51cg

Thank you.

Well, this one was made by air-layering, so it's easier to get a better base...

For seedlings you'll germinate them, let them grow for about a year, then you'll prune it's taproot, so you can start a flat root system, and you can plant on top of a tile or piece of wood or plastic so roots can grow radially...
At this point (if you want) you may give it a movement on the trunk...

This tree of mine, like I said, will change a lot on the top, I'll prune it the whole way back to start it's structure, but at least it has a good base to start with, and that makes me happy already.

To be honest, if you allow me, if you live in a temperate zone, forget about Flame Trees and go for temperate species... Maples are very rewarding if you have the adequate climate and environment for them, you'll strugle with tropical species.

Hope you enjoy the journey!

Hello!

Just dropping another update, this is the last Maple around here that still with leaves this winter.
Many leaves has already gone, but I took a moment here to register this year's fall color, as in a few days there will be no leaves at all.

The tree won't be repoted this year, soil is ok, it grew very healthy this growing season and I still looking forward for some air layers, as I think this tree needs to be shorten for the sake of a better structure and tapper...
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Ivan Mann,?Do you think it would help to put a few ice cubes on top of the soil occasionally? It might help to keep the roots just a little bit cooler, coupled with the cover you recommend.

Briggie wrote:

Ivan Mann,?Do you think it would help to put a few ice cubes on top of the soil occasionally? It might help to keep the roots just a little bit cooler, coupled with the cover you recommend.

I don't think ice cubes will matter very much. They are a way of watering small plants slowly but it is better for bonsais to pour water on to flush water out of the drainage holes, sucking air into the soil.?

If heat is a problem I would just put the tree in partial shade. Another idea would be to cover the pot in tin foil to reflect sunlight. That would not be very pretty.

Of course, shade is ideal. Maybe an umbrella over your bonsai to help block the sun. It's easily removable when not necessary. I LOVE your tin foil idea. I hadn’t thought of that. You could even let the kids decorate the foil with little drawings before wrapping the pot. Pretty it up a little. Hahaha.

I was thinking of tin foil covering the soil, reflecting sunlight away. That may encourage leaves on the lower branches,? and it may make watering harder. Partial shade is probably a better idea.

Sounds like it would make for a great experiment. If you try it, I'd LOVE to know how it works out.