Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) Air Layer + Ebihara Progression

[Reso]

Hi,
Long time lurker, first time poster here
Just wanted to share my progression with a Japanese Maple air layer + Ebihara that was started last year.

May 24, 2022:




July 31, 2022:


August 6, 2022 - Air layer separated




August 19, 2022


April 7 2023 - First repotting

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Well done and Welcome Aboard BonsaiNut!

Please double click your idea atop the page, then Account Details, scroll down and enter your approximate location and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

cheers
DSD sends

 

[roberthu]

Those roots are intense.... Goosebumps...

 

[KikurageOtomo]

Wow, incredible results from that air layer!

 

[Gabler]

Did you use pure sphagnum moss as the rooting medium?

 

[Reso]

Well done and Welcome Aboard BonsaiNut!

Please double click your idea atop the page, then Account Details, scroll down and enter your approximate location and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

cheers
DSD sends

Thank you & done

Those roots are intense.... Goosebumps...

Let’s see what they look like in spring!

Wow, incredible results from that air layer!

Thank you, got lucky!

Did you use pure sphagnum moss as the rooting medium?

Yes, pure sphagnum moss

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

Very nice.

I assume the tree responded well this growing season. Any recent photos?

I typically see the ebihara technique used in connection with a box. Any plans to use a larger / flatter container next repot?

 

[jradics]

Hi,
Long time lurker, first time poster here
Just wanted to share my progression with a Japanese Maple air layer + Ebihara that was started last year.

May 24, 2022:
View attachment 511564
View attachment 511570
View attachment 511572

July 31, 2022:
View attachment 511575

August 6, 2022 - Air layer separated
View attachment 511577

View attachment 511579

August 19, 2022
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April 7 2023 - First repotting
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those roots....anyone here would be proud to have their air layer be half that good

 

[Reso]

Very nice.

I assume the tree responded well this growing season. Any recent photos?

I typically see the ebihara technique used in connection with a box. Any plans to use a larger / flatter container next repot?

Here’s how it looks like today. Not pretty. I’m just letting it do its thing to encourage root growth - all I’ve done this season is trimming the super long shoots and cutting off an existing thick branch here and there. That mess of an apex is going to get reduced to just one trunk line in the spring as well. Thought I’d keep the tree strong this season and not remove too much.


In my mind, I don’t see the need for a wider box as this tree has all the necessary radial roots. I feel like they would benefit more with a deeper pot so the roots can grow down (after reaching the edge of the wood round) and thicken to start fusing. I’m open to ideas/suggestions!

 

[yashu]

Can’t wait to see the nebari on this, what a start!

 

[Canada Bonsai]

very nice

 

[The Warm Canuck]

Wow!

Where in Ontario are you located?

 

[Nybonsai12]

Very nice roots on that layer!!

I would 2nd putting it into a flat wider grow box. This allows the roots to continue to grow outward which will widen the base. Ideally you don't want them to grow downward, just out.

 

[19Mateo83]

Man you got great roots on that sucker! This one should develop nicely. Also…as stated above, a bigger flat grow box would be ideal. Something to think about in the future. Also…. Welcome to the nut house!

 

[Reso]

very nice

Thank you! Looking forward to receiving beni chidori, deshojo, and satsuki azaleas from you in the spring!

Very nice roots on that layer!!

I would 2nd putting it into a flat wider grow box. This allows the roots to continue to grow outward which will widen the base. Ideally you don't want them to grow downward, just out.

Man you got great roots on that sucker! This one should develop nicely. Also…as stated above, a bigger flat grow box would be ideal. Something to think about in the future. Also…. Welcome to the nut house!

Thanks for your suggestions May I ask what your reasoning is for wider flat grow box as opposed to a deeper container?

 

[qwerty Bonsai]

Hi,
Long time lurker, first time poster here
Just wanted to share my progression with a Japanese Maple air layer + Ebihara that was started last year.

May 24, 2022:
View attachment 511564
View attachment 511570
View attachment 511572

July 31, 2022:
View attachment 511575

August 6, 2022 - Air layer separated
View attachment 511577

View attachment 511579

August 19, 2022
View attachment 511580

April 7 2023 - First repotting
View attachment 511581

View attachment 511582


View attachment 511583
View attachment 511584

View attachment 511585

View attachment 511586

Nice job!

After you initial separate the air layering on 8/6/2022, in that pot (as shown 8/19 photo),did you also only use Sphagnum moss? I just separated my JM air layering, but used other soil (I did not touch the root ball, potted the tree with root ball as it was)

 

[Reso]

Nice job!

After you initial separate the air layering on 8/6/2022, in that pot (as shown 8/19 photo),did you also only use Sphagnum moss? I just separated my JM air layering, but used other soil (I did not touch the root ball, potted the tree with root ball as it was)

That's correct. After separating, without touching the root ball, I potted in more pure sphagnum moss and stood the pot in a tray of water. After the picture with the coke can, I slip potted again with about 1-2inches of bonsai soil to the bottom and sides of the root ball

 

[19Mateo83]

Thank you! Looking forward to receiving beni chidori, deshojo, and satsuki azaleas from you in the spring!



Thanks for your suggestions May I ask what your reasoning is for wider flat grow box as opposed to a deeper container?

The wider shallow box encourages the roots to continue to grow outwards which helps develop the flared base or nebari.