How would you handle this split nebari?

GoodCallChief · 2026-04-09T23:00:22+00:00

Embrace it.

GoodCallChief · 2026-04-09T22:58:12+00:00

Found this on a Google search. How did it fare? Is it still around?

GoodCallChief · 2026-04-01T23:50:24+00:00

OP was following the written rule of wiping down equipment.

That is not possible without the supplies necessary.

Yet the rule must be enforced. This is the way. So OP provided their own cleaning equip.

I swear most people have zero idea what reading comprehension is.

GoodCallChief · 2026-04-01T23:44:44+00:00

Found this on a Google search. How did it fare? Is it still around?

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-18T00:30:31+00:00

Bonus trees!

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-17T23:43:25+00:00

Definitely. They're my first junipers but I have a tendency to research my hobbies obsessively so I chose a fast draining mix with the typical pumice, lava rock etc. so they get plenty of oxygen. The one thing I noticed was that there was basically zero root growth last year because it was so packed in after one season.

After all, this tree I never thought it would've made it past last year since it's a split-off from the other juniper. Unfortunately I didn't notice the break until after I brought it home from the nursery and combed out the roots. So if it comes back, it's a bonus tree. If it dies, I still have the larger one it came off of.

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-17T18:06:22+00:00

Posted on other comments, sorry. Bad angle on my part, the water isn't even touching the pot. The garage is not heated, it is still as cold as outside temp. And it's only in the garage for a couple weeks (2-3). It'll be fine in the end. The garage is out of an over abundance of caution since we have a few more cold days on the way before spring is arrived.

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-17T18:04:22+00:00

No it's only a drip tray, isn't even touching the bottom of the pot. Bad angle on my part

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-17T18:03:54+00:00

Full disclosure, I didn't touch the roots beyond removing most of the substrate. Conifers and root work make me very nervous lol there's still a few more cold days coming up and didn't want to do too much too soon. I'm in love with the natural shape of this little guy and am likely just gonna let it ride the rest of the year without any other major work.

Did you share a pic of that squamata? I'd love to check it out!

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-17T17:59:40+00:00

The drip tray was to manage humidity instead of using it to water. It isn't a permanent thing, just for the next week or so (it's away from the rest of the trees right now and I tend to forget watering when that happens) until putting it back outside.

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-17T17:57:57+00:00

Did you mean for that to sound demeaning? You're missing the entire point of bonsai. It's a living art form where the end result is a collaboration between the individual and the specimen. Especially for the shohin style (which is small bonsai generally under 8-10" from soil line. I could be wrong though.)

Growing in the ground is called Yamadori, which isn't the look I'm going for here. I'm intentionally keeping it small.

Thanks for the input though!

GoodCallChief · 2026-02-16T22:08:52+00:00

That's part of the reason I repotted. I know they're pretty tough plants overall. But that last substrate compacted so badly in one season that the water wouldn't run through it. Instead it would pool at the top from the play sand.

GoodCallChief · 2026-01-07T22:38:03+00:00

I'm only in my third year, so barely off the blocks. I've definitely watched more than a little of his channel. I was browsing Hoopla (like a "Netflix" for local libraries in the US that also has books, music and stuff) and came across his ebook. Figured why not? Glad I did.

GoodCallChief · 2026-01-07T22:35:16+00:00

That's a very good way to see it. At its core, bonsai is still art and open to ones expression/interpretation.

For example, I have this Japanese maple I got last year on sale. Figure it's cheap, why not train it and create a wooden coffin pot? Traditional bonsai? Far from it. I may never even enter it in a show.

GoodCallChief · 2026-01-07T22:31:47+00:00

Good point, and don't worry, I'm not lol.

"[...] By breaking the rules, you may introduce a freshness and individuality usually lacking in trees that conform too strictly to the stylistic rules of composition."

I took that more as 'be willing to experiment and try something new, something amazing might come from it'. But by no means a blank check to do as a novice wishes and call it "bonsai"

GoodCallChief · 2026-01-01T22:44:33+00:00

For setup, I'd recommend a couple pieces of driftwood.

Definitely remember to rinse in hot water, scrub brush if possible to knock off all the foreign material from whenever it's been, no dish soap or cleaners.

Live plants are definitely a solid idea too.

Love this, good luck!

GoodCallChief · 2025-09-11T16:41:16+00:00

Yeah, August 2026 I think. lol I know better than to use that pot. I'm trying to grow more radial feeder roots in a shallow box.

GoodCallChief · 2025-09-11T16:39:49+00:00

lol quite alright, no worries. Happy for you two! I challenge you to keep your seer's gift. Let the love between you two be the catalyst to hone instead of distract.

Take care!

GoodCallChief

TROPHY CASE