Root prune

[angelozoras]

Hi all
I have a small banksia (marginata ) that I wish to place in a bonsai pot
Just asking how to root and when is the best time and by how much to take off
The roots are like this all way round ?

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[fossil finder]

Hi angelzoras
A picture of the whole plant would help and when talking about timing it would be good to know the region you are in as the climate also influences when to repot. That said you should be OK to repot now if in Australia.
Generally, when you reduce the root system, a proportionate amount of the foliage also needs to go so the root system can supply adequate water/nutrients to the remaining plant. It's a matter of balance. Check out the subforums and wiki links section for more detailed information.

[angelozoras]

The banksia is 40cm high and 50 cm at its widest

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[angelozoras]

Hi angelzoras
A picture of the whole plant would help and when talking about timing it would be good to know the region you are in as the climate also influences when to repot. That said you should be OK to repot now if in Australia.
Generally, when you reduce the root system, a proportionate amount of the foliage also needs to go so the root system can supply adequate water/nutrients to the remaining plant. It's a matter of balance. Check out the subforums and wiki links section for more detailed information.

Have put up a picture if you would like to have a look
It's 40cm high and 50 cm at its widest roughly
Thanks

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[shibui]

Hi Angela,
The banksias I have worked with are very tolerant of root pruning. I can take 70% or more of roots off and the tree just grows faster afterward.
Timing is the key though. A few years ago I did some trials - root pruned young banksias each month to check response. All through the warmer months they grew well after but as weather cooled in autumn they just sulked after root pruning and did not grow again until the following spring or just died.
My conclusion (and backed by others): root prune banksais (and most other natives) in warmer months. I wait until November here and root prune anytime from Nov - Feb when temps are higher.

You will find that banksia roots are quite brittle. Rather than cutting roots I find it just as effective to tear off chunks with my fingers then trim up with shears at the end.

The other thing with banksias is the they grow so much very fine roots that in less than 12 months the pot is so full of fine roots that it is difficult to water properly. I try to root prune and repot banksias every year or they start to deteriorate and die.

[angelozoras]

Hi Angela,
The banksias I have worked with are very tolerant of root pruning. I can take 70% or more of roots off and the tree just grows faster afterward.
Timing is the key though. A few years ago I did some trials - root pruned young banksias each month to check response. All through the warmer months they grew well after but as weather cooled in autumn they just sulked after root pruning and did not grow again until the following spring or just died.
My conclusion (and backed by others): root prune banksais (and most other natives) in warmer months. I wait until November here and root prune anytime from Nov - Feb when temps are higher.

You will find that banksia roots are quite brittle. Rather than cutting roots I find it just as effective to tear off chunks with my fingers then trim up with shears at the end.

The other thing with banksias is the they grow so much very fine roots that in less than 12 months the pot is so full of fine roots that it is difficult to water properly. I try to root prune and repot banksias every year or they start to deteriorate and die.

Thanks for the advice definitely wait till November hopefully by then it's warmer

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[kcpoole]

I wil be doing mine in Late Oct / Nov
Like Neil says, Take off 1/2 or more and they should be fine.
I Just make sure seasol is used till they recover then fertilise

Ken

[angelozoras]

Hi Angela,
The banksias I have worked with are very tolerant of root pruning. I can take 70% or more of roots off and the tree just grows faster afterward.
Timing is the key though. A few years ago I did some trials - root pruned young banksias each month to check response. All through the warmer months they grew well after but as weather cooled in autumn they just sulked after root pruning and did not grow again until the following spring or just died.
My conclusion (and backed by others): root prune banksais (and most other natives) in warmer months. I wait until November here and root prune anytime from Nov - Feb when temps are higher.

You will find that banksia roots are quite brittle. Rather than cutting roots I find it just as effective to tear off chunks with my fingers then trim up with shears at the end.

The other thing with banksias is the they grow so much very fine roots that in less than 12 months the pot is so full of fine roots that it is difficult to water properly. I try to root prune and repot banksias every year or they start to deteriorate and die.

Hi shibui
I wrote a post about the banksia I posted pictures also ,
Am wanting to root prune now that the weather is much warmer and the banksia has started to produce flowers .
Is it safe and ok to still root prune or wait till the flowers have finished?
Help needed

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[Gerard]

I would repot now, I repot banksias every year because they produce roots so quickly. If you leave it too long they become difficult to water. Beware of branches swelling at the base of flowers, enjoy the flowers for a short time but when they are past their best remove them. Many banksia growers never allow their trees to flower.

[shibui]

I agree with Gerard. Still plenty of time to repot banksia while it is warm. My trials with younger ones showed success right through to March. The ones root pruned in march just sulked all winter but grew again the following spring.
I have recently potted a couple from grow pots into bonsai pots and they now both have new shoots growing.
FYI. Contrary to past info, It does not seem to matter if they are actively growing. They still seem to take root pruning in their stride and continue to grow. If you are concerned, try Pup's method and prune back one week to remove fresh shoots then repot the next.