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[IBC] PJM Rhododendron roots
yes, Harry, this is the latest development in root growing. it seems to
work, too. The root masses developed are far thicker than pot grown plants. As you have mentioned, the roots permeate the peat right through to the center rather than only on the outside of the ball. Now this presents a problem for the bonsai grower. Most bonsai are grown in shallow pots or trays. What to do? Gently open the peat ball and spread the roots out as flat as possible. Wash away as much of the peat as possible. You may have to plant the shrub in the ground for a season to acclimate it. Then it will be ready to be root pruned and potted. Marty ----- Original Message ----- From: "Harry in Iowa" To: Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 6:11 PM Subject: [IBC] PJM Rhododendron roots Hi all, I have purchased a Rhododendron and it was apparently planted in peat moss. When removed from the pot I have a perfectly shaped replica of the pot. A solid mass of root fibers. Do I hack and slash to get the shape I want? I have removed about 1/3 of the mass and there is no difference farther in. It came in a 3 gallon nursey pot. From soil surface to top approximately 18 inches. Spread about the same. Trunk about 1 & 1/4 inches at the base. After removal of some of the root mass I soaked it a bucket of water to make sure the peat moss was wetted again. How do I approach this? Thanks in advance, Harry in Iowa ************************************************** ************************** **** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page ++++ ************************************************** ************************** **** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page ++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#2
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[IBC] PJM Rhododendron roots
Hi all,
I have purchased a Rhododendron and it was apparently planted in peat moss. When removed from the pot I have a perfectly shaped replica of the pot. A solid mass of root fibers. Do I hack and slash to get the shape I want? I have removed about 1/3 of the mass and there is no difference farther in. It came in a 3 gallon nursey pot. From soil surface to top approximately 18 inches. Spread about the same. Trunk about 1 & 1/4 inches at the base. After removal of some of the root mass I soaked it a bucket of water to make sure the peat moss was wetted again. How do I approach this? Thanks in advance, Harry in Iowa Maybe, in Iowa, it won't be too late in the year to have done so much root chopping on a Rhododendron. They're quite forgiving, and can be worked on after the blooming period is over, so let's hope. I would wash out ALL of the peat -- if it IS peat. You may find that most of the "peat" is actually roots. Rhododendron grow masses of very, very fine roots. If it is peat, wash it thoroughly. Quite a bit of root may wash away during this process. Replant in a shallow, wide pot (bulb pots are nice) -- maybe twice as wide as deep. Use a coarse, fast-draining soil, with a considerable amount of rich organic material in it (for acidity). Coarse, home-made manure compost is nice. Be certain that you get the soil thoroughly mixed into the root ball, leaving no air pockets. For the first watering or two, you can submerge the pot OVER the rim and keep it there till all bubbles stop. Subsequent watering should be a sprinkle from the top. You probably should trim a bit off the top, too, but it isn't absolutely necessary unless most of the roots washed off the plant. For the remainder of the summer, keep the plant where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Never let it dry out (but don't let it get soggy). Fertilize every 2 weeks with an acid fertilizer (Miracle Gro 20-20-20 or Miracid is fine). Good luck. Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The phrase 'sustainable growth' is an oxymoron. - Stephen Viederman ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Mike Page ++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
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