16 year old Saotome Azalea.

[Pat093]

Hello all,

I recently went down to Dural to explore proper Bonsai Nurseries and also I was on the hunt for and established tree for my collection.
This Saotome caught my eye and I had to get it.
Tell me what you's think.
FRONT

BACK

BASE


Pat

[Luke308]

Hi Pat,

I'm no expert when it comes to bonsai, I'll be the first to admit that. But my understanding is that you should be able to see the trunk line (at least the bottom 1/3) from the front. I'm thinking maybe the pic you labelled as front should be turned clockwise a little bit? Just a suggestion, but otherwise, I think you have a nice tree there
Luke

[Pat093]

im not expert photographer mate. haha
but thanks.

[63pmp]

HI Pat,

I like the roots, though there is some problems there that need sorting, in that a couple are twisted, and one is in the air.

It needs repotting, next year, with a more open potting mix.

It's a shame more care didn't go into design instead of developing ramification at this stage of its life, because to me it seems that you have 3 distinct foliage clumps, two low and one high. The two bottom branches appear to be opposed and the third is brought down to almost the same height, so the design is rather horizontal.

Sao to me will back bud quite eagerly and while a little brittle, thin stems can be bent with wire. I would decide on a front based on rootage and work towards left, right, back branch placement and developing a dinstinct crown.

At the moment it is just three clouds of foliage unconnected in design.

While healthy, it also appears to have a bug problem with the leaves.

Shave any cuts down with a sharp blade,don't dig out too deep, they are thin barked plants, wound sealant is a must for azalea, untreated cuts are slow to heal on sao to me.

It's also planted to high in its pot, azalea are surface feeders, mulch the top of the soil so that the roots don't dry out.

Paul

[Pat093]

Thanks, it will get a repot, and the lacebug is being treated.

Pat

[kcpoole]

Nice little tree Pat
I do not mind the foliage covering the front of the trunk on small azaleas, but if you can find a line to get a glimpse or 2 will be nice

Spreading out the foliage at the apex to fill in the gap at the Back over the next few years will be good

As paul says plant a little lower and it will be happy

Ken

[Pat093]

thanks mate,
I have been looking at it thismorning and i think the front pad can be brought down and when i repot it, it will work out.
But over time i will make tiny changes.

Pat