Hello.
I'm hoping someone can help. My Schefflera is 20 years old and healthy, lives indoors year round, doesn't get too much water and - during (Canadian) winter months - sits under grow lights 10 hours/day.
It's approximately 4 & 1/2 feet tall (not exactly 'Bonsai').
I have recently seen quite tall (8 - 10 foot) versions of this same plant (in shopping malls) with the roots wrapped around the trunk; almost, but not quite, Banyan style. I like the appearance of these, particularly as the roots seem to support the trunk (which is by no means sturdy, otherwise).
I have repotted my own tree several times and noted the roots as quite long with a tendency to grow in a circular direction along the perimeter of the pot (below the soil).
Can anyone tell me please how I might train the roots upward, out of the earth? Without killing my tree?
Thanks and regards,
Rose Anne
-
- Mod
- Posts: 7491
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
- Location: Colchester, CT
-
- Mod
- Posts: 7491
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
- Location: Colchester, CT
Hmmm...got to be careful there as plants can actually strangle themselves. FIcus will just drop new air roots to deal with that, but a schefflera willjust die...
I also started new air roots on my schefflera bonsai by scarring the bark where I wanted new roots and packing sphagnum up around those sections, so as I exposed areas I made sure that I got roots where I wanted them. The top is needing work but getting better, and the roots are great!
Scott
I also started new air roots on my schefflera bonsai by scarring the bark where I wanted new roots and packing sphagnum up around those sections, so as I exposed areas I made sure that I got roots where I wanted them. The top is needing work but getting better, and the roots are great!
Scott
Spagnum? What is it? Some kind of moisture-retention medium?
And if you're ever in Calgary, Scott, I could (obviously) use some help.
Not wanting to lose this plant, I will - of course - be careful (and continue researching/looking for answers and guidance).
Thanks very much for your input.
Regards,
Rose Anne
And if you're ever in Calgary, Scott, I could (obviously) use some help.
Not wanting to lose this plant, I will - of course - be careful (and continue researching/looking for answers and guidance).
Thanks very much for your input.
Regards,
Rose Anne
-
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 4659
- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 5:58 pm
- Location: Victoria, BC
-
- Mod
- Posts: 7491
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
- Location: Colchester, CT
Peat being such a big industry up there I'm suprised you hadn't heard of it, but it's the living phase of peat; a moss that in it's unmilled form makes a lovely rooting medium when kept damp...
Last edited by The Helpful Gardener on Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Mod
- Posts: 7491
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
- Location: Colchester, CT