Allocasuarina torulosa 16

[Rory]

Progression thread : Allocasuarina torulosa 16

This was purchased from Bonsai World for about $16

There are many natural traits that a lot of growers dislike with Casuarina which ironically are what make this iconic species so immediately recognizable. Yet many growers remove or discourage this, such as crossed branching, bar-branching, multiple trunks that do not start at the very base, and their long beautiful arching branches with no taper. (This is perfectly understandable as we've always been discouraged from allowing this, but I adore these traits on Casuarinas). It isn't actually that easy to maintain sweeping branches with no taper as the branching will thicken fast if you allow the branch to strongly develop, so you have to occasionally reduce the number of branchlets, but keep enough to maintain good health.

I find it is best to cut-and-grow to develop the sweeping branch movements, as opposed to wiring, as wiring doesn't give it that iconic look.
And another iconic trait of these guys is that they generally don't have a uniformed branching style on the one tree.

These species make aesthetically beautiful trees. The weeping foliage and very thin needles make this the most visually stunning of all the Casuarina species in my opinion.

DO NOT let these dry out. I recommend adding about 30-35 % washed course river sand for better drainage to your mix.
Don't let the lower branches get heavily shaded.

A. Torulosa 16-01 17Aug2016.jpg

17Aug2016

A. Torulosa 16-02 20Sep2017.jpg

20Sep2017

A. Torulosa 16-03 02Oct2018.jpg

02Oct2018

A. Torulosa 16-04 03Mar2021.jpg

03Mar2021

[Rory]

Nothing much to report with this one either. Just growing and cutting back and trying to develop that creepy beach casuarina feel.

I realize its not quite yet 01.01.2023, but its easier to post that its 2023, so looking back people can easily distinguish that its a year apart. Its only 1 day before the actual date.

A. Torulosa 16-05 01Jan2023.jpg

01Jan2023

[Rory]

A. Torulosa 16-06 03Nov2023.jpg.jpg

03Nov2023

Placed into a Pat Kennedy pot (Australia)