So you know when you try to wire up and put some shape into the trunk but you're an idiot and snap the thing in half instead?
That happened about 3 weeks ago, but thankfully I've got some buds coming through
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Sticky Wattle
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- Raging Bull
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Re: Sticky Wattle
It's a learning process. We've all done that. Now you've learned to be gentler and more careful in future.
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Re: Sticky Wattle
I'm always getting into trouble for tightening jars too tight as well.Raging Bull wrote:It's a learning process. We've all done that. Now you've learned to be gentler and more careful in future.
Is there a rule of thumb for what gauge wire you should use for the job?
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Re: Sticky Wattle
My advice for Acacia howitii is to clip-and-grow.
Once they set, they are well and truly set.
Once they set, they are well and truly set.
Rory
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
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
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
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
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Re: Sticky Wattle
Okay... so you don't think this species needs a lot of wiring at all?Rory wrote:My advice for Acacia howitii is to clip-and-grow.
Once they set, they are well and truly set.
This sounds perfect to be honest, less things for me to mess up.
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Re: Sticky Wattle
Acacia howittii seems to be one that regularly buds on bare wood. Not all acacias do that.
I think choosing wire size is something that you need to experience. Even then I've still cracked branches and trunks as different species can be bent more easily than others.
Some say try bending the trunk then bending the wire to see if it feels strong enough but I have not found that test accurate.
Letting the tree dry out a bit before you bend really does make a difference. If the pores of the wood are not saturated with water they can flex a bit better.
I find that howittii does need some wiring or something to make it stand up a bit in the early stages. Without any help the trunks tend to lie almost flat on the ground which does not look so good. I often stake the young trunks to get at least somewhat more upright trunk. After the trunk is formed the branches grow naturally out and down so they don't need so much wiring. Fast grower so clip and grow is sometimes enough but it will depend how demanding you are as to exact shape or somewhere near.
I think choosing wire size is something that you need to experience. Even then I've still cracked branches and trunks as different species can be bent more easily than others.
Some say try bending the trunk then bending the wire to see if it feels strong enough but I have not found that test accurate.
Letting the tree dry out a bit before you bend really does make a difference. If the pores of the wood are not saturated with water they can flex a bit better.
I find that howittii does need some wiring or something to make it stand up a bit in the early stages. Without any help the trunks tend to lie almost flat on the ground which does not look so good. I often stake the young trunks to get at least somewhat more upright trunk. After the trunk is formed the branches grow naturally out and down so they don't need so much wiring. Fast grower so clip and grow is sometimes enough but it will depend how demanding you are as to exact shape or somewhere near.
http://shibuibonsai.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Sticky Wattle
As always Shibui, you advice is brilliant and greatly appreciated!!shibui wrote:Letting the tree dry out a bit before you bend really does make a difference. If the pores of the wood are not saturated with water they can flex a bit better.
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