Just bought a huge bald cypress!!! Cpl Q’s

[rockm]

Not mad, just kind of frustrated with this post. You are not getting conflicting information from the people who have done this before.

And FWIW, sweet gum is notoriously hard to collect if you have no experience. That may be part of your problem. Collecting tree is NOT a great way to start out in bonsai. You kill ALOT of trees for a comparatively longer time than starting with stuff that is already in a container...

And also FWIW, you can't kill BC by overwatering in a container. It's mostly impossible. I'd bet inadequate overwintering and inattention to watering could also be issues...

 

[Daniel son STL]

Well thanks for the patience. It’s in full sun! Lol

I’ve got a huge juniper that I collected last week and started a thread on it. Heavily root pruned when collected. Not sure if it will make but I’m doing exactly what everyone on here said to do. Cover up with plastic sheeting to keep moist and to keep wind off it. Mist down the foliage a few times a day and keep in the shade. Different species, drastically different techniques then!

 

[David Nelams]

Nope full sun. Heat at the roots will push the tree to grow...

Would you happen to know where I could buy some small trays to put my harvested Bald Cypress in? I noticed from watching Bills videos he’s using plastic buckets,I’m not sure what they’re called. I definitely would appreciate it if you could help me out with that. Thanks

 

[BonsaiNaga13]

Try growing some from seed, now is a great time to collect any left over Cypress cones you can find, probably around the base of trees and learn the species from seed so you're not so nervous. I just repotted a few seedlings and cut the tap root and they're doing fine. 2 out of 5 seedlings died but I still have about 30 more as backup and bald Cypress are really fast growers

 

[BonsaiNaga13]

Look up Nigel saunders on YouTube and watch some of his bonsai videos, especially his repotting videos. Maybe watch watching his vids for reference will help build your confidence in repotting

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Look up Nigel saunders on YouTube and watch some of his bonsai videos, especially his repotting videos. Maybe watch watching his vids for reference will help build your confidence in repotting

I wouldn’t do that. Not for reference anyway...maybe for entertainment, or to appreciate his passion.

 

[Daniel son STL]

I wouldn’t do that. Not for reference anyway...maybe for entertainment, or to appreciate his passion.

Are you not a fan?

 

[Potawatomi13]

Not following this advice:

You want it in the sun. There's no foliage to be stressed by the sun, but the sun will prompt budding. So give it what it needs![/QUOTE

By doing this:

Then I’m guessing shade...

 

[Daniel son STL]

Not following this advice:

??

 

[Dav4]

Look up Nigel saunders on YouTube and watch some of his bonsai videos, especially his repotting videos. Maybe watch watching his vids for reference will help build your confidence in repotting

Much, much, MUCH better advice here at B'nut then with Nigel. Check out the thread on my cypress... basically sawed out of the muck mid summer to grow a whole new root system.
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/my-bald-cypress-flat-top-project.20285/

 

[Daniel son STL]

Much, much, MUCH better advice here at B'nut then with Nigel. Check out the thread on my cypress... basically sawed out of the muck mid summer to grow a whole new root system.
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/my-bald-cypress-flat-top-project.20285/

Nice looking tree and good thread!

 

[Daniel son STL]

Update -

The buds that have been popping are STILL popping. As in their not really progressing forward and they look a shade brown over green. 1st pic is what I’m talking about. Been over a week since they started. The cypress forest in the second pic, they’re all sprouted and fully green. The big cypress has been in full sun and the others were put into full sun after buds popped open. Note: I started the forest inside.

The weather has been between 48f-70f. Do you think this may be causing the delay and slight browning?

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Hard to say, just give the BC time, sun and water. Especially sun. They are native to the region, they may be stalling because we are just getting into spring. Don't worry, by the time the heat hits in ernest, they will be growing.

 

[Cajunrider]

Update -

The buds that have been popping are STILL popping. As in their not really progressing forward and they look a shade brown over green. 1st pic is what I’m talking about. Been over a week since they started. The cypress forest in the second pic, they’re all sprouted and fully green. The big cypress has been in full sun and the others were put into full sun after buds popped open. Note: I started the forest inside.

The weather has been between 48f-70f. Do you think this may be causing the delay and slight browning?View attachment 236668View attachment 236672

Give it time. The buds on picture 1 look healthy.

 

[atlarsenal]

Would you happen to know where I could buy some small trays to put my harvested Bald Cypress in? I noticed from watching Bills videos he’s using plastic buckets,I’m not sure what they’re called. I definitely would appreciate it if you could help me out with that. Thanks

Those are concrete mixing tubs that Bill uses from Home Depot. They have a large and small size.

 

[BonsaiNaga13]

Much, much, MUCH better advice here at B'nut then with Nigel. Check out the thread on my cypress... basically sawed out of the muck mid summer to grow a whole new root system.
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/my-bald-cypress-flat-top-project.20285/

Agreed I was just saying Nigel isn't scared to root prune lol. I stopped watching his vids once I got a few of my own trees.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Are you not a fan?

Not at all. I do not agree with his interpretation of Bonsai or his horticultural practices.

 

[Daniel son STL]

Give it time. The buds on picture 1 look healthy.

Ok thanks!

 

[AaronThomas]

chop point so the callus doesn't bulge too much

I know I'm way late on this but Zach... not sure I have been trimming the callus correctly. Can you please explain the process a bit... I know I'm totally over thinking it but can't seem to find any examples. Cut the inside of the growth yes?

 

[Zach Smith]

I know I'm way late on this but Zach... not sure I have been trimming the callus correctly. Can you please explain the process a bit... I know I'm totally over thinking it but can't seem to find any examples. Cut the inside of the growth yes?

It's probably best just to message me with your email address, and I'll send you my BC development guide. Bear in mind it's for large cypresses (min 2" at the chop point, meaning base of 3" or more). The way you make the angled cut is designed to prevent aggressive callus formation at the point where the leader emerges from the trunk, which can cause a reverse taper situation.