Orion_metalhead
Masterpiece
Last year, I managed a mechanical scope of work on a roofing project we were hired to complete. As part of that project we installed new exhaust fans with motor starters and variable frequency drive controllers to allow the exhaust fans to operate at different RPMs depending on the requested amount of air movement needed at the time in the system. Long story short, I had one of the VFD controllers burn out when we accidentally connected the power wiring to the low voltage inputs. When we replaced it, I kept the controller because I had an idea that it would be cool to use it in a bonsai project given the controller was from a brand called Lenze.
I was initially going to put a ficus or something in it but I wanted to try it first with something a little more forgiving since there is a lot of open space on the sides and I wasnt sure how fast the soil would dry out. I decided to throw an extra crassula cutting in the shell. Heres a little snapshot of the project.
First I had to disassemble the VFD controller so I could lay some screening in it to cover up drainage holes I previously drilled into the aluminum base. I had taken out the circuitry and such last year so unfortunately I didnt get pictures of the motherboard or wiring.
I then removed the crassula from its pot, did some root work. Determined angles and such, and then planted it in the shell, using wire to hold it in the position I would like it to maintain as it grows its roots back.
There was an extra crassula I put in a pot I purchased on here a while back that didnt get a plant yet.
The final planting:
I would like to grow the one low right branch straight out and over the VFD body. The continuation above will be the new trunk and be used to form a shallow canopy. The low left branch will be kept tight to the trunk. I'm looking forward to putting it on my desk next year perhaps after the summer when the roots have a chance to grow in and solidify it into position.
Care for the next couple weeks will be light daily misting until new growth appears. I'll then give it a good watering. I have it under lights in my basement for now. I get decent growth on all my succulents under them.
Thoughts appreciated!!
I was initially going to put a ficus or something in it but I wanted to try it first with something a little more forgiving since there is a lot of open space on the sides and I wasnt sure how fast the soil would dry out. I decided to throw an extra crassula cutting in the shell. Heres a little snapshot of the project.
First I had to disassemble the VFD controller so I could lay some screening in it to cover up drainage holes I previously drilled into the aluminum base. I had taken out the circuitry and such last year so unfortunately I didnt get pictures of the motherboard or wiring.
I then removed the crassula from its pot, did some root work. Determined angles and such, and then planted it in the shell, using wire to hold it in the position I would like it to maintain as it grows its roots back.
There was an extra crassula I put in a pot I purchased on here a while back that didnt get a plant yet.
The final planting:
I would like to grow the one low right branch straight out and over the VFD body. The continuation above will be the new trunk and be used to form a shallow canopy. The low left branch will be kept tight to the trunk. I'm looking forward to putting it on my desk next year perhaps after the summer when the roots have a chance to grow in and solidify it into position.
Care for the next couple weeks will be light daily misting until new growth appears. I'll then give it a good watering. I have it under lights in my basement for now. I get decent growth on all my succulents under them.
Thoughts appreciated!!
