Small Nishikigawa

[thumblessprimate1]

I've started training this maple about 3 years ago. It was a grafted cultivar. First season I ground layered it. The second season of having it, I put it on a board. No nails to spread out roots, just screwed to a board and left to grow. Third season, I skipped work. Just too busy with things, but I managed to get two airlayers off the top. One I split into two and grafted to my root over rock. Going on 4th year now. I did rootwork, cutting away about 4 large roots. Fortunately there were still a good amount of small roots all way around. I nailed some roots to spread them out better. Not a lot. If I had some small rooted cuttings or airlayers, I would've put in some thread grafts to get me ready for the next chop. It needs a new leader and a few branches. Trunk is about 2 inches.

 

[Pitoon]

It's starting to bark up nicely. What's your plan on the design?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

It's starting to bark up nicely. What's your plan on the design?

Not sure yet, but I picked up something today. Maybe I can thread graft something like this for some basic structure. I think K.I.S.S. is always good for a start.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Did the deed with what material I could get. A grafted Nishikigawa in 5 gallon pot; it had 3 pliable whips, about 3 to 4 or 5 feet.

First, I placed the donor's beside the recipient to see if the whips would reach and made adjustments. Then I selected which ones would work best as first branch, second, and next leader. I picked ones with short internodes for branches with the one with longer internodes for the leader. Ideally, I'd have short internodes for all, but there was one with longer internodes. Who knows. Maybe it is for the best. I should probably go back make any more bends as needed. Finally wait for thickening and graft to be successful. My wiring left loose for grafts to thicken.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Hope I dont get a cold It was chilly and raining while I worked. But since I got two trees in two containers that shouldn't be moved, I did what I thought best. I also didn't want to get going when the buds leaf out either.

 

[Pitoon]

Damn you weren't joking around. You think the grafts will take this year?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Damn you weren't joking around. You think the grafts will take this year?

It depends on how well they grow. Its possible. On my Kyohime a dwarf, I've had some take the same year, while some need another year.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I should go back to remove branches from donor tree not involved with any grafting to help it focus on its job.

 

[Pitoon]

I should go back to remove branches from donor tree not involved with any grafting to help it focus on its job.

That could definitely help.

 

[0soyoung]

I should go back to remove branches from donor tree not involved with any grafting to help it focus on its job.

Why is that?

Leaves (and apical meristems) are in charge + they are what make roots grow.



btw, I triple dog dare you to make a big tree

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Why is that?

Leaves (and apical meristems) are in charge + they are what make roots grow.



btw, I triple dog dare you to make a big tree

I want to be sure the donor branches grow to thicken. Roots will grow I'm sure sure from the branches I'm using. At least before the grafts take. I'll allow some growth to take place in spring, but controlled growth. Other thing is, I wouldn't want the donor branches to thicken too much either, which can happen.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

@, I'm enjoying small trees lately. So little of everything yet still satisfying to look at. Little mess, wire, soil, and time spent per tree. There will be many new challenges I'm sure in this road I take.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

It's funny when I started bonsai, I liked small shohin. When I returned to bonsai, I wanted big trees! Now I like shohin and trees close to that again.

 

[BunjaeKorea]

What does the foliage look like on these?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

@BunjaeKorea Very nice for bonsai! Pretty sharp 7 lobed, and excellent spring and fall colors.
You've seen it on my IG, but have forgotten perhaps.
Swipe to the second image.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[BunjaeKorea]

@BunjaeKorea Very nice for bonsai! Pretty sharp 7 lobed, and excellent spring and fall colors.
You've seen it on my IG, but have forgotten perhaps.
Swipe to the second image.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Oh I remember it now. I think I only saw the foliage not the base. I like the shaggy look of it.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

There is something a bit different with this thread graft situation from my others. I just noticed it as I was not under good conditions when working the tree. The difference is the recipient tree is lower, significantly than the other tree. I would probably improve my chances if I can raise the bonsai tree to a certain level.

 

[Pitoon]

There is something a bit different with this thread graft situation from my others. I just noticed it as I was not under good conditions when working the tree. The difference is the recipient tree is lower, significantly than the other tree. I would probably improve my chances if I can raise the bonsai tree to a certain level.

Can you explain the issue of having the donor plant lower?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I don't have it down to a science yet. It's a hypothesis for me. Trees want to grow upward and outward generally. Making them grow downward and inward would be against it's nature. So for better chances, I'll either lie the black potted tree down or raise the bonsai potted tree up.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I went and made adjustments as carefully as I could. I ended up using an airlayer from the tree I'm trying to make bonsai with because the move broke the original planned leader. It wouldn't work out anyways. No problem. Risk involved with all this. Greater risk for a less experienced person. Even with everything done as best as I can there's still chance of failure. Now, I think I can just sit back watch, give it a little guidance, and wait.