Securing a P.Afra into the pot

[prairiechicken]

Hi everyone. Just got done with my first-ever repot. I think it went pretty well, but I have some concerns about the wire placement securing the tree.Given that the tree is a young Portulacaria Afra, it doesn't really have a pronounced root ball, so I tied the tree down where I could (as shown in the attachment). It's kinda tied at the base of the tree. I got everything done, but now I'm feeling some uncertainty.

Where the wires make contact with the tree- Is this a problem?... either immediately, or in the future when the tree grows?This question applies generally, I think - but I'm especially worried because of the fragile nature of a Porta. While messing with the wires, I nicked the bark on the base of the tree in a couple places.

Anyways... Assuage my concerns or tell me I need to redo it tomorrow!

Thanks!

 

[MrWunderful]

You will be fine. If it does cut in, a year or two after you repot and remove it the roots will heal.
The only recommendation i have Is to not use the “X” technique (although i see why you did). No need to rework though.

this is the technique i use, but it needs to be slightly modified for trees with less of a refined root ball- add chopsticks or heavier gauge wire across the roots, under the wire.

Repotting a trident maple: securing the tree in the pot - Bonsai Tonight

Part 4 of 5

bonsaitonight.com

 

[prairiechicken]

Thanks MrWunderful, that technique would have been great, I think. What are the disadvantages to the X technique?

 

[Arizona bonsai]

Three or four rocks around the tree work good for me until the roots hold it.

 

[sorce]

Consider Physics over Tradition.

When the strength of the leverage the top has is enough to break roots, or otherwise "slip" the wire, the wire is essentially useless, or worse, detrimental, as I fear is the case here.

Rocks, I'm with that.

Sorce

 

[MrWunderful]

Thanks MrWunderful, that technique would have been great, I think. What are the disadvantages to the X technique?

its not as secure, and can constrict the trunk if not removed in time.

 

[ihaveaspaceship]

Consider Physics over Tradition.

When the strength of the leverage the top has is enough to break roots, or otherwise "slip" the wire, the wire is essentially useless, or worse, detrimental, as I fear is the case here.

Rocks, I'm with that.

Sorce

How do you rotate trees that aren't secured in the pots every week? How do you work on them?

 

[Dzhokar]

I use rocks in some cases too. They usually just need to be there a couple months before roots are holding well enough.

 

[AZbonsai]

Three or four rocks around the tree work good for me until the roots hold it.

Hey what is that tree on the left AZ

 

[prairiechicken]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Maybe I'll redo it and use rocks instead, just to be on the safe side.

 

[sorce]

How do you rotate trees that aren't secured in the pots every week? How do you work on them?

Even when I was sillbound I didn't rotate religiously.

You're not supposed to work on a freshly potted tree.

Sorce

PS. This didn't send, I think because it wanted me to add...
Consider Physics over Tradition.
It always works because we are bound by the Laws of Physics.

 

[Arizona bonsai]

Hey what is that tree on the left AZ

Thats our Blue Hibiscus.