The Art of Bonsai

Tag: exposed root

  • Tilting the bonsai

    Sometimes a bonsai creation works well and sometimes a gentle adjustment in one factor can result in a great improvement. In this case a seed grown Ficus natalensis in the exposed root style appears to work quite well. Making a simple adjustment and tilting the tree to the right improves the design immensely. The left…

  • Making your bonsai taller

    With exposed root bonsai it is possible to create a taller tree. One can simply raise the tree up on its finer root system while keeping it supported with wire until the new roots harden sufficiently to make the trunk stable. The new roots will need to be covered for some months until they harden…

  • Taking a tree apart to improve it

    This is a young rooted cutting of Ficus natalensis but the two roots as indicated did not look right to my eyes. So I split the tree and allowed it to sprout back. I like the two new pieces and with more growth I think each may work out to be a reasonable bonsai tree.

  • Unusual style, Ficus ‘Mexicana’

    Exposed root styles are one of may favorites. This fig, Ficus that I call ‘Mexicana’ but whose real species name is unknown, is a root cutting of a mother tree. The original material was found in Mexico. The exposed roots are interesting to my eye. The canopy is not yet clearly designed. At some future…

  • Two of my Ficus ‘Mystery’, #1 and #2

    Ficus ‘Mystery” is so called because its exact scientific name is unclear. No matter what this fig is called it is one of the best figs for bonsai that I have cared for. You can see how these two figs were created from a tree given to me by David Fukumoto of www.fukubonsai.com by clicking…

  • Which side do you like the best?

    This is a young Ficus natalensis. Ficus natalensis is one of the best figs for bonsai as it is vigorous, develops aerial roots, tolerates growing in containers as well as growing well in relatively poor light. Which of the two sides do you prefer?