Mountain Laurel

wdt2000

I collect this guy last night. It was in an area were it would have been destroyed. So I collected it with permission. I have a large bonsai pot for it, but it is in a 5 gallon pot now. It's root system is very small due to its former location. But there are roots coming off the backside of the loop. You can see were it is in the soil in picture 2. Should I go ahead and put it in a bonsai pot. What do you guys think? Any advice? I am sure it is blooming size so maybe next spring

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ml1.jpg (48.7 KB, 124 views)

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wdt2000

You can see where I have covered the second set of roots coming from the "loop".

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ml2.jpg (41.8 KB, 95 views)

wdt2000

Wish I knew more about these plants care in Bonsai because there are a few more like this that are just in the way and they are tired of cutting them back.

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ml3.jpg (42.5 KB, 79 views)

Will_Heath

You have a couple years before this guy is ready for a bonsai pot, in my opinion.

I don't know enough about how you collected it to offer much advice. It looks as though you have that potted in regular potting soil which could cause a few problems in the future, myself I would have potted it in a well draining mix that could maintain it's integerity for a couple years while the tree developed some fiberous roots.

I also don't know enough about the exsisting root structure or lack thereof to make any suggestions about planting depth or angle or style.

If you only potted it last night you could change soil mix now and play with angles, casade, slanting, informal, etc until you have got it and then pot in a good mix, dont worry about a bonsai pot until you have the development you need.

Other than that, get it outside, work on branch development and feed it well in a couple of weeks.

wdt2000

There are roots coming from two areas. 1) at the base of the trunk 2) at the base of that loop. They are a little smaller than a pencil and there are about 12 or those with many much smaller ones.

It is currently in potting mix What type of fast draining soil would you suggest?

Thanks
Will

Will_Heath

To afford confusion, you may want to pick up a bag from your local bonsai shop of pre-mixed. And/or contact your local club. Since they are in your area and in your personal growing zone they could give you much better advice than I could.

The soil issue is confusing, what I use would not suit your climate. I would suggest using pre-mixed bonsai soil sold commerically.