Spotted some more aphids so decided it was time for another radical defoliation followed by another soap treatment. I'm very happy with the shapes I've been able to twist them into, my general goal was to make them grow a halo/ring out of the main stem and grow cuttings off that.
Dec 14 - added pics of the MAC mom's roots when I slid her out of her solo cup. I cut away about two thirds and put her back in another cup with fresh soil. Noticed all mothers are showing some nitrogen deficiency (yellowing) so I'm gonna bump up the micro in the next feeding (has more N than the grow nutes)
I keep getting these spots developing on my oldest mother, the MAC. She's probably rootbound, it's been about 4 months since she potted up. I need to keep her in a cup for space, will deficiency get better if I just trim about 50% roots and plant back in a cup with fresh soil?
I would try and invent in a bigger cup. Looks like it wants more phosphorous or some calcium. maybe give it a nice flush if you don't plan on transplanting up in size. Then some fresh feed. could be a buildup in the medium given how small the pot is. If you root prune use clean shears and sterile soil or you might shock it to a early death,
Good Luck!
So far so good, looks great! Wish you fun and good luck with all your bonsai grows, very charming and I look forward to see the next update. Happy growing!