Clerodendrum Smithianum [ Light Bulb Clerodendrum ] Bonsai 001

This Clerodendrum Smithianum [ Light Bulb Clerodendrum ] Bonsai was root bound.
After watering, the water would not drain at all, and would create a "pond" inside the pot.
I had to repot it, and ended up choosing a new front [ after cleaning up the roots ]

Back in June 2011 [ Date of aquisition ]
Foilage and branch structure was random.

Same tree in March 2012.

July 2012 - The old front. 

July 2012 - The old side, I did not know it then,
but this would become the new front.

The back - It could well be used as a front,
but because of the long root, it does not fit well
when viewed from the side.

The culprit - The tree was so root bound that the roots had
closed the drainage hole

The exposed root system - you can see the
feeder roots [white roots] tangled at the base.

Root system - after untangling the root ball.
Not much root pruning has been done. The
rotting sections of roots were removed.

Root system - after untangling the root ball.
Not much root pruning has been done. The
rotting sections of roots were removed.

Root pruning - Cleaning up the unwanted roots.
This long root is growing in the wrong direction.

Root pruning - after removal of the diagonal root.

Root pruning - There are some interesting thick root structures
below those feeder roots.

Root pruning - The exposed roots, after removing the feeder
roots. 

Bonsai Soil Mix : 40% perlite, 40% gravel, 20% pine bark.

Bonsai Soil Mix : 40% perlite, 40% gravel, 20% pine bark.
Close-up.

Repotting - Adding a drainage layer. You dont see it well here,
but the middle section is making a small hill shape.

Repotting - Choosing the new front. There are still several
root section that were left intact. 

Repotting - The excess roots are trimmed.

The new front - You can see the newly exposed roots.

Side view

Side view

Back view

Close-up of the "new" front - The exposed roots improves
adds to the nebari and overall view of the tree.
You might now see such structures in temperate areas, but
it is something more natural to a tropical tree.