FASTER Bonsai Development: Are Pond Baskets REALLY a Solution to my Maple?

Do you think I made a BIG mistake with these Japanese maple? I am determined to solve this issue and in today’s video you will see what I am going to do to try to get these MAME Bonsai back on track. But are Pond Baskets really the answer…
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God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier
-- TIMESTAMPS --
00:00 What 2 Mistakes did I make?
02:41 Mame Chinese Elm Bonsai.
03:04 Mame Sycamore Bonsai.
03:37 Mame Ash Bonsai.
04:43 Why I’m trying Pond Baskets?
06:18 One year of root development.
07:56 Repotting 40 Japanese Maples.
11:00 How they look in Pond Baskets.
12:10 Maple Updates for 9th June.
14:02 Updates on the Mame Bonsai.
Equipment & Acknowledgements:
I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC 330 Bridge Camera
All video production using AVC Video Editor Software
Sound equipment courtesy of: johnaronphotography.co.uk
Handmade Ceramics by: Dawn Isaac of deiceramics.com
Please be aware that all details of products used are given for your benefit only - I do not receive any financial recompense. I just think they are good value and you should know where to buy them if interested.
#bonsaiuk #bonsaitree #bonsaicare #repotting #mame #maple

[@nerinat8371]

They already look better Xavier....I will do the same in Spring as when l started l did the same with about 5 ,so pond baskets it is. Thanks for the awakening 😊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

No worries Nerina - now I just need to work out what to do with all of these empty ceramics :)

[@sueb1317]

Great video. Went through the same process a couple of years back, though I used large pots instead of pond baskets. For me, the fastest way to increase the trunk is to let trees escape root into the ground and go unpruned for a year. The action of the wind on the branches really helps.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I definitely see better results when the trees root into the ground through the pots :)

[@NotAnotherBonsaiChannel]

This is a very intriguing video Xav and raises a very interesting question... 'What is a Bonsai Tree?' 😂😂😂 But in all seriousness as they say, what you see above the soil also exists in it too. So if you only give the roots a small amount of room, then the growth above won't be much either!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Sounds sensible to me - so what is bonsai to you then Gav :)

[@NotAnotherBonsaiChannel]

You'll have to wait and see with that one Xav 😜

[@dermo1981]

Thanks Xavier. Really appreciate all the effort you go to producing content to entertain all of us. You're brilliant at what you do. Always delighted to get a notification of new content from the bonsai retreat!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I appreciate the support you show - it makes this so much more rewarding :)

[@KurisuBonsai]

Enjoyed this video. In my observations over the last few years, there's a massive difference in growth between glazed and unglazed, ceramic pots. Roots do need air it seems. I'm also not rushing to prune my trees too heavily initially as you'll only get bigger trunks with more top growth. Snipping the tips of the strongest shoots and a good tidy up each winter is my current regime with Maples.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think you have the right approach. I only relaised this a little late - oh well :)

[@BonsaiDruid-qo9lo]

Hi Xavier! Like the look of the Chinese Elm. The sycamore and the ash already have a lovely and lively grace to them.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks - I am looking forward to them all developing further during the next few years :)

[@judlpd]

I am having good results growing maples in “air-pots” with the advantage over pond baskets that they don’t dry out quite as quickly. Another advantage is that they look like Daleks!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think your second reason is the winner for me...so long they don't exterminate everything else in their path :)

[@garybrown8143]

I hear you Xavier, I think for me starting out over the last 3 or 4 years the need to fiddle and do something to the trees rather than leave them alone to grow, this has probably done more harm than good. It’s all a learning process and though I have killed a few, I am still having fun and love following along with your videos 👍🏻

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Fun is the key to this journey - the trouble with KZbin is it can often lead us all into losing sight of that :)

[@NoQuarter01]

Great video Xavier always enjoy your videos and humor and even your bonsai! Learned alot from your channel. Thanks

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

You are too generous but thank you :)

[@BTG3342]

This is really good reminder that sticks in pots don't make bonsai That said, I was taught to wire (maybe) a young sapling and in its 2nd to 3rd year keep it in small pot to stunt its growth. That way it will grow shorter branches with tighter internodes. Then place it in the ground or pot bigger than it needs to fatten the trunk, boost its health and grow stronger. That way then when you cut it back it will shoot from its dormant nodes from its early years. And at that point place it into a smaller pot again to grow shorter nodes again. It's a long process but worth it. I feel your ten year old maples will thrive this year but keep a check on sudden long growth. I honestly feel you did good keeping them stunted till now. I always go by the idea that my trees are older than they look but stronger than trees younger of similar size. With finer branching too. Love this video mate 👌

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That is a very valid point you make - thanks

[@jeshmanser]

interesting idea, ive thought about this a fair bit and am running some experiments, im a little bit worried about how the roots will react in the long term to that constant up and downsizing. how has it gone for you?

[@soberhippie]

I think "microbial" is the word you were looking for there. I have the opposite problem: I put mine in the ground to thicken them before they go into bonsai pots, but then I look at them and can't bring myself to chop them.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I hadn't thought of that - made me chuckle

[@bonsaikastur]

You're making the same backwards path i started 5 years ago. Tired of dissapointing results in small pots, i moved most of them to 17 to 21 cm standard planting pots, and most of them changed for good. Big pots and many fertilizer do the trick. As i say now: small pots equals small results.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

So true - I only did this with these maples and it was because I had this supply of handmade pots to use. Silly decision really :)

[@Jacob-yb6bv]

Poundland and other cheap shops sell different sizes of rectangular plastic storage ‘baskets’ which can be repurposed into training pots. I still think that I only grow bonsai because I’m in love with acers and don’t have much space…. Well done on producing some videos showing a timeline.

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

I swear by these wider perforated baskets for growing a great radial spread of roots and nebari. 👍

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks - I have a few more of these timeline ones in the schedule :)

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I would advise against swearing Jason :)

[@rtregear]

My local hardware store must be wondering why there has been a great increase in pond basket sales. Every time I go there for any reason, I also come away with more baskets. One of the key things I've learned in my long (not long -- 2 years) career as a bonsai stylist (hacker) is that you need to actively design the future of the tree; bonsai design is about intervention not just patience and nice pots. Who knew -- everyone else probably! If you want a thin elegant tree in a small pot, then get it out of the ground or large pot right now as your design goal is to limit growth and avoid those big fat ugly trunks. I've no data about what the ratio would really be, and it will vary with species and growing environment, but I wonder if the growth you might get in 1 year in a large pot/ground might take of the order of 5-10 years in a small bonsai pot?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Based on my maples I think that ratio sounds good :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

Absolutely enjoyed this video. So many great comments I agree too. Myself on painkillers today just leave it for now. Cheers

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Painkillers?

[@oachkatzlsmum]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Not the heavy ones. 😉 My dentist is a magician, but sometimes it hurts. 😅 All well today. 😘

[@KennetDeBondt]

Good job Xav. They will grow better. Grts Kennet

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think you are right Kennet :)

[@bonsaiexpression]

Great video. Something every single one of us does. Could be the world we live in. We all want things instantly these days.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

So true Christophe :)

[@malsrfun2956]

So helpful! I keep my young trees, typically purchased in 1 quart pots, half buried in raised beds, so they typically root through the bottom into the soil. This looks like a smarter approach. ❤❤❤

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That is exactly what happens with all my cuttings. Everytime I pull out another couple of elm pots there is feet of roots :)

[@baldyeti]

I certainly dig the pond baskets. It also allows me to dunk them every now and again to saturate that root ball. Super tight and “hairy” root balls have been my results. Great job with these JMs good sir

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Still early days for me with these so am interesting to see how hairy my balls get :)

[@baldyeti]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat heyoooooo

[@phillipwaterman5721]

Ma Mama are 4inches I have about 150 of these great video thanks xavier keep up the good work mate

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Sounds about right - my bigger issue is trying to make sure the trunks are at least twice their current girth :)

[@JasperThz]

I like your video’s! Interesting content and getting good vibes out of it!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. It is amazing just how many great channels there are at the moment on KZbin :)

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great video and great results.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Jason

[@joegarland4885]

Hi Xav, my guess for that first Maple is around 15 years old, what a lot of maple mame trees, I quite like to see small trees my friend so I hope you can increase the trunk girth and get them back in bonsai pots my friend, I have started using the odd pond basket lately to see what difference it make to standard cheap plastic pots with some Lonicera cuttings we shall see next year what the result will be, you have got me using the darn things now 😡.All the best my friend.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I'm sorry Joe. All of our great display stands are now littered with pond baskets instead of ceramic pots :)

[@joegarland4885]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Hi Xav the main thing is that they produce good strong trees in the future. I was thinking the other day watching you prune your tree. What if I put my mind into your tree which you pruned to an inch of it’s life, 🥵I don’t know I spend all winter making sure I stay alive and healthy even though I was freezing cold with plenty of fat buds ready to burst into beautiful foliage in the spring, only for this guy 🧑🏻‍🌾 to come along and cut my leaves off, 😡 ✂️what’s that all about, I don’t think I will bother next winter and leave him no buds or leaves to cut off and see how he likes it. 🤣

[@natrjack965]

Great video Xavier love your advice and videos love the little video clips you throw in also very funny 😂🤣..

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thank you so much for continuing to support me and keep me going :)

[@paulgeddert6125]

I like this format of video. It's similar to how Jelle does many of his. Top bombing 😊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks - I'd love to say he wasn't an influence...but it is all down to him for this approach. I have quite a few lined up like this :)

[@rtregear]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Have you seen the Bonsai Releaf channel where AR does masterful time series videos, staring BTW a good number of pond baskets.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

@@rtregear He is really good but he also has some incredible trees to demonstrate. Just one bag of cherry ripes left :(

[@digitaIgorilla]

I think you are right, Xavier. Sticks in pots had me disillusioned for a long time. We all want 120 Yr old perfect Bonsai today. It's a reminder to slow down because that's not going to happen. In 10 years, those maple could've added so much girth too 🙄

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I am definitely looking forward to the journey with these now. The age they already have means they are pretty sturdy and very healthy. Let's see what comes of this :)

[@markjagger7139]

It will be interesting to see the results in the next year or so.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I definitely think that will be the ultimate decider for me :)

[@AlexBraunton]

Great video Xavier! Thanks for the shout-out. I think you'll keep seeing growth and root improvements with your new fertiliser regime. Glad to hear it's healthy down there!

[@TheBonsaiManiac]

Fertilization is key. 2 times a year isn't enough. Check out weekly applications of liguid fertilizers and maybe even combine them with slow release fertilizers

[@ScottTheExperimentalist]

What is Alex’s fertilizer regiment?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Unfortunately, I talk the talk but...no additional fertilser used so far :)

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I agree with you entirely but this is the downside of having far too many trees and not enough money for the fertilser. I have collected myself into a trap really. I am tryign to reduce the collection through sales and 'natural wastage' but alas...not enough to be able to afford all the fertilser. thanks for amking such a good point :)

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

He definitely follows the sort of schedule you were starting to describe to me.

[@thenaturecreater8906]

Take measurements on the trunks. I put allot of trees in baskes last year. Works good. But not as good as I hoped

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think a lot more goes to the volume of fertilser and environmental factors too :)

[@thenaturecreater8906]

@XaviersBonsaiRetreat i have had great results with bio gold. So I am a fanboy with that. Impressive growth in small pots, too !

[@BonsaiForRoman]

Very informative video. 👍🏻 I am not planting in baskets, I think there is no reason to do it. It is only helpful for coniferous trees (fungus reasons). I think it is just a misunderstanding, one guy did it and everyone thinks it is good. In my case, if I will plant a tree in the basket, it will be dead after 2 month in a hot summer temperature.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I appreciate your observations. I think are wetter climate may be one of the reasons people in the Uk are getting good results BUT I also believe it is more down to the effetive fertilisation routines employed. Either way i shall continue to observe over the next couple of years before making any 'conclusion' :)

[@BonsaiForRoman]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Do not forget to share with us 😁

[@mikec3820]

im in to bonsai 10 years almost. im still a fiddler lol. i do keep them in growers black pots as long as possible. 5inch or less is mame from what i understand. any taller is shohin. pot size matters too i think. im just not 100% sure on that last tho. always great content xav. thank you! happy bonsai'ing! the "its my (d!ck)stick in a pot(box)" SNL song always what i think of. haha. it would be a good stitch video clip

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I must have a look out for that :)

[@ScottTheExperimentalist]

Great video! Any suggestions on where to buy pond baskets at a reasonable price?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I picked all mine up from an aquatics company selling on ebay - seemed pretty good value.

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Bruce

[@user-ec5cj9gl9n]

15y

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think I would have been really upset if it was 15 years :) Mind they are very healthy and mature to work with.

[@t3dwards13]

You don't learn anything new if you don't experiment. I'm not a fan of rules.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Me too - just a shame I didnt follow a few rules in other areas of life :)

[@maryweber4176]

Beef is meat.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

So it is :)

[@JackC1961]

10 years old I reckon about the same age as this would have been said "leave it a lone dear" besides which you said you bought them in 2014. Edit . . the answer is at the end 🫢🫡

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I'm not the sharpest tool in the bag :)

[@JackC1961]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Thank god you didn't join the RN as an Officer 🤔🫡. Hope you're well

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

@@JackC1961 All is well here - how are things in the new homestead. I haven't seen you much of late in the comments :)