Callistemon concerns

[Boics]

Through inspiration on these forums I've acquired a couple of Calli's recently from Nurseries.

The first which is a Kings Park special (KPS) got a good chop and has sprung and budded back very well.

The 2nd is a Candy Pink Australian Beauty and seems to be a little unhappy...
In particular a few of the newer "happier tips" that I left on the tree are not looking so happy.
Also many of the leaves have started to drop - simply falling off when touched.

From what I can tell..

1. I chopped this 2nd Calli back a lot further than the first.
2. This is a different variety Callistemon than the first.
3. This tree was a little more unhealthy than the first.
4. From a quick check this tree does seem to be pretty root bound.
5. The 2nd was chopped back only on the weekend a couple of weeks after the KPS.

Find attached a photo of the tree.

Two major questions.

* What is the best post chop after-care for this species?
* What recommendations to ensure I give this little tree the best chance of pulling through?

Note: I've read ALL the major threads on this species and don't believe these two questions are thoroughly answered just yet.

Thanks,

[Boics]

[Pup]

I think if you go into Callistemons again, look up pruning you will find what you want.

Cheers Pup

[Boics]

Hello Pup.

I've read all 7 pages of your sticky thread twice now.
I've read about your mate in Germany's Callistemon.
I've read about every thread from front to back in the damn Callistemon forum!

Pretty simple questions I'm asking - surely..

[Pup]

Hello Pup.

I've read all 7 pages of your sticky thread twice now.
I've read about your mate in Germany's Callistemon.
I've read about every thread from front to back in the damn Callistemon forum!

Pretty simple questions I'm asking - surely..

The answer is pretty simple too, the same as you would all trees that have just been chopped or re potted.

Not too much water, not too much sun, and not too much wind. Do not start fertilising until you see new growth.

[Boics]

Thanks so much Pup.

I've been "playing Bonsai" for around 20 years..
I am but an absolute novice when it comes to specifics and changed my "Bonsai age" to more accurately reflect my experience level.

In order to find answers to these questions much easier you will note that I wish (and have actioned) a renewed effort to update the Ausbonsai Wiki.
No matter how good the search functions are on this site getting information readily can sometimes be particularly difficult.

If anyone has additional advise - I am all ears!

[GavinG]

In my limited native experience, I've found that if they are root-bound they dry out far quicker, and also may not be absorbing water all that well. You might give it a soak in a bucket once a week. Also consider slip potting it - nothing will change immediately, but it has a better chance of thriving through the season.

As you can see from your searches, Callistemons can be pruned savagely - it is unlikely that your pruning is too hard. More likely unhappy in the pot.

I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I'm not sure you know what you want your Call. to do. By all means cut back generally all over - this will give more branching and options to choose from, but at some stage you must choose. Consider picking out a line, from trunk to one branch to one branchlet that pleases you, and cut everything else off. Now grow this long for a season, for thickness, and cut back hard. In the next crop of branches pick two - one as a continuing trunk line (grow thick as before) and keep another for a branch if it leaves the trunk well, or if you can wire it to do so. This way takes time, but you end up with a thick trunk that you like, and branches where you want them.

Best of luck,

Gavin

[Boics]

G'day Gavin.

Thanks so much for the reply and advise.
Personally if it makes sense and seems relevant it's worth a shot.

** In my limited native experience, I've found that if they are root-bound they dry out far quicker, and also may not be absorbing water all that well. **

That seems very relevant to what I am seeing right now and having read a heap last night before my initial post I already have put in place measures to ensure the tree receives a little more water..

In regards to the growing advise.
No offence taken I'm here to learn.

You are right in that I currently have a basic vision of where I want the tree to go but more clear answers will present themselves on the way..
It actually has a triple trunk (which is hard to see) that was strange and sub optimal to start with..
If it survives this chop I'll likely throw it into the ground and let it power on.
I just wanted to see what options will present after the hack.

The KPS Calli is looking great.

[kcpoole]

I have lost 2 callis that were very pot bound and I think I just took off too much at the initial clean out.

Keep them moist but not wet, and apply seasol regularly, ( 2 -3 times a week) until you see new growth. Once they have established a good crop of fine roots you can cut them back hard, but not after new collection or aquiring.
As Pup says, keep under cover of other trees or shade cloth so that they are not overly exposed.

Ken