[Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

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Elmer
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[Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Elmer »

Purchased this from the green shed about a month ago, one of the Upstarts range, I think it was about $7.88. The only work done was to upsize the pot after purchase, it has doubled in size since!
Currently stands approx 25cm tall, trunk is less than 5mm.
naturalct1.jpg
naturalct2.jpg
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Kelvin8r »

Lots of sun, water and food and she'll thicken right up

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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Ryceman3 »

Good luck with it Elmer, I like this species as a contender for this competition ... think I'll most likely be on the look out for one myself to enter. :yes:
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Rory »

Great choice :yes:
Very hardy, tolerated all conditions.
Perfect for a comp where death = disqualification.

I was tempted to use one for this comp too.
Good luck mate.
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I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
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Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus

Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480

Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724

Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995

How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227
Elmer
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Elmer »

Thanks all, I lusted after my friend's big Claret Tops and finally decided to grow one myself when I found out how quick they can become a good looking bonsai and how easy they are to grow/develop as long as their thirsty nature is catered for.

This comp has been added incentive, thanks for running it Rory.
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by DangerousDave »

Elmer wrote:...I lusted after my friend's big Claret Tops....
:lol:
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by DangerousDave »

But seriously..
Hard to go past this species for the comp. I was on the lookout for the best sub-1cm trunk I could find too.
Looks like we might see a few then.
Should be fun!
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by BB Brian »

Love the Mels. Will watch this over the years.


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Elmer
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Elmer »

Making good growth in the pot since i first posted but decided to make room on the bench this one has gone into the ground for a year or two.
grow.jpg
Grow my pretty pretty grow
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Elmer »

Update time and bought a new one for the garden which has been good for me to compare, original price was a bit out, not $7.88 but only $3.50!
IMG_20190321_115219_445.jpg
ctmar1.jpg
6wks ago I put a rock on the second branch moving it away from the main to start creating the trunkline.
ctmar2.jpg
While taking photos this morning I pruned the branches directly above my trunkline to let more light in. The redline is just past a nice upright that will continue the trunkline in time.
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Elmer
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Elmer »

Nothing done since last update except to watch it grow and grow it has, she is now about 60cm tall and the trunk is almost 3cm!
ctoct19.jpg
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Ryceman3 »

So many people with lots of great growth on their trees... these natives are quick to thicken (at least some of them), nice job Elmer. Can’t wait to see what we end up with in this comp, it’s good stuff!
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by SquatJar »

Man Aussie natives go crazy once they're in the ground
Life's too short for boring pots
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Elmer »

Decided today was the day *chop*
Now to let her go again
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Re: [Natural] Melaleuca Claret Tops - Elmer

Post by Ryceman3 »

Like I say in my signature (see below the line) ...
... you're living it Elmer! :yes:
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