Cedar layer

[MattA]

This layer came from another tree that I have ground growing viewtopic.php?f=131&t=6331. I rarely make use of airlayering but this piece excited me, for the experiment in technique/timing and its inherant potential. It was removed from the parent tree 29th February this year & has spent the last month in part shade. It has shed a few needles but more importantly the buds have filled out and the overall colour is good so I have moved it out to full sun. Thought i would share some better pics of this little gem.

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[MattA]

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It will be a while before anything gets done but there are so many ways this could be styled I will need that time to study it. Its stands about 25cm with a spread of about 35cm with a good spread of branches top to bottom. The layering process has helped spread the base to about 6cm dia giving it the start of some nice taper that will only get better with time

Matt

[Trent McKenzie]

love the broom style in the background

[alpineart]

Hi MattA, nice layer taken off Mums garden tree .I have been meaning to set a few layers on several cedars but haven't done so . Come to think of it 50-60 is probably enough to play with .

Cheers Alpine

[Andrew Legg]

love the broom style in the background

It looks like a Besem atlantica glauca - well at least that's my guess as it seems to have that typical blueish tinge to the foliage.

[MattA]

Broomus paintus floorus

love the broom style in the background

It looks like a Besem atlantica glauca - well at least that's my guess as it seems to have that typical blueish tinge to the foliage.

Its botanical name is Broomus paintus floorae

Alpine, let me know when they are ready for me to build a forest

[MattA]

After tip pruning another lot of roots from the drainage holes I decided to give this tree a slip pot. Originally deep planted it was slipped out & some of the excess soil removed from the surface & placed in the bottom of the pot, it will give the roots lots of new space to spread into & help prevent any growing upwards.

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Removing the extra soil has exposed more of the trunk & a slight inverse taper at the soil line, it will grow out as the roots grow

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The base is now about 7cm across narrowing to 3.5cm just above the first branch.

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Back to the bench to await movement of the buds in spring.

[Rintar]

Looking good matt

[Andrew F]

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Back to the bench to await movement of the buds in spring.

I like the third option for the front, looks like great material.
A relo's house in sydney has a great big cedar planted from my dads granddad might have to take a few layers for sentimental reasons now

[MattA]

Spring growth was nice & strong & as buds had started to develop low down on the new shoots they were all trimmed about 6wks ago & is now pushing hard.

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I am really happy with how well it has transitioned so far but have a slight concern at the moment. One those days that temps head into the 30's this tree usually ends up on the wilt by the time evening watering comes around.

Its not something I have found much reference to for cedar bonsai but am wondering if I can pluck the old needles to help reduce its water needs? I would prefer this over removing some branching as I want to keep the options open for now, unless I just go the whole hog & start styling, but, is it too soon for that step?

[bodhidharma]

I would be end tipping now Matt. I have been doing mine for a while now. Nice project.

[MattA]

Bodhi, I let it have its head over spring to help build roots, if not for the fact the secondary buds were swelling I wouldn't have pruned at all.

This tree has killed so many things I had heard and read about Cedrus bonsai over the years, from its mothers rebirth & on into this piece it continues to amaze me how strong it really is. No wonder deodar in the wild can grow to 250ft

[MattA]

Its not something I have found much reference to for cedar bonsai but am wondering if I can pluck the old needles to help reduce its water needs? I would prefer this over removing some branching as I want to keep the options open for now, unless I just go the whole hog & start styling, but, is it too soon for that step?

As noone else seems able to give any extra info I spent a couple of hours plucking needles this morning.

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Looking under the first branch before & after highlights how much harder I will have to be with pruning & pinching to keep this to a shohin.

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From above

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I may not have enjoyed the experience but am soo liking what I found hiding under all that extra green. With a good wiring this could quickly become a very presentable tree but I see something smaller hiding within

[alpineart]

Hi MattA , by all means Cedar needles can be plucked . All mine a regularly done only keeping the needles in tacked where i want the future branches sooner or later you may have to remove a few rosette's as the get too congested . As you know Deodora's back bud well when cut hard ,Not so much from the Atlas Cedars . Both sprout sprout from old needles and if you pluck the top selectively and bottom completely they respond with a shorter needle or more compact rosette in most cases . Magic trunk by the way , looking real good .

Cheers Alpine

[MattA]

Alpineart,
From the equivalent of a trainer its not bad for 5yrs growing.
Matt