Thanks, @Stan Kengai
Not if you layered it off above the twist.
Yes, of course, but I meant the "second" tree.
Another possibility, yes. Thanks.
I admit that I have never had an Ume but I have seen quite a few and it seems to me that they are mostly chunky trees and not what I would call elegant. The flowers are elegant but the trees I have seen and chunky and angular and very masculine. This is just my experience. They are quite something and I will get at least one and probably this year.
Cheap & easy.
This comment intrigues me as i have always been told that Ume were almost impossible to air layer. Is this something that you have successfully done or do you know of someone who has? I have a couple of plants that i have considered for air layering but held off due to the advice i have received and the research i have done on the topic.
Ficus are not comparable to ume. Air layering is easy on species that respond to that technique. A successful air layer looks like this. It would be a shame if someone ruined a tree following a technique that does not work with a particular species.
I think burying the lower portion is a good option and if it results in a ground layer occurring over time then that is a win win. If not, and the base thickens considerably, the visual effect may be much more pleasing as well. Ume are notorious for fungal issues if kept in too wet conditions, particularilary in late winter, early spring so monitor the watering carefully during those times and be careful of pruning cuts. I would be tempted to plant in much larger container to promote more rapid root growth and vigor. Perhaps if feasible put it in the ground for a year or two. Cut some small vertical slits in location you would like to see roots. Apply rooting hormone to the slits, then bury to the level desired and make sure that area remains below ground and moist for best results. I would use a medium size particle mix that holds moisture as well as is free draining. Avoid fine particles or materials that compact too easily affecting drainage.
Thanks, Mike, but it's not. The trunk goes back and forth while the vertical curves turn sharply twice. Picture lies to us.
Yes. I guess I could do that, less stressful for the tree, thanks.
Your welcome. Not sure what your climatic conditions are but the other consideration might be copper based prophylactic treatments during extended cooler wet periods. But i am sure that if you have had ume for some time this will be something you are aware of as a concern for most ume. Some of the more vigorous varieties are better than the more temperamental cultivars.
!
