Saotome Azalea Shaping up

[MelaQuin]

Saotome mini 2010-09 1.jpg

I just cut off a major branch on the right that was barring and there is another year or two before the tree is ready for a bench but it has a nice charm and lovely movement in the trunk. This is only a training pot - I am waiting and hoping for a Mudlark pot that will bring out the upcoming charms of this saotome.

Here's a scale photo. I'm reducing my collection not only in quantity but also in size. It won't be any taller than this when it fills out to my plan for its eventual size and shape. Cute??

Saotome mini 2010-09 2.jpg

[bodhidharma]

Very cute. I hope you post it in flower.

[Graeme]

Bodi', it's a Saotome so hopefully it wont flower. The flower, if they ever get one is really very large.
But, yes it is going to be a very cute Bonsai when it finishes filling out.
I once had one of these I was doing a small experiment with. I spread the root system as wide as possible and then, after cutting out all the inner roots, packed the core with Spag Moss and Cocco Peat mixture. Pulled the roots back down over the centre core and tied the root system loosely with cotton string. I then potted the plant fairly deeply in the pot. Gave the root sytem a nice flair and after the roots fused together the little plant had a real WOW factor trunk line. I unfortunately gave the plant away when I moved interstate so dont know how it turned out (or if), but had the plant long enough to know they are a real treat to work with. Must get some more.
Sorry to pinch your thread Mela.

[Amanda]

A wonderful little tree with elegant movement.

[bodhidharma]

Thanks for that info Graeme. I was unaware of that. Never, never to old to learn

[nealweb]

That is a beautiful little mini melaquin. Very beautiful trunk and such tiny leaves on that variety. Welldone. can't wait to see it after another season's filling out.
Graeme - do you have any photo's of your exposed root experiment? Sounds good. I have one going at the moment, just a cutting in a plastic bottle to keep the roots together and grow them long. They won't really be fused but will be slowly exposed as they develop.