umbrella tree - freebie - does it have potential??

[ace2weather]

Scored this umbrella tree for zip...
It was grown for bonsai use but needs some styling..
Not too sure where to go with this one yet, but I'm sure i'll figure something out...


Do you think it has some potential??

[bonsaibruce]

Greetings, this not a tree I would keep. They can be hard to shape and keep nice in cold climates. The branches are soft and wire is often not easy. The tree is very pot bound and there are lots of crossed roots. Remember these are tropical and should not be styled like a pine tree in the snow. If you put a Jin on the tree it will rot.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce

[Naimul]

on the other end of the spectrum, if you like figs, then you wont be too disappointed with this (i hope). It is a tropical plant, and doesnt really have "wood" like you would find on other trees. its very much a clip and grow specimen from my experience. there are some nice examples around if you have a look. they strike very easily from cuttings, so you can "restart" the trunk/base if you wanted to

[ace2weather]

I like a lot of unusual trees, even the grow and clip types.
Eg would be my twin trunk china doll or my orange jasmine to name a few.
Cross over roots are not desired, but these umbrella trees can have interesting aerial roots to start with..
Debating whether to chop or do a twin trunk.....
Have to wait and see.......

[Steve B]

check this out for a handy species guide and some very impressive eye candy on what can be achieved with these beasts:
http://www.fukubonsai.com/3a3b.html

[ace2weather]