AusBonsai

Hello All,

I have just completed my first attempt at a Literati Style with a Cedrus Deodora that is about 10 years old. As you can see it has taken some major wiring and bending but I am basically happy with what I have done so fa (considering it is my first) but would appreciate any comments, suggestions or feedback. Has anyone had any experience with this species...any tips would help.

Regards
Matt

Hi Matt, those benders are wonderful hey? I have one on a lily pilly which has taken a brutal bend a twist a day. Where the bender thingies are pulling and pushing I have some styrofoam to try avoid serious scars.

If I can give you any advice, it'd be to remove the wire on the lower half of the trunk now, because it's going to dig right in and scar especially under the bender pressure points.

Cotton or poly rope is a good use for pulling down the top section, it'll save the use of much wire.

looks good matt!
i love the bends u put it in mate i'd try putting a bit more movment in the top of the tree if it was me.
i was considering getting a cedur deodora for literati stock now im definatly keen to give it a go after seeing this one

Thanks for the comments

I only wired it a few days ago and put the bender on after 2 rows of 6.0mm would still not hold the shape..but it makes sense I guess from what has been said to remove the lower portion. The pics are a bit deceptive of the top as the apex curves back behind and then towards you slightybut I wasalso toying with the idea of a smaller bender for towards the top.

In terms of the final product I am rather happy and despite reading on numerous site that some suggest that this species is not particularly suitable for bonsais..I now beg to differ. Afterall the 10 year old tree cost only $45.00 from Bonsai South (plenty in stock)

Cheers

Matt,
They are a beautiful tree and I also have one as a literati, so I too am a believer. In my experience they are prone to go back into their original shape after you remove the wire. A wise old bonsai sage once told me for this species you wire, then you remove the wire, then you wire, and then you remove the wire, and then you wire again. This is true.
To assist in keeping the shape you want it is sometimes adviseable to put a smallish cut in the bark, and when the cut heals it helps to keep the tree in the shape you want. Guy wires are also good.
They are a little sensitive so I prune hard one year and re-pot the next - they need a bit of a spell between major works. Other than that they are terrific. In 5 years it will be a winner.

Watto is so correct I have cedars here that are 30yrs old and still covered in wire, it helps if you let the wire scar them just a little, don't let it cut too deep or the branches will get really thick. Your tree will be great except one branch goes up then down, it should leave the trunk on a downward angle. You may have to undercut it a bit to get the angle right but it is really important with this style that the branches leave the trunk in a downwards sweep.
Craigw