Repotting a Banksia

[Nic]

Hi Everyone,

I'm wondering if there's anything special I need to do; like whether I have to defoliate, how severe I can be, etc.

Right now I have to wait because it has sprung new growth, but it could use a root prune and a nice pot.

Thanks,
Nic

[craigw60]

G'day Nic, great banksia you've got there. I always defoliate mine at potting time I find they recover much more quickly. Its best to repot the natives when the night temperatures have come up to around 20 degrees. I see you live in Sydney and have no idea what the weather is like there but its still way too cold down here. I reckon you could probably defoliate twice yearly up there.
Craigw

[Nic]

Thanks for that, Craig.

Probably still too cold in Sydney, but I can't repot just now anyway because of the new growth. I'll wait for it to harden off, then I'll probably just hack off half the root mass - It's very heavily pot bound.

Nic

[Steven]

G'day Nic and welcome to AusBonsai!

I recommend you read Grant Bowie's article on BANKSIA INTEGRIFOLIA AS BONSAI. Also you can't go wrong following CraigW's advice. He has more than one Banksia that regularly grace the benches of the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia.

Alternatively you can PM me to arrange a suitable time that I can come and take it off your hands. It's a beautiful little tree that I would love to buy and/or swap.

Regards,
Steven

[Nic]

Ha! Thanks for that Steven. I appreciate the compliments!

I found it amongst nursery stock about 5 years ago. I can't remember how much I paid for it; probably under $10. I've only just recently pruned a few branches. All this time I've been too afraid that I'd kill it if I root pruned it.

So perhaps over summer I'll find a nice pot to put it into. Although I have trouble finding bonsai pots of a decent size. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks!
Nic

[craigw60]

Hi Nic, banksia root prune easily if you do then at the right time of year, they have a very fibrous root system, you shouldn't have any trouble. Don't worry if there is new growth on the tree just cut it off.
Craigw

[Nic]

Well, here it is at last, in a generously sized pot.

Seems to be making a good recovery so far.

[kcpoole]

Nice tree
Love the folded bark

ken

[Nic]

Thanks!!

[parabola]

Love a solid Banksia and this one is mint!

Should look awesome once it fills out

[craigw60]

Hi Nic, I doubt you will have any problems at this time of year its the perfect season for potting banksia.
Craigw

[bodhidharma]

A lovely little Banksia, do you have a styling future for it. Also have you made a leader selection or are you going for broom style

[Nic]

Thanks all.

Craigw, I was just following your advice, waiting till it was warm enough all round. Plus, it's budding all over, so I'm sure it'll be fine.

Bodhidharma, I don't have a master plan in mind at this stage, I'm still becoming familiar with their growing style. I've been afraid to root prune it for the past 5 years or so. Suggestions welcome =].

Nic

[Pearcy001]

Does anyone know if Nic is still frequenting the forum? Would love an update.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

[Jarad]

His profile says the last time he visited was the 7thJuly 2015.

You could try sending him a pm if he doesn't reply to this thread.