Breynia cernua ‘ironstone range’

[Rory]

Progression thread: Breynia cernua ‘ironstone range’ 1

Dark mauve colours appear on the new growth. This species is very hardy. HOWEVER, do not grow these in a heavy mix. They will not tolerate wet feet for extended periods. Rot will soon set in if you do. They are fine in a medium or fast drainage mix, but be careful to not let them get completely bone dry.

It grows adorable small berries. Its the Australian equivalent of Loropetalum.

Like other previously mentioned material, you get warning that the material is in danger of drying out, as the foliage starts to droop on these. Then once you give it a good watering it will spring back in a few hours and have no dieback.

Lovely material and the trunk thickens fairly well. Tolerates a heavy root removal and heavy pruning.

B. cernua 1-01 20Feb2020.jpg

20Feb2020

B. cernua 1-02 15Jan2021.jpg

15Jan2021

[Raging Bull]

Hi Rory, I have a group planting of Breynia nivosa, which are very similar. I think the main difference is that the leaves on the B. nivosa have a lot of pink and white in them when grown in full sun. They lend themselves very well to literati style, with slender, elegant trunks. Don't know why we don't see more breynias as bonsai as they they are a nice looking plant.
Cheers, Frank.

[Rory]

Yeah Frank.... the leaves can change colour as they age. It’s very nice to see. I’ve not seen one as a bonsai before, so it is a bit of untested waters for me, but I’ve had them for a few years now so I started this progression. The berries will be a beautiful compliment once it’s a well defined shape in about 10 years.

[Rory]

I had a massive tree branch fall on this and crack the end of the main trunk. Makes it a little more interesting now.

This hadn't pushed out any new growth in September/October, so I didn't repot it. It isn't wise to touch these unless they're strongly pulling water out of the container. If they are overpotted, they rot. So I will wait till maybe late Jan or Feb 2023 to repot, and probably more so separate the roots and not do a heavy root cut back. When its in full growth like it is now and next month, it will be much safer. (from past experience of losing them).

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.

B. cernua 1-04 01Jan2023.jpg

01Jan2023

[Rory]

B. cernua 1-05 03Nov2023.jpg.jpg

03Nov2023

Placed into a Tokoname 'Kieshin' pot.

I haven't done much with this one. I'm just continuing to allow it to thicken and do its thing. I'll cut it back probably around December. Its starting to produce those adorable little red berries now, as the tree is covered in them.