Root On Rock Bonsai
Ficus naturally grow on rocks and cliff faces so are naturally adapted to manage and the style suits the tree.
Root on rock bonsai. Contemporary root over rock bonsai emphasizes the dramatic look of the roots themselves. Developing root over rock bonsai is a simple but time consuming technique. You will need a plant that has long tough roots that can be styled to drape over the rock that you choose to create the effect that the roots have grown over and down its rocky sides. When the trunk grows thicker the stream of nutrients will decrease more and more forcing it to grow new roots just above the wire.
Plant the tree in a pot that allows the roots. This method involves tightly wrapping copper wire around the base of the trunk partially blocking the stream of nutrients from the roots. Try to follow a natural course with the roots. Placing tree on rock.
In order for this procedure to be carried out the rock must contain a crevice or pocket large enough to retain the soil and roots of the bonsai. Apply a tourniquet during the spring. I have tied the roots down with plumbing thread tape. Start fertilizing a month later as the limited amount of soil will easily lose its nutritional value.
A more balanced approach gives equal emphasis to both the dramatic rock and the draping roots so as to. Jerome owner of the bonsai supply shows you a great bonsai technique. After having created the rock planting you can finish the composition by placing the rock on a flat platter. Attach the tree to the rock it is best to avoid perching the tree on the top of the rock.
Prune the tree immediately after having planted it on the rock to lower the demand of nutrients from its root system. The roots of the bonsai must be grown in such a way that they grip the rock or stone securely for both the stability of the tree and the integrity of the piece. Root on rock ishitsuki this can be one or several trees planted directly on a rock which then acts as the pot. Attempts to tie the roots in place over the rock have a tendency to be poor.
Drape the roots of the tree over the rock and determine how many roots you want exposed. 10 trident maple and ficus are the pinnacle of root over rock species as far as i m concerned. Wrap the roots and rock with clear plastic sheeting and secure the bundle with strong mailing tape. Roots like water tend to follow the path of least resistance.