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Kind of, but no. It works almost the same as a rooting hormone but aids more in preventing root rot. We're getting a lot of rain as of late and with all of the peat and sphagnum I put in, I thought it'd be wise to think ahead to prevent possible infection, especially since the tree is in recovery at the moment.

PS. I'm actually glad you saw the article. I'm looking for advice design wise for this tree in the years to come. I want to remove the second growing branch in the long run and also strip the upper parts of the two tallest branches and then allow the tree to shoot out side growth about just after midway up and, then form a canopy with the two 'white horns' sticking out at the top. Thoughts?

I tried to reply to this but I kept getting an error, and the comment was lost. I think Steampeak dropped my login.

Anyway, here are two images I painted using your tree as a guide.

upward.png

downward.png

Personally, I think I would be fun to train this tree into a cascade tree, removing a large branch every year or two. Eventually it would resemble a waterfall cascading down multiple rock steps, and making for an ancient looking tree. In the upward style, I would let multiple trunks grow, and train the lateral branches to form a traditional cloud shaped dome, and perhaps some lower tiered branches too to look like a delicate downward stream.

Thanks for the awesome feedback. I honestly didn't think about that. This monster is quite heavy at the moment so I am concerned about it popping out of the bucket.

Think I could maybe create a support system with some of the nearby pillars using some rope and wire to allow it to get into that cascade position and perhaps cut a shape into another bucket which I could then cover the other bucket with and then add more soil which should further weigh down on the trunk, adding more counter weight.

I really love the cascade idea. Initially, I didn't think it would be very much possible at the moment but, I'll definitely see what I can get going at the moment.

Will make for a cool follow up article. Thanks a million.

Bury the whole thing, pot and all, into a pile if it's wobbly.

Good luck taming the monster.

Thanks, I certainly need it. It's not wobbly as much as it is very heavy and lacking the support from most of the roots now being gone. I'll see what I can get done.

I have to go and collect a younger bougainvillea now which I completely forgot about. Can't remember the exact name of the species but, it's got that lovely pale grey/white wood with the soft pink flowers.