Root over rock

BonsaiGuru · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:46 pm Post subject: Root over rock

I want to make a root over rock bonsai, but I don't want to plant it in the ground to get trampled by my dogs

I also don't want to get a whole pack/roll of fancy tissues/tape,plastic that I will use once

can I just use plumbers tape to tie the roots onto the rock and then plant it in a large pot?

AHA (any help appreciated)

imholte · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:10 am Post subject: Re: Root over rock

I have seen many methods for ror. One uses plastic wrap to hold roots to rock, another just places the tree over the rock and plants it in the ground letting nature do its thing. Another uses wire wrapped around teh rock to hold the roots on.

Stymie · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:37 am Post subject: Re: Root over rock

It is another long term project BG. However the roots are held in place, the whole shebang is planted below ground and the top of the rock exposed in stages over a few years as it would have happened in nature. The soil being eroded gradually. I have just posted an example in the 'Show us yours' forum and with hindsight I realize that I should not have used a 'soft' rock like tufa. It has to last without weathering too much. Laughing

Dick · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

There's really no short cut to getting the tree to cling to the rock you place it in. it will take time for it to happen. Cany you use plumber's tape? Yes, almost anything that will bind the roots to the rock will work as long as it lasts and can withstand the water and dampness. But the roots still need to be planted in a deep pot or in the ground and the soil needs to erode from the rock gradually over time. The roots nees to grow deep so that eventually it can be placed in a bonsai pot with the exposed roots and rock above the soil and the deeper roots below the rock in the pot.

Stymie · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

A tall narrow container is often used to extend the roots downward before applying them to the rock. Such a container is a length of drainpipe. After marrying the rock and the tree, something which can be reduced easily is then used so that parts can be cut away as the soil is also removed. This method is obviously not as quick as planting the whole thing into the open ground but it allows full control throughout the procedure.

BonsaiGuru · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:30 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

Thanks all.

I understand now that it is a long term project. I have an Ortho's, Sunset, and off brand bonsai book with a lot of info, just unspicific.

they all say to plant them in the groung using a special glue, tape or bag

But you can plant the in a big pot with a normal plumbers tape?

imholte · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:07 am Post subject: Re: Root over rock

steve · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 1:46 am Post subject: Re: Root over rock

I would rather see you use vinyl tape like electrical tape. It will stretch as the roots grow whereas plumbers tape doesn't stretch and may cut into the roots. You'll want to bind them tight and the stretch will come in handy.

BonsaiGuru · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

Thats what I read, and I was just wondering if there was a $ shortcut?

TB420 · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

I found some stretchy plastic plant tie ribbon at Wal-Mart. I have found several uses for it already. It is a thicker than electric tape and has no sticky. It is .5 inch wide, but it can be ordered in 1 in wide. Half inch should be fine, and it stretches.

http://www.amleo.com/index/item.cgi?cmd=view&Words=124mt

Tom

BonsaiGuru · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

That's Great News!

I have tons of that stuff and never began to think about using it!! The only thing is is that water needs to get throught without mold, I think. I I tie it loose, that gets rid of the water issue

Only question is - does it mold?

dought it, but what is your opinion?

Thanks again
(and again) to everyone who has helped me on any forum

TB420 · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:05 pm Post subject: Re: Root over rock

It is a plastic tape that is .5 inch wide. You will want to secure the roots to the rock tightly. It is not necessary to cover all of the roots and the rock with the tape like you would plastic wrap, just secure the roots to the rock. As long as they are secure, then you are fine. No I can't possibly imagine that it would ever mold. Did this answer your question. were you under the impression that you needed to wrap the roots/rock until they were completely covered. If so, it is not necessary.

Tom

BonsaiGuru · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:38 am Post subject: Re: Root over rock

That is what I read Evil or Very Mad

but all is fine now, i guess. my next post will include my tree and 2 rocks ( i cant choose wich) if which I will use. I was wondering if you could edit where I should cut. Its half dormat, so I should be clear.

TB420 · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:12 am Post subject: Re: Root over rock

Post the pics and we will see what we can do.

Tom