From the bonsai nursery: How to improve the root base

If we want to grow an attractive bonsai, we naturally expect the roots to be as broad and homogeneous as possible, which is actually typical for every bonsai. A fairly simple and safe method to achieve this goal is seedling supplementation, which we would like to present here step by step.

Seedling supplementation, step by step.

This three-pointed maple (Acer burergerianum) serves as our base. It was raised from a seedling and has now reached an age of 20 years.

After we have carefully dug out and cleaned the roots, all the details are revealed.

There is often free space between two main roots, which should be closed for a better visual appearance. A small and still young seedling is ideal for this. Our seedling used here was planted two years ago and has now reached the right thickness to close the gap.

To attach it securely enough to the actual root base, it is simply fixed in place with a screw.

Here we can clearly see traces of older seedlings that have already grown in.

In order to give the surface of the root attachment as attractive an appearance as possible, we simply finish it off thoroughly with a milling machine.

We prepare new seedlings to further replenish the root base and for reinforcement.

These young seedlings are now simply placed in existing gaps between two already well-developed roots and covered with soil.

We can then replant our processed root base and give it another three years to develop.