MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Bought this arakawa a couple of years back at a highly reduced price. The tree, although it has great potential, it suffered heavy dieback from lack of water. Many developed branches withered specially on the main trunk leaving it almost bare. And so, the rebuilding process begins as in many of my other projects.
Below the tree a year after purchase in January 2025. It was let grow unchecked for an entire season. Heavy fertilizing and general good care brought life back to it.
Several thread grafts were done in January 2025. This is perfect time to do such grafts while buds are still small and tight to the twigs. The photo below was taken in late March when the buds began to open. A few days earlier it was repotted using a production grade Japanese pot for the time being.
The tree today after further work. Taking shape and easy to see its potential. All initial grafts took except for one which broke off on its own during the growing season. The last graft (about two thirds up the main trunk) just needs a bit more time. And today I redid another graft (top main apex) to replace the one that had broken off.
Below the tree a year after purchase in January 2025. It was let grow unchecked for an entire season. Heavy fertilizing and general good care brought life back to it.
Several thread grafts were done in January 2025. This is perfect time to do such grafts while buds are still small and tight to the twigs. The photo below was taken in late March when the buds began to open. A few days earlier it was repotted using a production grade Japanese pot for the time being.
The tree today after further work. Taking shape and easy to see its potential. All initial grafts took except for one which broke off on its own during the growing season. The last graft (about two thirds up the main trunk) just needs a bit more time. And today I redid another graft (top main apex) to replace the one that had broken off.
