ROR Trident project

[Don Blackmond]

Another technique is to use wire to bind the roots to the rock. Many wires will cause the roots to press against the rock. Wire does not stretch like some wraps will. The roots take the shape of the rock, and they also inject the wire so when you are ready you just cut the wire and the roots swallow the rest.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Is there a "best" age for material to be when starting a ROR. I would assume too old and you won't be able to manipulate the roots to adhere. But how young can material be to start a ROR?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I think these were cuttings rooted the previous year. They just need roots long enough to reach around the rock.

 

[Don Blackmond]

Another technique is to use wire to bind the roots to the rock. Many wires will cause the roots to press against the rock. Wire does not stretch like some wraps will. The roots take the shape of the rock, and they also INGEST the wire so when you are ready you just cut the wire and the roots swallow the rest.

 

[Don Blackmond]

Is there a "best" age for material to be when starting a ROR. I would assume too old and you won't be able to manipulate the roots to adhere. But how young can material be to start a ROR?

It needs to be young material to work properly. The roots need to be soft and pliable otherwise you cannot get them to fit snugly on the rock. Typically, you want to use seedlings or young rooted cuttings. They will have long, thin, pliable roots and won't have a base formed yet. You can use older trees, but then you need the perfect tree to fit the rock. Tridents grow fast so using mature trees is fine. Groups of roots will fuse and look more like wax melting and running down the rock. I few select roots will look more like fingers or an octopus clasping the rock.

Here is one made using a few select roots. I got this from John Kirby about 8 years ago or so during a trade. He stopped at my place to pick up something and left this with me.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Update on #1...

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

#2. Needs more time, but I need to see it on the bench for a year to make a plan!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

#3 really growing strong.

 

[edprocoat]

Ok, so your a strap-on guy !
Its been 4 years now, did it work? Have the roots held to the rock or do they still need bondage?

ed

 

[Don Blackmond]

BVF, I would use smaller diameter wire and use it in more places to hold those roots on the rock during the early stages. Don't worry about the wire cutting in to the roots; they will grow over it/swallow it.

 

[jeanluc83]

I really like #2.

BVF, I would use smaller diameter wire and use it in more places to hold those roots on the rock during the early stages. Don't worry about the wire cutting in to the roots; they will grow over it/swallow it.

The problem I see with this method is the scars you are left with look very unnatural. The tree you posted is fantastic but it still shows the scars of the wires that held it onto the rock during development.

 

[Don Blackmond]

I really like #2.



The problem I see with this method is the scars you are left with look very unnatural. The tree you posted is fantastic but it still shows the scars of the wires that held it onto the rock during development.

The wire scars on the roots are the least of its issues.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Update. The other two have sold, and this is the keeper. Still need to thicken up the roots above the soil.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Another shot...can't wait to see this one leafless in the fall.

 

[JudyB]

And with fall color too. Will you try to shape the thinner roots, or just delete them after a time?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

And with fall color too. Will you try to shape the thinner roots, or just delete them after a time?

Indeed. The plan was to wrap the bottom half of the rock again with some sphagnum and try to get the thinner ones thicker. Didn't quite got around to it yet.

 

[sorce]

I know how busy you been.

But that "like" is omitting the last sentence!

I love the detail on the pot lip.

Sorce

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I know how busy you been.

But that "like" is omitting the last sentence!

I love the detail on the pot lip.

Sorce

Points subtracted for grammar, good catch!
That bamboo edge is pretty cool. My pyracantha is also in a large Koyo with the same edge. Less pronounced, but still cool. Haven't seen too many of his pots with it.

 

[leatherback]

Nice work. Been wanting to get one going myself, but have not been able to find young tridents or seeds. Guess a cutting/layer next year will have to do.

 

[sorce]

Points subtracted for grammar, good catch!
That bamboo edge is pretty cool. My pyracantha is also in a large Koyo with the same edge. Less pronounced, but still cool. Haven't seen too many of his pots with it.

I'm pretty concerned with grammar, but I missed that like HI Sci went in as Sci Fi, in the John G mountain post.

It's the PROCRASTINATION I don't like!

Only because I know you know it's got to go down.
Thanks for the pot info. I was fishing for info, but can't get caught in the pot web! I have to fool myself!

Sorce