First Olive Stump

[Elias]

Hi All,

Here is an Olive Stump given to me as a present, it is my first Olive that I will bonsai, and hopefully with time and patience this guy will develop into a nice bonsai...


What you guys think?

Elias

[MelaQuin]

First question... is the soil level the actual soil level or is there more of interest under the soil that should be uncovered???

[Russ]

is the soil level the actual soil level or is there more of interest under the soil that should be uncovered???

Quite an impressive 'nugget' but a little out of proportion at the moment. Potential +
keep up the progression pics

[Jerry Meislik]

Looks like a beauty.
As mentioned the actual root level and any reverse taper will determine your next move.
Keep us posted.
Jerry

[Elias]

Hi,

I removed the tree out of the the pot to inspect the roots, just below the surface of the soil it does do a reverse taper and it does not show a well developed nebari...
I propose on moving this olive into a styro box or maybe even into the ground with for now and removing all excess foliage.


Elias

[BonsaiBoy]

I put a olive in the ground and it was a big mistake. Took me hours to dig it back up.
Next time I will keep it in a very large pot with lots of holes and let the roots grow into the ground. Then just slice under the pot with a shovel to cut the roots into the ground.
BB

[Elias]

Hehe I've had already happen to me once, sometimes when I put plants into the ground I will pot the plant into a large pond basket, this saves a lot of time and effort...

Elias

[Asus101]

You wont reverse the taper in the olive by planting it in the ground.
That thing at the base is a tuber an energy store. You can cut that in half, then on the bottom angle cut all the way around the base. That is where you will want your roots to form, just add some hormone.
From there cut out a piece of plywood leaving about 3cm on the outside. Using solid brass screws you can screw it to your olive base. Once done, make a few small holes in the wood so you can pass wire through to secure it to the pot.

[Elias]

Hmm... sounds interesting Asus, have you done this already...?
Do you have any pics? Have you had good results with these technique?
Does anyone else support Asus technique to be applied to this Olive tree...?

When I looked at the stump the base reminds me of a old Pony Tail...I was thinking more about doing smoething like a skirt layer...?

Elias

[Asus101]

I have three outside that I did it too. they take a little to come back, but they all pulled through.

[Steven]

Hi Eliast,
You may find this topic on Chainsaw grafting Olives interesting.
The same principals would apply however a chainsaw is probably overkill
Also, have a look at this excellent progression on DugzBonsai. This is what you will be able to achieve in 12 months to 2 years.
Regards,
Steven

[BonsaiBoy]

sometimes when I put plants into the ground I will pot the plant into a large pond basket, this saves a lot of time and effort...

Can you pull them out after this or do you still need to dig them up?
BB

[Elias]

sometimes when I put plants into the ground I will pot the plant into a large pond basket, this saves a lot of time and effort...

Can you pull them out after this or do you still need to dig them up?
BB

I suppose there are lots of variables, it all depends on species, timing... You still need to do some digging but if but prepare underneath correctly it isn't too much trouble (I use a lot of fine gravel and potting mix)...
Hope this helps...
Elias