fourteener
Omono
Yowza!!! Nice color. You get me all excited for fall and it ain't even spring here yet!!
Japanese maple forest in autumn color
- Thread starter MACH5
- Start date
Colorado Bonsai
Yamadori
Hello Mach5 if you have time I was wondering if you could answer a few questions about my maple.
When is the best time of year to airlayer?
Can I do more than one branch at a time?
Do I need to use root hormone?
I saw where someone burried a sacrifice branch while attached to the tree. Tied it up to a stick in order to start a 2nd tree. Would this work?
When is the best time of year to airlayer?
Can I do more than one branch at a time?
Do I need to use root hormone?
I saw where someone burried a sacrifice branch while attached to the tree. Tied it up to a stick in order to start a 2nd tree. Would this work?
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
There is always been some discussion as to what is precisely the best time to air layer. What has worked for me is early Spring even before the leaves come out. In my view you can't go wrong with this time of the year. So now is a good time.
Yes, you can do more than one branch on a given tree. Of course this is all assuming the stock plant is nice and healthy.
No, in my opinion you do not need any root hormone. I normally do not use any but it won't hurt either. I am currently experimenting with a root hormone in gel form made by Dyna Gro.
Yes, burying a sacrifice branch to create a new tree is also another way of propagation. This is technically called a "ground layer".
Hope this helps
Colorado Bonsai
Yamadori
There is always been some discussion as to what is precisely the best time to air layer. What has worked for me is early Spring even before the leaves come out. In my view you can't go wrong with this time of the year. So now is a good time.
Yes, you can do more than one branch on a given tree. Of course this is all assuming the stock plant is nice and healthy.
No, in my opinion you do not need any root hormone. I normally do not use any but it won't hurt either. I am currently experimenting with a root hormone in gel form made by Dyna Gro.
Yes, burying a sacrifice branch to create a new tree is also another way of propagation. This is technically called a "ground layer".
Hope this helps
Perfect. Thank you! One last question I just thought of. About how long will it take before the branch is ready to be removed? I have read 6 mos and 2 to 3 mos... Thanks again.
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
It depends on a few factors. What variety of maple you're working with, girth of the branch been air layered, your location, etc are things to consider. On average it will be ready within a season. Using clear plastic is helpful as it allows you to monitor the progress of the roots. Generally it should more or less fill the bag.
Try and not be too hasty to separate your layer. The more time you leave it be the better. If you really want to play it safe wait until the following Spring.
Try and not be too hasty to separate your layer. The more time you leave it be the better. If you really want to play it safe wait until the following Spring.
Hey M5, did you ever decide on a pot for this one? ... If not, have you seen what Michael Hagedorn has been doing without pots? Your forest could look awesome like that. -- The moss grows to where it covers the nylon board he uses as a base. Here are some links: http://crataegus.com/2013/03/07/3-repotting-days-at-the-february-seasonal/
http://backcountrybonsai.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/portland-oregon-michael-hagedorn-seasonal/
http://backcountrybonsai.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/portland-oregon-michael-hagedorn-seasonal/
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
LOL no worries Dan! Yes I did pick one that I'm happy with for now. Certainly I think a big improvement to what I had it in before yes?
I am very familiar with Michael's slab plantings like the one you posted above. They are beautiful indeed! For some reason slabs, with very few exceptions, are not really my cup of tea
Something about the combination of ceramic with bark and leaves that I love!
Thank you for your suggestion though. I always remain open to ideas!
I am very familiar with Michael's slab plantings like the one you posted above. They are beautiful indeed! For some reason slabs, with very few exceptions, are not really my cup of tea
Something about the combination of ceramic with bark and leaves that I love!Thank you for your suggestion though. I always remain open to ideas!
I have a quick question... You have quite a bit of experience with Japanese bonsai, (and this is in no way a critique of your pot choice, as I think it's a beautiful pairing!). But I don't see a single green pot in any of my Kokufu books... .(granted I only have four). Do you know if there's a reason for this? - They obviously make them.
The only reason I can come up with is from something both Ryan and Michael have taught; They say (for a show) to avoid using repeating elements. The Japanese always use moss which may "repeat" with a green pot..? Does that make sense or am I just nuts?
By the way, I recently bought a dark green Yamafusa pot similar to yours, and may use it with my Deshojo. : )
The only reason I can come up with is from something both Ryan and Michael have taught; They say (for a show) to avoid using repeating elements. The Japanese always use moss which may "repeat" with a green pot..? Does that make sense or am I just nuts?
By the way, I recently bought a dark green Yamafusa pot similar to yours, and may use it with my Deshojo. : )
I agree, I love the combination of a nice pot! I do like the slabs too, but I would be playing with fire trying go without a pot here in WY, with almost no humidity.
I think the dark shallow pot is a great improvement!
And I'm excited to see the color combination this fall!
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MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Dan, I suspect that Ryan and Michael may be referring more to repetitive elements of shape and movement and not so much about color (green pot with green leaves) although one would always want an interesting color story in their display. Even though not perhaps the most common color, Kokufu does indeed display bonsai in green containers from time to time.
With Japanese maples, I personally choose a pot in relation to their Autumn and Winter appearance, which in my opinion happen to be the most interesting seasons for these trees. For the record my personal favorite colors are cream and sky blue but I just happen to love the style and aged quality of the current pot the forest sits in now despite the fact that it's green
I agree, I love the combination of a nice pot! I do like the slabs too, but I would be playing with fire trying go without a pot here in WY, with almost no humidity.
I think the dark shallow pot is a great improvement!
Glad you like the pot Dan! I think I prefer slabs for conifers since maples generally are not as rustic and more graceful. The forest is in very good shape for now. We will see since I still have a good month or so of potentially very hot weather where my leaves can take a down turn. I hope I can keep in its current state for good Fall color. Crossing my fingers!
Thanks! That is exactly what their comments were referencing. I was just trying to come up with a reason for not finding any green pots. I guess I need to keep getting more books!
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Update november 2013
Updating this thread again with some new photos. I did end up doing some wiring and pruning when the leaves fell but more to do later in early spring since I do not like working trees too much at this time of year. Fine ramification still needs to be further developed in some areas and in particular the newer small trees towards the back and to the left of the composition.
This photo was taken close to my home. Although not Japanese maples, these large tree stands always inspire me and helps me understand trees in groups and their growth habits.
Updating this thread again with some new photos. I did end up doing some wiring and pruning when the leaves fell but more to do later in early spring since I do not like working trees too much at this time of year. Fine ramification still needs to be further developed in some areas and in particular the newer small trees towards the back and to the left of the composition.
This photo was taken close to my home. Although not Japanese maples, these large tree stands always inspire me and helps me understand trees in groups and their growth habits.
ChrisV
Shohin
looks stunning!
cmeg1
Imperial Masterpiece
Awesome.Love to see inspiration from the landscape.Thanks for the update
discusmike
Omono
Nice fall color
barrosinc
Masterpiece
2014 update!!
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Mach, this is a beautiful forest. Nice job and thank you for sharing it.
May I ask, what are the dimensions of that pot?
May I ask, what are the dimensions of that pot?
