Trident Maple - Air layer to root over rock. Think It'll take?

[ekim046]

Hey folks!
I'm air layering a trident maple that i bought from Wal Mart (surprisingly decent quality) to be used for a root over rock repot for the upcoming spring.
I've read that tridents are super vigorous in both root and foliage growth and respond well to techniques like air layering and root over rock displays.
Let's be honest here. This is a tree from walmart. As good as the vendor was, the tree is still just a stick in the dirt pretty much. SO, I'm planning on air layering the top off and hoping that by repot season, I may have workable roots for the root over rock repot. Think I have enough time to build enough root mass for repot season? If so, I'm planning on putting the bottom half in a large training container with bonsai soil ( 20% PB, 40% Pumice, 40% Volcanic Rock) to let it grow and build movement into the stubby little stick.

But again, what do you think my odds are?
a. That I'll have enough root mass for a root over rock repot (air layer, I know the bottom half will take fine if all else fails)
b. The root over rock will take and survive happily forever after?

 

[sorce]

Bro....

The rock is way to dope for a project that is not very well planned out....

Let's plan! That's a dope rock!

One...

Air layer near an angle, that part you want to layer at would be decent if using that first branch above it as the new leader...

Pics would be nice for discussion.

If you set the tree in that gap, you auto kill a radial well grabbing spread...

I'd try to get the biggest resulting root down that rivine, with the whole tree on top.
But also with a good initial bend or angle in the tree to keep it compact.
Eyes on the rock. Or at least near it...
And surely not with a six inch straight section, or any length straight section, between it and the canopy.

See the bunker!

You can layer AT an angle initially.

Etc.etc....

You'll be able to remove the layer probly by March.

Don't rush...

Throw it in a deep pot for a year with soil that promotes long Ass roots with no feeders...potting soil.

And when you have some long stringys get her did....

But....

Read this first....
And modify it for your endeavor!

https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/radialayer™-a-season-saver.17046/

Sorce

 

[justBonsai]

Hi Eugin,

Because we don't need to worry about overwintering here we can start air layers late in the season. Just note that you will only get root development in the layer when there are healthy photosynthesizing leaves. For our growing season you have at least one more month left. This very well may be long enough to grow roots for a harvestable air layer next spring. I know because I've taken air layers nearly this late and were harvestable in spring. The air layer will produce a bundle of tight fine root hairs. However for the root over rock to work you need long stringy (not super fine root hairs or strands) roots that are pliable so you can tightly bind them to the rock. The small roots will not be long enough nor workable to be bound to the rock. If you use spagnum the roots will inevitably be intertangled as well and usually requires another additional growing season to safely separate out the root system. You could try it, but you will most likely end up with a "rock planting" instead of "root over rock."

 

[ekim046]

Bro....

The rock is way to dope for a project that is not very well planned out....

Let's plan! That's a dope rock!

One...

Air layer near an angle, that part you want to layer at would be decent if using that first branch above it as the new leader...

Pics would be nice for discussion.

If you set the tree in that gap, you auto kill a radial well grabbing spread...

I'd try to get the biggest resulting root down that rivine, with the whole tree on top.
But also with a good initial bend or angle in the tree to keep it compact.
Eyes on the rock. Or at least near it...
And surely not with a six inch straight section, or any length straight section, between it and the canopy.

See the bunker!

You can layer AT an angle initially.

Etc.etc....

You'll be able to remove the layer probly by March.

Don't rush...

Throw it in a deep pot for a year with soil that promotes long Ass roots with no feeders...potting soil.

And when you have some long stringys get her did....

But....

Read this first....
And modify it for your endeavor!

https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/radialayer™-a-season-saver.17046/

Sorce

Hey Sorce, after reading this comment, I thought I'd do a follow up video to better feature the rock itself (just for you haha!)

Lemme know what you think

 

[sorce]

I have a couple thoughts.

But I have to get where I can type a little better.
And Madden a photo...

Got more photos?

Any.......photos!?

Sorce