It’s been two years ago that this Crape myrtle, Lagerstoemia indica, got a new pot and some much-needed design work. The tree has been happily growing (and blooming in summer) in its Byron Myrick custom pot. But as with all bonsai, sooner or later you’ve got to repot. Crape myrtles in particular are going to need this to be done more frequently than most species. Why? They grow roots more vigorously than just about any other species. So in order to keep them healthy, they need attention every couple of years.
But first, the tree has gotten rangy on me and it’s got to be taken back in. This is one of those chores that many bonsai enthusiasts either fail to do or don’t do to the degree it’s needed. For those of you who’ve been at it for a long time, you know what I mean! It’s hard to make yourself prune back hard. But it must be done.
Next step: pull the tree from the pot. You can see how successful this Crape has been in filling its pot. We’ve got the telltale circling roots. They grow to the edge of the pot, then they circle. Happens every time, which is another reason we have to root-prune periodically.
Notice the new white roots that are growing. This means the tree is going to be pushing buds very soon.
How much root should you take off? I like to remove roughly half the volume of root. Here’s what that looks like.
Another view. In addition to removing root around the edges of the mass, I’ve also removed some from beneath. The tree also needs some fresh soil in the bottom of the pot.
I cleaned the pot and replaced the drain hole screens, then put a layer of fresh soil in the bottom.
Now the tree is placed in the pot. You may notice that I’ve turned the tree slightly. This helps fill a gap between the first right-hand branch and the apex, which I actually created by pruning a sub-branch off the first left-hand branch that had been used to fill in behind the tree. I decided this branch looked funny and needed to go.
I’ll come back and wire that right-side branch (which I had coaxed from a bud this past year), then pull it down and into position.
The tree placed on top of the layer of soil I put in the pot. I’ve made sure it sits at the proper level in the pot.
The final step of the repotting, filling in with soil.
I like the tree with this front, so until next repotting time this is the composition.
Now, you may have recognized that this tree does not exhibit the ideal design. There’s a slight curve to the trunk, taking it from left to right. If we’re following the standard design principles, the first branch should appear on the left side of the tree. Then second branch right, third branch in back, and so on. However … there’s also nothing saying you can’t break rules. I think this is most true when you’re maintaining a venerable old bonsai. This tree has been in training for about 30 years now. Should I remove that lowest branch because it’s on the wrong side of the tree? Not on your life! It can take a very long time to get your branches to the right thickness, and that right-hand branch is right at half the thickness of the trunk where it emerges. The relative proportions make it look very natural. Also notice that as you move up the tree, the branches get progressively less thick but remain proportionate with the trunk thickness. From this standpoint, the tree certainly complies with the rules. So to me, this is a very pleasing bonsai and looks its age.
Let me know your thoughts on this one.
Could you please tell us the height of the tree? Thx.
It’s a very awesome tree and I think your idea on the first left him branch is correct don’t ever remove it
I recently bought a Berry Dazzle ,Lagerstromis “GAMAD VI” bonsai and love it .The leaves have stayed a brilliant fuschia pink color . It has survived the beach salt air and the rain water that has salt in it. I’ve put it in part sun even though it says it will take full sun because I’m not good at watering.
Thanks for the lesson. Is there a percentage of the tree that you can take off each time?
If I understand the question, it depends on the individual tree. You would top-prune and root-prune based on the species and specimen and general health of the tree and stage of development. If you want a good rule of thumb, you can’t go wrong taking 25% off each time.
Zach, how long on average does it take for CM to heal a branch scar? I have one that has a very awkward branch that is 3/4” diameter at the trunk. Is it possible to make a jin on these trees or will the dead wood rot too soon?
Doug, Crapes don’t heal wounds all that fast. In fact, on the one in the blog post there are a couple of spots where branches were removed long ago that are still not completely healed. As for jin, I’m not a fan of it on deciduous trees. I would expect on Crapes that it would rot fairly quickly.
Thanks Zach. I think I will live with the branch for now and see if maybe I can come up with a plan to use it rather than remove it.
This tree has fantastic taper. How long has it been out of the ground?
Right at 30 years, Marty. I helped my friend Allen dig the tree from a nursery growing field sometime around 1990. He developed and maintained the tree until his passing, at which time he bequeathed it to me. So it’s come full circle, in a manner of speaking.
What wonderful tree. I have two Crape Myrtles of my own and the tips you offer will be of great help.
The placing of this Bonsai in its pot is excellent, great angle and awesome branch placement. I want to thank you for all the information that you offer so freely is very helpful.
I have several JBP, AND RED pines, FOUR 50 YEAR OLD PONDEROSA PINES have used your advice many times on my trees. This year I am working on nine different types of oak trees, waiting for them to start pushing. Big problem all my trees are under a winter blanket of 14 inches of SNOW.
Warmer weather is coming soon.
Zach please keep all the helpful info coming as we all need help sometimes.
I appreciate the kind words, Bob. I’m always glad to be of help. I don’t envy you the snow cover. Brrr!
I didn’t think of doing that, Pierre. Maybe when I update later in spring or when the tree blooms in summer.
Zach, to answer your question, I would like to have pics from the various sides. pk