Completely Bare rooting a Procumbens

[MoGanic]

Hi guys,

I'm wondering whether anybody has successfully bare rooted a Juniper Procumbens in the past and, if so, what method/care did the tree require.

I am looking to place a juniper on a rock and for this, I need to completely bare root the tree and wash off all the roots.

My game plan is to start as I would a normal repot (later in the year of course, when the cooler months set in, I find autumn to be the best time as it gives them a little while to get over shock before going fully dormant in the winter), by removing it from its current pot, and just having a look at the root mass to confirm the health of the roots. Then, if the roots are showing signs of health, remove any remaining soil and continue as needed to place it on the rock.

This next part is where I'm most confused, presuming that bare-rooting is okay. Do I put it on the rock, then put the rock in a big pot to completely cover the roots, or do I cover with sphagnum moss then glad wrap, then foil as you would an air-layer (assuming the roots are long enough to have at least 3/4 of them going through and reaching the soil at the bottom of the rock).

Or if you have your own suggestions, please let me know.

Aftercare would be shade + water + misting + seasol.

Cheers,
Mo

[treeman]

I'm wondering whether anybody has successfully bare rooted a Juniper Procumbens in the past and, if so, what method/care did the tree require.

Yes no problem, but not now!! Wait till mid March

Aftercare would be shade + water + misting + seasol.

Yep

[Phoenix238]

Shibui has a great guide on his website that I plan on using

http://shibuibonsai.com.au/growing-root ... ck-bonsai/

As for bare rooting, I've bare rooted my squamata juniper before with success, couldn't say about your procumbens though

[Brian]

its commonly done but not at this time of the year.

[shibui]

Treeman and Brian both have lots of experience and I agree that bare rooting juniper is no problem at normal repotting time.
Phoenix has already given you a link to the best root over rock guide Let me know if anything still not clear.

[Jarad]

Phoenix has already given you a link to the best root over rock guide Let me know if anything still not clear.

Shameless plug of an excellent link.

Thanks Neil.

[MoGanic]

Thanks all!

Shibui, that is one excellent post! Foil it is!

Now to find a suitable rock... Fun!

Thanks again everyone, really appreciate it!


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[Phoenix238]

Haha, always modest hey shibui?

I always wondered where I might find good rocks, then I remembered my partner's stepfather was a geologist, now I've got half a dozen fantastic rocks! Still working on the trees to go on them though. So if you know any geologists, or perhaps anyone who works in the mines, give them a shout and see what you get

[MoGanic]

Haha, always modest hey shibui?

I always wondered where I might find good rocks, then I remembered my partner's stepfather was a geologist, now I've got half a dozen fantastic rocks! Still working on the trees to go on them though. So if you know any geologists, or perhaps anyone who works in the mines, give them a shout and see what you get

I know neither of these types of person


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[shibui]

I feel my ears are burning. Someone must be talking about me somewhere

You city people will have a little more trouble getting hold of good rocks but some spots to look include aquarium suppliers, coastal cliffs and rocky headlands.
Also make some time to visit the bush. Note that it is illegal to take anything from beaches, bush and other public land without a permit so keep very quiet when collecting any bonsai rocks and try to avoid removing too much wildlife habitat if you do.
There are plenty of suitable rocks on the basalt plains to the north and west of Melbourne. Some of the clubs have contacts with landholders who are happy for bonsai growers to come and clear some of their paddocks. There are some spots on roadsides and around creeks and rivers where you may be able to get access to suitable stone out there.

I find that quarried and mined rocks are a bit too angular so not as good as naturally worn ones but you can get some nice colours and textures. River and beach rocks and tend to be a bit too smooth and rounded. Hillsides and smaller gullies and creeks seem to yield better rock for bonsai.

Regardless of where you look you will find that many rocks look superb when you see them in the field but a little less attractive after you get them home and when you come to try to put a tree on you'll wonder what possessed you to carry that one all the way home. To paraphrase someone far more perceptive than I - Many are chosen but few are used. My advice is search a lot and take just a few of the best.