I was hoping to write this article and post it sooner, sometime around the end of October, but I did not have time to get it done. So, I still thought I would share my experiences with this super species for bonsai. If you have been reading on the site, you know that I submerge the root mass on the cypress from early spring (as soon as the buds start to form) until there is a chance of a freeze (usually the end of October, first of November). The topic of submersion and its benefits in pot culture is controversial, but I have found that it works, as you will see in the pictures below. If you would like to read more about the technique, check out this article.
I currently have four BC that I am working on and we'll have a look at what has been going on under the water line on three of them. Here is the first one:
I currently have four BC that I am working on and we'll have a look at what has been going on under the water line on three of them. Here is the first one:
This particular tree was repotted earlier this year, you can read about it here. The roots had filled the pot and had started growing out of the drain holes into the tub of water. BC are prolific growers and with the help of the water is even more of a beast.
The next one is a large clump planting, it was repotted last year (2016). Let's have a look:
The next one is a large clump planting, it was repotted last year (2016). Let's have a look:
The results were similar to the previous one, lots of roots growing out of the drain holes. I always remove these after I take them out of the tubs since they will dry out anyway when exposed to the dry air of winter.
Last, we have a smaller tree that was also repotted this year.
Last, we have a smaller tree that was also repotted this year.
This one had a lot of roots also, I think the reason that it had more is that the pot is considerable smaller, it had less space to fill.
An argument against submersion is that the water in the tubs will get stagnant. I examined the water in all four tubs and found no stagnation or odor. Here is a picture of one, it is a little cloudy from stirring up the sediment when I took the tree from the tub.
An argument against submersion is that the water in the tubs will get stagnant. I examined the water in all four tubs and found no stagnation or odor. Here is a picture of one, it is a little cloudy from stirring up the sediment when I took the tree from the tub.
That's about it. I just wanted to share the awesome root growth that I get from growing BC in water. I think that the amount of growth is proof that there is at least some benefit of growing them this way. Look for a post in the near future on increase on trunk girth. If you have any questions or comments, please use the contact page. I hope to add a page to post the comments that I receive from readers.