Thanks for the responses everyone. Mostly I was just venting -
My current process is: 1) Remove plant from nursery container and soak in
a solution of Miracle Grow & Super Thrive (stop laughing - I figure it can't
hurt). 2) When I remove it, I use a chopstick or roothook (depending on
how bad it is) to loosen the outer layer of circling roots. I'll also use
the chopstick (as well as fingers and thumbs) to probe into the "soil" and
loosen it. 3) I then use a garden hose set to the hardest stream I can
get. 4) I'll then use the roothook to begin combing out the roots. 5)
Repeat 2 - 4 as necessary with an occasional 1 thrown in when exhaustion
sets in or I seem to be making no progress. I have to admit, usually, this
seems to work fairly well and I end up with some decently spreading roots.
However, what really got me frustrated over the last few weeks is that I
spent a little more to get some larger stock and the roots were SO bad that
I couldn't completely untangle them. After the responses regarding nursery
practices, however, I understand better why that is. I REALLY wish I lived
closer to Brent to buy all of my stock from him. All I can afford from him
though, with shipping as a major consideration, are the smaller plants.
With the way he takes care of his plants, they require almost no rootwork at
all - just make sure they are still spread out correctly when they get
repotted! I do make my purchases, as much as possible, at Bonsai nurseries.
Unfortunately, for all the reasons mentioned, the large plants that have
been properly prepared to be Bonsai are 2 to 3 times (or more) as expensive
as the equivalent nursery plant. A lot less work - but, alas, I do have
more time than money....
Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39
************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by John Quinn++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++