Witch’s Broom Japanese Maple Primary Design Help

[MrG]

Hey B Nuts,

Happy Father’s Day to all fellow Dad’s out there.

I have a Witch’s Broom Japanese Maple that had a failed air layer last year, for which I am wanting some input on design. I can see a few ways forward, but I’m most tempted by air layering the whole top section off (and should do it asap if so).

First two photos are of the presumed front, third is the back, and fourth is the top section that could be air layered.

What say you? And please try to avoid the whole “this isn’t a good subject for bonsai”, “plant it in the garden” lines of comments.

Thanks very much in advance!

All best,
MG

 

[jeremy_norbury]

Airlayer smaller pieces or lose everything.

What did you do last time?

• when started
• how did it fail
• photos of the airlayer
• moss used
• etc
• etc

 

[MrG]

Airlayer smaller pieces or lose everything.

What did you do last time?

• when started
• how did it fail
• photos of the airlayer
• moss used
• etc
• etc

Thanks, Jerry! Not being insolent here, but I’m not sure what you mean? The tree is vibrant, repotted this year and flourishing, and all is well. I don’t think it’s at risk of losing everything in either situation.

Previous issue was very simply that I was new to it, and didn’t realize how quickly the root ball could dry out.

I can’t recall when specifically, but I did it in spring in a plastic root ball with sphagnum. And it failed on a 90 degree day when I missed a watering by a few hours. I had not realized just how quickly it could build heat.

This time I will pamper it I work from home and am able to take great aftercare. So all of this to say that I believe I should be good to go if I air layer. To clarify, this is where I’m thinking of airlayering:



All best,
MG

 

[William N. Valavanis]

I would suggest you ar layer it now. And, good luck, Now you have the honor to name this new cultivar! Also take few cuttings its a good time and the dwarf maple cultivars usually root easily.
Attached are 4 photos of one of my Koto Hime airliners done in June 1986. This bonsai was airlayerd at the base of the top fork at the top. Complete details and more developmental photos in my book Classical Bonsai Art A Half Century Of Bonsai Study of William N. Valavanis. Sorry book sold out and is out of print. Sometime available on E-bay ($1,065) and other bonsai auctions.

 

[William N. Valavanis]

Try air layering at the bottom of the fork. Did you use plastic, poly, saran wrap or tinfoil around the sphagnum? Rooting hormone? My air layers rarely dry out, but can easily be checked through the clear poly.

 

[zita]

i d just cut it at hight of the lowest branch and be pleased with new backbudding / branches in the lower section. Not what you want to hear but what the situation is crying for. Good time now through the summer

 

[jeremy_norbury]

So we know why it died - ok.

Are using an open-topped plastic pot approach?

Regarding the position, and given the trunk girth, you need that airlayer to be quite close to the first branch.

 

[William N. Valavanis]

i d just cut it at hight of the lowest branch and be pleased with new backbudding / branches in the lower section. Not what you want to hear but what the situation is crying for. Good time now through the summer

I don't think that would work. What he is trying to do is the propagate the witch's broom, which is only at the top of the tree. The tree looks a graft of a dwarf cultivar. If the top is cut off, sure new shoots should grow from the trunk remaining, but would loose the ration he want to propagate.

AFTER the top air layer removed, cutting the trunk would be a good idea.

 

[MrG]

I don't think that would work. What he is trying to do is the propagate the witch's broom, which is only at the top of the tree. The tree looks a graft of a dwarf cultivar. If the top is cut off, sure new shoots should grow from the trunk remaining, but would loose the ration he want to propagate.

AFTER the top air layer removed, cutting the trunk would be a good idea.

Hello @Willam N. Valavanis! Wow - thank you so much for weighing in here. Your excellent work precedes you and the specific example you shared is so timely and relevant for my case. Such an incredible result - hard to believe how wonderful it turned out.

I did exactly as you suggested - photos below:




I also added root hormone on the cut sight. There is a small gap in the plastic ball, and I’m wondering if perhaps I should saran wrap around the outside of this as well. Thoughts?

Beyond this, I plan to just be very vigilant of drying out. I would welcome any further advice as well!

Thanks all,
MG

 

[William N. Valavanis]

Don't worry about the open gap on the top. Jut make certain when you water the maple a bit of water gets inside. Good Luck!!