DonielDoom
Mame
I obtained this Rhododendron in May of 2024. It was pulled from a garden by the homeowner and listed free online. I jumped at the opportunity for some low-stakes practice. I'm trying to gain experience where possible and this seemed like it'd provide a good outlet. I do not expect this material to become a beautiful traditional bonsai, however, I do see some beauty in it's form.
Overall, though, the value in this is in the experience for me. There's something about getting your hands dirty and making mistakes that goes a long way for me.
I value any advice and insight provided. Comments and criticisms are welcome.
My hopes are to work through two things this year to achieve a goal of building health:
1- Repot into appropriate substrate (kunama 80-90% and pumice 10-20% with a moss top covering) and adjust the dimensions of the grow box (deeper by a couple/few inches but likely around the same length/width). I'll be trying to time this action with the swelling of buds and general signs that spring growth is underway. Likely, a full rootwash and removal of old media is in order (I'm still reading up on best practice for my situation).
2 - Cut back the major stumps from the original pruning done prior to my care and seal them properly. This may have the added bonus of improving the silhouette/base design, but the focus is on health. I think I will wait to do this until after I observe and work the roots. Healthy roots seem to be the priority, and I don't want to impede that through pruning/grinding/etc. It very well could be that I just need to get the root system in order this year and let it grow without insults.
I'll come back around and post some recent photos for better bearing. Below are photos from collection and initial potting in the end of May 2024, except the last, which is from mid-June 2024. The substrate used was very fine and organic; not great.
Chopped off the bottom of the root base with a saw.
Rough chopped sphagnum moss mixed with collected live moss. (I've since chopped all future mixes much finer)
June 14 2024
Overall, though, the value in this is in the experience for me. There's something about getting your hands dirty and making mistakes that goes a long way for me.
I value any advice and insight provided. Comments and criticisms are welcome.
My hopes are to work through two things this year to achieve a goal of building health:
1- Repot into appropriate substrate (kunama 80-90% and pumice 10-20% with a moss top covering) and adjust the dimensions of the grow box (deeper by a couple/few inches but likely around the same length/width). I'll be trying to time this action with the swelling of buds and general signs that spring growth is underway. Likely, a full rootwash and removal of old media is in order (I'm still reading up on best practice for my situation).
2 - Cut back the major stumps from the original pruning done prior to my care and seal them properly. This may have the added bonus of improving the silhouette/base design, but the focus is on health. I think I will wait to do this until after I observe and work the roots. Healthy roots seem to be the priority, and I don't want to impede that through pruning/grinding/etc. It very well could be that I just need to get the root system in order this year and let it grow without insults.
I'll come back around and post some recent photos for better bearing. Below are photos from collection and initial potting in the end of May 2024, except the last, which is from mid-June 2024. The substrate used was very fine and organic; not great.
Chopped off the bottom of the root base with a saw.
Rough chopped sphagnum moss mixed with collected live moss. (I've since chopped all future mixes much finer)
June 14 2024
