The Mighty Huon Pine

[Lorie]

Thanks Jarryd

So when it comer to the root prune ? 20% each re pot ok? Also looking to put them into a bonsai rock planting with a permanent running water source. Is this a good idea or best to keep them in a pot ?

[jarryd]

20% root removal wont phase them. Just make sure to do it spring or autumn when there are cooler days predicted, and keep them moist after the re-pot and in a shaded/sheltered spot. After a month you can move them back to a sunnier position. You can even remover more then 20% quite easily with this correct after care. Huon pine are actually a lot more hardy then people give them credit for, if you want to keep the foliage extra green keep them under a bit of shade cloth as they have a habit of going a more yellow green in full sun. Rock planting will be fine, sounds like a nice natural setting you have planned.

Cuttings also strike very easily, so keep the bits you trim off and you will have some more trees!

[Lorie]

Awesome, so one last thing the cuttings and rooting gels. What's the best time to do this and what medium would you suggest they be planted in? Also what part of the tree eg green shoot of woody branch?
Sorry for all the questions but this is the first place I have really found anyone who has had experience with them.

[jarryd]

One other thing, people have suggested to me that you cannot wire growth until the stem changes colour from green to grey. with it suggested the wiring will cause dieback.

I have wired the green stems loosely (cage wiring) and have had no trouble. I am inclined to believe that if you are gentle and use the correct diameter wire, there should be no trouble just wiring normally.

Please post some pictures when you finally get around to assembling your landscape.

[jarryd]

Hi Lorie,

I am happy to see other people growing these I have only been working with the species for the last 3 years I have been living in Hobart. They are absolutely fantastic for bonsai as are all our Tassie conifers.

I have now played with all species of Tassie conifer except the Callistris species, though I imagine they are fantastic to.

For cuttings, If you don't really have anything setup, I recommend treating them similar to a freshly repotted tree. Spring and Autumn, with misting if you can shaded out of sun and hot wind. Rooting gel definitely helps. I use a pot of semi hardwood purple Clonex. works a treat. These trees strike very easily, this is how the 10,000 year old single genetic specimen has survived in a protected valley in western tasmania

Medium should be free draining, pumice, diatomite, perlite or propagation sand will all work fine. Don't let them get to dry. Have fun!

Cheers Jarryd.

[Lorie]

Lol when I figure out how to post pictures from my iPhone I sure will. Thanks for the heads up once I get them under control I'll be sure to put all my info up. In the meantime keep the tips coming. Thanks all