AusBonsai

Species Name: Corky Bark Elm

Height: 40cm

Source: Cutting taken December 28, 2015

Cost: $0

Photos:

This was the cutting.



These are the photos from tonight.





Thought I should have a second entry and as there is nowhere to go shopping at this time of the night had to get a bit creative.

There are quite a few new roots on this cutting although it has been attacked by blackbirds quite a few times.

Was thinking it might make a nice little clump if I can get a few new shoots to grow this coming spring.

Theo






Sharing together means learning together!

Bit the bullet today and decided to have a look at how this cutting was developing.

Wasn't sure where roots would grow, I was hoping from all the way around. The pictures show the reality of the situation. Certainly won't win any beauty contests this one. There were a few fine roots around the outside, pulling it out of the pot for a repot would have done them no good!

Anyway, if if you don't try you don't learn.

Before pulling it out of the pot.


The roots, lots of them all.


And back in the pot. Planted a little deeper to try and get roots from a few more spots. Cut it back too. No idea where this one is going!!

Not much to report. Growing strongly and have started to select some possible branches.

Update time.

What started out as an experiment 'will a cutting that big actually take root and grow' has turned out to be a little tree that could turn into something at least 1/4 decent in time.

It continues to grow really strongly and I continue to pinch and prune regularly.

Will it be a show stopper, probably not. Has it taught me a few things about how big a Chinese elm will strike! Absolutely.

Before one of many regular trims.


After one of many future trims.


Theo

Well done Theo ,can see a nice Chinese style Peijing there ,especially incorporating that smaller shoot from the base. Cheers John.

Here is the autumn 2017 update. Trim, feed, trim, feed, trim, feed. That about sums the last 3 months up with this one.





It didn't lose its leaves last winter however I'm somewhat hopeful that it might this time around. A few of the leaves are showing some colour. Ok, I know, wishful thinking.

The search is on for a pot soon I suppose.

Overall, considering what this tree started from, I'm quite pleased with the outcome so far.

Theo

Latest update as required.

Is one doesn't drop its leaves so defoliated and put it in a pot.

I had forgotten how big the base was on this so the pot was chosen based on fit.

Roots are still only growing from the furthest extremity and I'm hopeful over the next few years of getting some closer to main tree so I can shorten the base back.

I do have to remind myself of how this tree actually originated, and cut it some slack based on that.

It will eventually be a nice little tree.

After defoliation.


Following a little thinking out and basic wiring.


Pic of the root mass. Would really like some at the other end so I can shorten the base back.


In its pot.


Theo

Awesome!

It is interesting that it is still refusing to grow roots from the other end of the base.
You might need to try some root stimulation measures.

Nicely documented - thanks

Here are the final photos for this one.

Overall I’m happy with this one.



And with a tape measure.


Future for this one is to try and induce some roots closer to the main trunk so I can shorten the base and fit it into a smaller pot.

Theo

Another fantastic transformation. I would never have thought you'd get this far in 18 months, looking at the first pic. This will just continue to look lovely in years to come as you refine it. I really like it. The undulating hills of moss is a particularly nice touch and appears very natural looking.

Thanks for the kind words Rory.