Eucalyptus tereticornis Bonsai Trail

[Kevin]

First Root Prune Update

Several weeks after the previous update i found this little Euc wilting throughout the day, it was begging for more moisture.
At 850mm in height and yet to be root pruned i believed the tree to be somewhat pot bound and against all good advice through necessity (unable to water at midday) i bare rooted him and potted on into a larger container.
So in mid spring, mid decorticating (bark shedding), i removed about 70% of the root mass and 50% of the foliage. Reducing the height back to 300mm but leaving plenty of solar panels for immediate food and root production.
I am happy to report it's still alive and growing it's socks off.

27 October 2016 - Pot on after root and foliage prune

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15 November 2016 - Initial regrowth

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28 November 2016 - Trunk thickening due to a sacrifice branch

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28 November 2016 - Today

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Just a great Genus / Species for the impatient enthusiast.
Hopefully now no more work until at least Autumn - we'll see, maybe some canopy thinning / directional pruning.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Boics]

Good thread Kevin.

Keep up the good work!

[Kevin]

Thanks Boics,

Kevin

[Sno]

Looking good Kevin it looks like it's really taking off .

[Kevin]

Thanks Sno,

It certainly hasn't stopped "taking off".
I'm really enjoying this little Euc.

P.S. I too also enjoy your "randomness".

Kevin

[Kevin]

Seasons Greetings and Merry Christmas to all,

A quick update and question please.

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My first and last root prune was 61 days ago. In that time the tree has grown back over its previous height and now stands at 900mm.
I fear that within the next few weeks the trees roots will once again consume the entire pot preventing water retention and require another root prune and subsequent foliage prune.
I did pot into a larger container and made the mix slightly heavier as in water holding capacity, obviously not enough and at the next repot the mix will be substantially improved for water retention.

My Question is - 2 repottings in as many months.
My instinct tells me i will have no choice.
My intuition tells me that this Euc will love another root prune.
BUT i have no practical experience and have read nothing about such frequent root pruning.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Kevin

[Sno]

Hi Kevin . I think it all depends on what you want to do . with my expierance I can still get growth as long as I keep the water up to it . The tree will shut down ie not push out new growth if it is not getting enough water . Then you have choices cut the top of the tree , pot up or water more . If you want to cut the roots you will have to balance the top to match the roots . So for me better to pot up until you have reached a desirable girth on your trunk or water more . I don't think if you wanted to root prune again at this time of year it would be a problem . Your tree is healthy i.e. It's loving your care . Merry christmas .

[Kevin]

Thanks for your reply Sno,

The past 12 months with Australian natives has taught me many things, mainly how temperamental they can be.
My safest option is to slip pot it, as you and other members have previously mentioned - It's all about trunk development at this stage.
I'll keep a close eye on it for now.

Thanks,
Kevin

[mcgee]

Just wondering how this is going and very keen to see some updates!