Japanese Black Pine Roots
- Thread starter Hawk21
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- japanese black pine
Ryceman3
Shohin
Not amazing.
The soil looks pretty compacted/not great for bonsai culture and it doesn't appear previous root work has placed a lot of effort on creating a spread which would enable the nebari to develop.
There look to be little to no finer "feeder" roots which are really the ones we covet for a successful bonsai.
Can it be fixed I guess is your next question?
Sure.
I would be looking to clean out some of that old soil and transitioning to a more open, oxygen-rich mix that will help build a healthier and more ramified root structure.
I have no idea where you are, your conditions, the health of the rest of your tree or your experience level so it might take several years to transition completely, or all at once ...
The soil looks pretty compacted/not great for bonsai culture and it doesn't appear previous root work has placed a lot of effort on creating a spread which would enable the nebari to develop.
There look to be little to no finer "feeder" roots which are really the ones we covet for a successful bonsai.
Can it be fixed I guess is your next question?
Sure.
I would be looking to clean out some of that old soil and transitioning to a more open, oxygen-rich mix that will help build a healthier and more ramified root structure.
I have no idea where you are, your conditions, the health of the rest of your tree or your experience level so it might take several years to transition completely, or all at once ...
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Usually there will be some healthy white root tips but I can't see any in that photo so in answer to the question the roots do not look great.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Agree with the above posters.
That root ball looks very dry and compacted.
That root ball looks very dry and compacted.
Hawk21
Seedling
Thanks, everyone!
I’ve now repotted to a larger container and an equal mix of pumice, lava, and akadama. I didn’t do any major root work aside from breaking up a bit of the impacted soil. Fingers crossed!
I’ve now repotted to a larger container and an equal mix of pumice, lava, and akadama. I didn’t do any major root work aside from breaking up a bit of the impacted soil. Fingers crossed!
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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I hope the tree is appropriately wired into the pot. Until the roots re-establish themselves in the new soil (given the current state of the roots, that's going to take at least a few months), any movement will slow root re-growth down and that may push this one completely over the edge.
Hawk21
Seedling
Yes, I’ve rewired in tightly and all is secure.
What are your thoughts on fertilizing with Superthrive to stimulate root growth?
What are your thoughts on fertilizing with Superthrive to stimulate root growth?
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
- Messages
- 13,370
- Reaction score
- 31,497
- USDA Zone
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Straight super thrive won't hurt but probably won't help, either. Sun, appropriate watering, and light fertilizing with something organic like fish emulsion would be my suggestion. Hopefully, you have healthy foliage and buds?
Hawk21
Seedling
Thanks. Foliage is healthy (though I removed some brown needles a month ago) and seems to be holding steady. Some small but green buds are present, but not progressing. I took that as a sign that the tree is battling to survive.
That said, I’ve kept it out of direct sun for a few weeks, but will start transition to full sun now.
That said, I’ve kept it out of direct sun for a few weeks, but will start transition to full sun now.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Just give it time, water and some fertilizer once you start seeing new growth.
Do nothing else until it gets strong and vigorous again
BrianBay9
Masterpiece
Skip the Superthrive. Maybe a bit of slow release pellets.
Hawk21
Seedling
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate all your advice!
bwaynef
Masterpiece
I'd hold off on fertilization until the tree starts to show growth on its own. Those roots don't look happy.
