Root Over Rock Style Bonsai

Sheela Babu

Root over rock is a representation of beauty surviving against all odds. They are trees surviving in rocky terrain and are usually tees with natural tendency to have long and strong roots as they have to struggle to find nutrients in a harsh environment.

How to start the bonsai : the rock being an important focus in this style,choose an appealing rock with cracks and crevices so that the root finds place to cling as it establishes. 

 • Choose a plant that has long well established root system. 

 • Arrange the root on the rock guiding the roots along the crevices and tie it in position with raffia or or any smooth jute rope. 

 • Hold the rock tightly with cling film or garden tape making sure the root below is exposed to grow into the soil 

 • Bury the entire arrangement into a wide deep pot leaving the stem on top into a porous well draining soil (sand+potting mix). Water thoroughly. 

 • Trim the foliage to put less strain on the roots. 

 • Leave it in the training pot for at least one year or longer. Water generously 

 • Fertilise only after a month. 

 • Transferring to bonsai pots :remove from growth pot and wash the roots with a gentle spray of water in order to expose the roots. 

 • Place in a shallow pot (preferably oval pot) and fill with your regular bonsai mix. 

 • Place in semi shade and keep moist till well established.