(Natural) Melaleuca Decora - Matt

[MattM]

Second plant

Melaleuca Decora
Bunnings
$14

Thanks,
Matt

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[MattM]

This plant has been wired and fed fortnightly. Also lots of new growth so I've been lightly trimming it.
I think it is a good plant for the bonsai novice.

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[MattM]

Now that tapatalk is working again I can update. It's so easy to upload photos through tapatalk.
I've been just feeding, watering and tip pruning. About to root prune it.
Trunk is only 13mm diameter now.
Anyone with advice on trunk thickening please let me know.
Matt

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[Rory]

That’s got a beautiful look to it. I love it.

If you had plans of putting movement in the trunk you might want to do that sooner than later, as Mels usually thicken quickly over the growing season. Depending of course on what look you’re after.

Trunk thickening on Mels is easiest by just allowing shoots to grow at the desired area. But they can be very prone to bulging as a lot of Mels send out multiple shoots from the same junction. If you mean you just want the entire trunk to thicken, just let it grow nuts and it will eventually.
However if you mean you want more thickening at mainly the base, then cutting back the trunk low and allowing new shoots to form and grow low is a quick way to encourage taper if that’s what you’re after. Then repeat this process over time gradually going upwards a bit more with each cut-back.

But I love this species. Awesome selection mate.

[MattM]

This plant was rewired to put more movement into it. I've found the plant grew a lot quicker with a water tray underneath. I've recently taken all wire off and just letting it grow wild. I'll prune it in spring.

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[Watto]

It has plenty of foliage and the trunk now looks better.
Its on its way.

[MattM]

New update Oct 20
Got more aggressive getting movement into the trunk and branches. Fertilising with native power feed and seasol alternating. Also trying dynamic lifter tea bags for the first time. Trunk is only 20mm diameter.
I am enjoying working on this plant but don't think it will be ready for next October but see how it goes.
Will keep letting it grow wild until the Western Sydney heat starts, then will prune.
Feel free to offer any advice.
Matt

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