regards,
Ian.

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Ian_Homer

Hi All,

Finally got round to some serious re-potting this last weekend, and managed to cut-off that "flying" root that has always troubled me with this tree.

First picture shows part way through the job, while the second one shows the finished tiedied cut. Now, with all the debates on cut-paste just lately, I have left it natural for the moment. On closer inspection, this root had little contribution to the overall root system, so should not cause any weaknesses.

Also managed to clean up the trunk and apply Lime-sulphur to the inside, then potted it into a specially commissioned "Walsall" pot.

Will post a few pics in another few weeks after the soil and moss has had chance to settle in.

Best Wishes,
Ian

Attached Images

	cuttingroot.jpg (65.2 KB, 49 views)
	roottidy.jpg (62.4 KB, 45 views)

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