Almost a year has passed since I took the task of owning Zelkova. I saw a post on instagram and YouTube from Bonsaify. Fell in love with them.
A few reasons why. Cute small leaves. Grow on the vigorous side, so trimming is needed a few times a year. A lot of them are styled as broom and shohin.
I saw them as a fun tree to sell to beginners. One thing about humans getting into gardening is most, Including me. Want instant gratification. Purchasing a couple Zelkova and having a fun time clipping leaves here and there over the growing season. It's a great way for humans to start.
So I grabbed a few yearling's. Made some forest and some single trunks. I knew they propagate easy from cutting or root cutting. I already increased my purchase by 20%. I truly love seeing the progress of something growing. Growing from seed is super cool but nail biting too. The trees I purchased from Bonsaify, came all wrapped in plastic wrap with a little soil to stay moist. It was January in Michigan but I have my garage. My garage stays a cool above freezing 98%. Zelkova are very hardy. But being young and roots not established, I wanted some care. I quickly had fun with them.
I trimmed some of the roots to make root cuttings. I potted in various pots to see different results. All these were very young with little branching. So I purchased from Bonsaify another but older Zelkova. I was looking for the classic broom style. Wanting something in my garden on the cool side.
The cool broom style came in the mail, we are in the month of February. I didn't have the correct size pot for it but determined to use what I had. When I opened the package, the roots have already been trimmed for the year. They were small with little to use while wiring. Being impatient I grabbed a piece of plywood and a drill. I was going to drill a screw in the bottom to hold to the board. Give it more support and keep the roots flat and growing to the side. I'm screwing the screw into the bottom of the trunk. I have done this before, no biggie. And then the trunk splits!
I did not pre drill. I wanted this Zelkova to be perfect! I was in a hurry to see it in a ceramic pot! All things you most likely will do!
My brain freaks out during a repot, the roots are gonna die! I know I can take my time and breath during a potting. I am learning to move slow during this time, the tree will be fine.
My next intensive class is during the repot season. Really looking forward to it.
So I use 100% akadama on this. Zelkova like to be on the wet side but not sitting in water. I pot it up and snap a glory shot, still bummed I split the trunk. Will it still live? How much harm did i do in the long run? Will it be desirable?
In the month of March I start seeing some action on the root cutting and cuttings. Makes me so happy! You take a part of the tree, place in soil, keep moist. I used a heat pad for better roots. BAM! You have a new tree.
They were crushing it! Made me feel like, I know what I am doing. Each year I learn something new that makes the next year better.
That's one thing I loved learning about how to mountain bike. Each year you were able to do something different. Example would be. A tough climb that was technical, first year you had to walk each time. Next year you nailed it! Why I loved skateboarding as a kid, you kept trying till you got it.
JM cuttings we're a much higher success rate this growing season. The biggest difference I learned was what part of the branch that was gonna actually make roots. Use last years growth.
Middle of March I had buds swelling on the zelkovas. Now I know things were A-OK!
The older broom style Zelkova was showing no action. I was being defeated.
In April the zelkovas were leafing out. Tiny cute leaves!
By early May all zelkovas except the trunk split one were on making full leaves.
By the end of May. Finally I see some good movements on the split trunk Zelkova. I sigh of relief!
First week of June was my second class at Eisei-en. I ended up taking some trees this time. I took the bigger Zelkova forest. It was young and still developing but I wanted a professional opinion.
24 days later the tree put more growth out.
At the end of July I decided to take all the root cutting and cuttings. Pot them in separate pots, get them on a forward direction. Didn't disturb the roots just a slip potting.
The soil used was just perlite and sphagum peat moss. Cheap and works great for young material.
The next pics are from this morning with beautiful colors. October 19 2022
The zelkovas are in the garage. I believe they are very hardy but young still and shallow pots. Taking no chances until later years. Plus I have a few animals that like my trees during nasty weather.
Well that's almost a years worth of experience. Can't wait for next year!
Thanks
Ted
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