Ficus rubiginosa root over rock (first attempt)

[Luke308]

Hi guys, I thought I would share my first attempt at a root over rock. I believe it is a Port Jackson fig, as that is what it was labelled as when I bought it for $2. I have potted it into a foam fruit box with a lid, which I have taped the lid on, and cut one end off so it is deeper than it is wide. I punched a heap of holes in the bottom for drainage with a piece of bamboo. Here it is after trying it to the rock. I found it rather difficult to do by myself with only two hands, so any tips for next time I try a root over rock would be appreciated.

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[chipper5]

HI Luke308,

Looks good so far! Nice rock and the tree sits nicely in the crevice too. I have done a few root over rock but am yet to uncover them- however one of my teachers (Clinton Nesci) at the SOB has many years of experience and has developed a few techniques which produce fantastic results! He wrote a comprehensive article last year for the AABC national magazine with step by step instructions so perhaps try and get your hands on an old copy...

But briefly the way I was taught:
-After you have placed the tree and roots over the rock in the position you'd like them to be, apply small amounts of muck (plasticine like substance consisting of 50% clay / 50% peat moss & a little water) all over the roots to push them into position close to the rock and hold them in place. Ensure the longer roots are hanging down past the bottom of the rock.
-Then wrap the roots / muck tightly with cling film (gladwrap etc), using many layers and it can help to have an assistant hold the rock while you do this. Otherwise a turntable may make it easier.
-You can then use twine/string and wrap tightly around the cling film to hold it all in place.
-Then wrap the roots protruding from the base, under the rock (this will help the roots clasp the rock) and place into a tall pot with a few inches of bonsai potting medium at the bottom.
-Fill the rest of the pot so the potting medium is level with the top of the rock. If the pot is too shallow you can cut out the base of another pot and place over the top to create a taller pot. (polystyrofoam box is a great idea!)
-Depends on the type of tree but leave it to grow for at least a year, no pruning to maximise root growth. They are best created when you'd normally repot the tree and uncovered around the same time, unless the weather is extreme and wait until it's a little milder.

The link below shows a progression series and describes a slightly different way of creating root over rock, however the effect is still great. Bear in mind though it's a UK website so the climate conditions are different, seasons are opposite etc...

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATRootoverrock.htm

Hope this helps!

Chipper5

[Luke308]

Thanks for the tips, I had heard of people using cling wrap, but I thought that might stop moisture from getting in, and also it is not biodegradable like twine is. However, I plan to feed feed and feed mine, and then have a look next year and make any adjustments needed. I have a few trident cuttings which I hope to do in this style next year when they are a bit stronger on their new roots.

[Luke308]

I just found this site which has a lot of useful info http://www.bonsaiforbeginners.com/root-over-rock.html , plus I have borrowed an issue of bonsai today from my club library which is pretty much only rock plantings, both root over rock, and root on rock styles. Some great info.

I never thought of using thread tape, or plumbers tape, has anyone tried that before???

[Luke308]

Work has been quiet so I am going over my old posts on ausbonsai for some nostalgia (and cringe at some of the questions I was asking back then as a beginner)

Anyway, I found this post which I don't recall making - and I just happened to of photographed this tree a few weeks back.

The roots actually broke the rock quite a few years ago, and I was able to glue back on with gorilla glue (as taught by Peter Adams back in 2011 as this happened to him).

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[Keep Calm and Ramify]

OK then.. "root over rock" becomes "root devours rock". A fair bit of change there!

[shibui]

This has also been my experience with Ficus ROR.
Roots exert a tremendous amount of pressure as they slowly thicken. Any softer rock or rock with faults will usually end up breaking. Gluing it back together is probably only another temporary fix.
Ficus roots seem to thicken more than most species. Even in small pots and with constant trimming the roots and trunks still thicken so it seems to be inevitable that Ficus roots will eventually swallow any rock.
For those interested in starting Ficus ROR, my advice would be to start with a relatively large rock and design your Ficus ROR with fewer roots over the rock to allow more space for thickening.

[Luke308]

This has also been my experience with Ficus ROR.
Roots exert a tremendous amount of pressure as they slowly thicken. Any softer rock or rock with faults will usually end up breaking. Gluing it back together is probably only another temporary fix.
Ficus roots seem to thicken more than most species. Even in small pots and with constant trimming the roots and trunks still thicken so it seems to be inevitable that Ficus roots will eventually swallow any rock.
For those interested in starting Ficus ROR, my advice would be to start with a relatively large rock and design your Ficus ROR with fewer roots over the rock to allow more space for thickening.

It actually broke the rock quite a few years back. I think it was maybe 9-10 years ago? I know I have moved house since, and e have been here for 9 years. I am hoping it stays put. Peter Adams whilst more experienced with deciduous material, he said you can't break the gorilla glue bond.