Roots, as with any other part of the bonsai’s design, must be compatible with the overall look and feel of the tree.
In this case, there are one or more roots that do not work with the upright design of the tree.
Non radial root detracts from the movement of the trunk
Close up of the root
The root is removed and the flow of the trunk is now enhanced
In this instance the roots are planted as this species will grow from roots
Some species of Ficus will grow from pieces of root. This is fortunate as repotting of figs is required every few years to maintain the health of the tree. At this time thick and unnecessary roots can be removed and rooted to form new plants.
A root cutting is shown from a Willow Leaf fig. The bonsai is now about 10 years old.
Willow Leaf fig from the root cutting removed 10 years ago
This root cutting was removed from a bonsai tree and grew into the above tree
Sometimes splitting a fig into several parts is the way to go with initial styling to maximize the material’s potential.
The pant is a Ficus natalensis grown from a root cutting and perhaps two years old. The only exciting thing about it is the twisting lower trunk which should make a nice tree using that as the focal point for the future bonsai.
An appropriate spot was chosen to split the tree into two sections. This point was selected since it would leave the top section with a good aerial root to keep it alive. This section will live happily on this one root until it is time to give it a styling.
The start
Close up of the top section of the plant
The two sections are now split apart leaving the top part with a good root to carry it
The top section planted using its one root
The bottom section potted and several branches remain to form the future of this bonsai
The final design is not done but this is just the initial blocking out of the future bonsai. Consider breaking up a tree when the parts are more exciting than the original tree left intact.