CAESALPINIA ferrea - Leopard tree

[Pierre]

Here they are, not much trees yet. They got heavily root pruned, as well as the top. Trunks have fattened nicely over the last two years, but i will not wait another 2 years for a root prune/repot, seems like every year, at least for now, is the way to go as they have a pretty agressive root system.
I think i will style the second one in an informal upright, and the first in a Pierneef style...

[Bonsaiforest]

Hey thanks very much for posting the pics Pierre. Absolutely love the way the bark peels off showing the different colouration of the trunk. Would love to see the progression of your tree. Keep it rolling....I'll post pics of my seedlings when they sprout...

[terryb]

Thanks for the pics and the information Pierre.

[[ Kane ]]

I've just bought one & cut it down.
I needs some TLC.
Ideas?

The branch at the back may become a leader, not sure.

leoped-tree.jpg

[morrie]

i have two of these i dug up as weeds from various places , out of three two survived and seem to be doing well.
i am keen to learn more about how to work with them also
the only useful info i found was http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/CaesalpinaFerrea.html
but i'm still not sure what the best time to rot prune or chop are

[Pierre]

Hi Morrie,

I have only been into bonsai for about three years.
I have 4 of these, including grown from seed myself and from nursery stock. I have found them very tough and if healthy you can trunk chop as low as you want and they back bud profusely and very quickly. Only have to keep an eye on those new shoots as they are often several ones coming from same spot, and it is very important to chose only one.
Regarding the roots, as it is a tropical tree, any time during our summer is fine. They tolerate heavy pruning too. I found that they (at least mine) tend to have an unbalanced root spread, with good roots spread over 180°, and very little on the other half. I am yet to see how they reacted to the last pruning.
I hope this help a little.
Kind Regards,
Pierre

[[ Kane ]]

Have you defoliated yours often?

[Pierre]

Hi Kane,

I haven't defoliated per se, as i don't believe they have reach the trunk thickness i am after. But i do prune very often as they are very fast growers, to ramify. Also, i found that if i let the top growing too strongly unchecked, lowest branches tend to die back.
I am pretty sure defoliation wouldn't be an issue considering how well they bounce back from severe trunk chop.

[morrie]

this is all good news.. i'll be getting into mine soon then!

[[ Kane ]]

Hi Kane,

I haven't defoliated per se, as i don't believe they have reach the trunk thickness i am after. But i do prune very often as they are very fast growers, to ramify. Also, i found that if i let the top growing too strongly unchecked, lowest branches tend to die back.
I am pretty sure defoliation wouldn't be an issue considering how well they bounce back from severe trunk chop.

Thanks for that.
I did read about the lower branches dying & I've seen this a bit in nursery trees.
I'll keep mine as it is for now & look to prune as it grows. I'll try defoliate one branch/leaf & see what happens - shorten the nodes etc.

Thanks
Kane

[[ Kane ]]

this is all good news.. i'll be getting into mine soon then!

Keen to see how you go - were both in Brisbane so they are common trees!!
I've not seen a Bonsai at shows.

[Pierre]

I can't believe it's almost been two years... The tree has finally reached the girth I was waiting for. It is now time to start the tough process of ramification and internodes shortening... This tree has taken a very hard root pruning very well it seems. I am also very happy with the root spread now... I intend to keep the fertilizer regime low, as these are fast growers. I will also experimenting pinching the new growth very early, as soon as I see two sets of branches appearing, in hope of reducing internodes spacing.
Any one else with Leopard tree experience?
Cheers,
Pierre

[melbrackstone]

Looks good Pierre! Your watering system did the job while you were away then?

[Pierre]

Thanks Mel, yes watering system worked really well.. I was pretty worried coming back home after two weeks, and obviously went straight to the garden before anything else!

[melbrackstone]

I do the same, Pierre.

So happy your fabulous plants are firing on! Looking forward to catching up!