2 things you NEED to know for Bonsai Success: Root Over Rock (Maple)

[@BudgetBonsai]

Great info! Headed to our first root over rock workshop next month 👍🏻

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That sounds like fun

[@TalkingLoon]

The only reason I am convinced you're not a time-traveler is because your shirt changes! Love that you can put together these videos that show such long-term progression so seamlessly, thank you.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

And my weight changes too :)

[@DavesBonsai]

Great video good sir! I have one of those smooth rock attempts that I’ll need to be changing this year.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Dave - the smooth rock can work but the tree needs to be buried for a long time and allowed to grow a lot :)

[@Hollylivengood]

Love that alder. It looks like the tree heard you say something about art, and felt like sitting back with a nice bourbon and sculpture supplies to let his art fly.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I couldn't say it any better :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

Thanks Xavier. Love those warm summer impressions. 🥰 Gorgeous trees. ❤ Today is a good day.. 🙂 Cheers 🙋‍♀️

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

So glad to hear that Martina. Stay strong and remember to hide in your trees when you need to :)

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great video Xavier mate nice to see what I can expect from mine next year 👊👊👊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It just takes so long to see the results :)

[@BuffaloBonsai]

Hmm, plastic wrap, noted. Will try. Thanks xavier 🍻 oh yes cant wait to see the mame root over rock!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I started using plastic cling film a few years ago and then foil - seems to really work well and ismuch easier to secure the roots down

[@suer666]

Love that last Elm. I have a large one my daughter gave me. Its a fantastic tree and has encouraged me to try with my Elm cuttings

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I will be doing quite a few more elm cuttings this spring - they are ideal for this technique :)

[@pauletheridge7594]

Great video Xavier one thing I would say yes not 100% successful but on saying that you have learned a few lessons eg the type of rock used ect I have seen quite a few root over rock and like you said most look unnatural and it’s obvious someone as just put a tree on some random rock without thought I personally I haven’t done one yet tbh so your tips are so invaluable going to be looking out for that special rock thanks buddy happy Bonsai 🫶

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Paul - the sooner you start the sooner you can enjoy the results :)

[@marilyngandhi8571]

Hi from Queensland, Australia. Thanks for sharing with us all ❤

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

My pleasure marilyn. I still have fond memories of buying Fish and Chips from Noosa Heads when I was a kid. My parents said it was the only place that did it the traditional English way (Back in the late 70's)

[@PhillipWaterman-f9u]

It can't go right all the time but when you get it right it's a bit beautiful job thanks xaver

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think that is why I try to do three or four in one sitting. The chinese elm projects all worked out brilliantly :)

[@sueb1317]

Some great tips! I've not started a root-on-rock yet, but this is invaluable info. Your elm is just stunning!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers - I shall be doing a full step-by-step again this early spring :)

[@dreamingofbonsai]

A lot of great tips here. Thanks, Xavier!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers - this is definitely one of those techniques where you need to get the initial binding correct :)

[@TOMSAI]

Hey xav, very nice Root over Rock Projekts . They looking very well for the Future ! Cheers 🍻

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

In the end it is always about time :)

[@zen-da-bonsai-ko]

Rock hunting ... good idea 😉

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

It is good for the soul as well :)

[@markjagger7139]

Excellent Xavier, very interesting project and all 3 look fabulous.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Mark - I have another 4 Chinese Elm that look even better :)

[@joegarland4885]

Hi Xav, good to see some work on the roots over rock in the summer, can't wait for spring so we can get out and do some real bonsai work mate, I think the mame on the little rock will make lovely little trees on rock, your right about the tree gripping the rock, you see so many which have just been plomped on top of the rock, they do need to be one with the rocks, all my trees on the ground waiting for the high winds, that never arrived here I know they did elsewhere.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Same here - I had a few loose plastic pots tumble around but nothing with trees in it :)

[@Kriywan]

Thanks Zavier 👍

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers for watching

[@greasylimpet3323]

Loved this video, you explained so many parts of getting a tree to look as if it's almost part of the rock. The Chinese Elm is a lovely tree. Speaking of the weather, it's 41°c here 🥵

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Too hot to keep the cherry ripes from melting in the stores :)

[@cornbreadburglar]

Helpful content at the right time because I've got rocks ready for spring here in Ohio; I'll be using Trident and Seiju Elm.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

They are both perfect for this technique :)

[@misupport6735]

Can't wait for the reveal! Love root over rock and want to try sometime but dont have anywhere to grab a free rock legallt

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I have also found really cheap but interesting rocks at aquariums :)

[@misupport6735]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat I never thought of that. Thank you! Another great tip. I'll try that!

[@matshagstrom9839]

Thank you!! Do you know Milton Chang? Maybe you can do a combined video though I think you know a lot more about ROR though it kind of looks like a root next to rock. Can’t wait to see the update. Keep up the good work!!!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Hi, I have seen a couple of his videos as he seems to have stormed into the KZbin world over the last few years. I have never been in contact with him and i feel my 'level' sits well below his. However, I have definitely done a lot of root over/under/beside/between rock. The more you do the better you get :)

[@stephenkent1102]

Lovely inspiration, I have a couple of Italian alder seedlings, about 3 years old, in my grow bed. Hmm...

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

They are such an underrated species for bonsai development. I love them

[@nerinat8371]

Really enjoyed this video Xavier... this will be my next plan in Autumn as definitely too hot atm and today its 42 d 🥵 will go rock hunting yippee .... much appreciated Xavier

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

i had forgotten about those days of 40C...and the nights that follow :(

[@KennetDeBondt]

You could add a rooted cutting to the sides where there are no roots to fuse with the base: Works fine: I did it... grts Kennet

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I really must try a root graft this year - never done it before :)

[@grahamharlow7471]

Pollarvour and plonked... 2 great phrases that you can attach too bonsai projects😂 set aside great vid xav as usual

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Plonked is definitely a great word. I just plonked the tree in the pot and bobs your uncle :)

[@grahamharlow7471]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat 🤣👍

[@laddieokelley6095]

Thanks for this. Have you seen or worked on a partial root-over-rock? I have a 30-year-old weeping Ficus Benjamina from which I removed (perhaps not skillfully) a large ugly root on one side about a dozen years ago. I am not willing to lift the whole tree, but thinking about using a low submerged rock on the gapped side to encourage current fine roots to cover.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I have definitely done things like that. For me that falls under the same category. It would be great to see a picture :)

[@GrowingBonsai]

Foist!😂

[@dkstott29]

😂😂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

And i thought you were too busy to watch videos :)

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think he needs to get himself a job :)

[@highwayjim6672]

Also, I believe rocks naturally find their lowest center of gravity and are not naturally sticking straight up.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Sometimes. It is amazing what unorthodox realities you find when you just walk about. Often the rocks are propped up like that because they have other rocks being pushed up beneath them :)

[@scheers100]

👍

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers for watching

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks bruce