AusBonsai

Hi there,

After hours of searching at a massive nursery over the weekend, I was confused that I didn't find any plants that were suitable for bonsai amongst the thousands of trees there. I started to wonder if the owner wasn't removing them himself, and my suspicion was confirmed when I accidentally stumbled upon his bonsai stash. He was collecting them and putting them aside. There are probably over 50.



So I picked out this one. My amateur eye noticed that it has a nice shape and is very healthy. What do you think?

I later discovered that it is full of bugs and I immediately started treatment.

Could you help me identify it and what do you think of the shape?

Thanks in advance.
Rudi

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Chamaecyparis obtusa. Hinoki cypress. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=cham ... mQXd1oGgBQ

Hackimoto wrote:Chamaecyparis obtusa. Hinoki cypress. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=cham ... mQXd1oGgBQ

Agree.

What treatment are u using? . I wouldn't use anything just find a semi hard spray gun and blast the foliage with water . to sort any beasties out. every time u water.

Hi there,

Thank you for identifying the specimen. Wish I knew roughly how old it is.

I used an organic garden insect killer called EcoSMART Organic Insecticide. But I followed the advice I was given here and instead blasted it with water which seems to have worked as all the bugs are gone.

I decided the first step should be to prune back some of the overgrown foliage to prevent die-back.

Attached is the result of a few hours of work. I need to do some more fine tuning but I am happy with the result so far. I can now better see the branch structure to start planning the desired shape.




This is all very new to me so I am learning as I go. Any advice is much appreciated.

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If you want to know ho old it is, cut it off at the bottom of the trunk and count the rings.

I like Hinokis with full foliage, but that's just a personal opinion. I'd suggest you search for info on them and photos of Hinoki bonsai to get a feel for what other people do to them. I think they are pretty slow growers, so cherish the growth you have and try to make the most of it in your design.

Cheers,

Andrew

Yep I reckon they are very slow.
I have one in the ground i rescued last year, and has done very little in the last 8 months, so hoping next year might do better.

Ken