Serissa japonica root over rock

[Muggs]

Hello all,

Total noob here. I took a “Beginners bonsai workshop” and selected a Serissa japonica for my tree. Did some trimming and repotting into a trainer pot.
I would like to create a root over rock and my question is:
Imagine you cup your hand, place your fingers on the table. That’s how the roots system is now. There are also roots coming from the “palm” of your hand straight down. Is it possible for me to cut roots growing straight down in order slip a rock under the “finger” roots?
BTW, southeastern PA.

TIA,
Muggs

 

[Carol 83]

Welcome. Serissa is probably not the best beginner tree, they are fussy. Some people do really well with them, many do not. I am in the second camp. If you just trimmed roots and repotted, just leave it be for now. Give it light and don't overwater.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Hello all,

Total noob here. I took a “Beginners bonsai workshop” and selected a Serissa japonica for my tree. Did some trimming and repotting into a trainer pot.
I would like to create a root over rock and my question is:
Imagine you cup your hand, place your fingers on the table. That’s how the roots system is now. There are also roots coming from the “palm” of your hand straight down. Is it possible for me to cut roots growing straight down in order slip a rock under the “finger” roots?
BTW, southeastern PA.

TIA,
Muggs

It depends. You need to keep roots that have fine roots. Probably better if you can force all roots to conform to the rock first and when the tree grows, gradually remove those that aren’t conforming.

Now is definitely not the time to do this work, since it appears you have already worked on the roots recently. Best to wait until late spring when the tree is starting to grow.

As Carol stated, Serissa isn’t an easy beginner tree, mostly because they need very consistent conditions: good light and humidity and they detest being moved around. If you have a decent indoor setup with some light and consistent humidity it can do fine.

 

[baldone]

Welcome from another beginner

 

[Stormwater]

Welcome to the sickness. May it bring you joy!

 

[Muggs]

Thank you for all of your comments!
Carol 83 - Yes, the gentleman who lead the workshop did warn that the Serrisa was "finicky" and needed a lot of attention, but as I work from home (and semi-retired), I thought I could deal with it. Time will tell.
Brian - yeah, sorry I should have stated that what I want to do was not now but much later. Thanks for your insight.
Thanks for the welcomes.
Next steps, walk my brother-in-laws property for some good outdoor trees!

 

[Orion_metalhead]

1. Hello and welcome.
2. Look up Nigel Saunders youtube channel. He has an old serissa and gives good care advice on it. It might help you familiarize yourself with the species.
3. Over time, we aim to remove downward facing roots so that our trees can be placed in shallower pots. So the answer is "yes". We must do so without harming the tree's ability to take in water and nutrients though and time this work appropriately for each tree based on species, health, and needs.
4. Plenty of great bonsai stuff going on in the PA/NJ area!

 

[Muggs]

Orion,
Thanks so much for the Nigel Saunders recommendation. I love his African Style Bonsai and didn't realize that they were, in fact, Serrisa's.