AusBonsai

Picked up this little swampie today, roots were coming out the bottom of its 50mm tube so pulled it out and hosed off the mix to get a better look at it. As you can see it has some pretty major tap roots, should i remove them or let it grow on more first. If they need to come off now where should i remove them?

John

I'd cut the main root just below those bigger side roots. Then also shorten that side root where it turns downward and cut back the remaining roots to about 3 or 4 cm. This will set it up to develop a good nebari in future. Better to do it now while it is young and vigorous and not too much to to support.
Probably also shorten the trunk as well.

Cheers mate, will get rid of those roots and into a bigger pot shortly. As for shortening the trunk, i thought it would be better to just let it grow for a while, to help thicken the base, i'll get a pic of the trunk anyway and see what you think, does have a few shoots down low i could shop down too

I woud cut that tap root off under the side ones, then wire the side ones out flat rather than cut them.

Pot up and then next year you can trim them back

ken