Banksia marginata 3

[Rory]

Progression thread: Banksia marginata 3

This specimen was purchased from Bonsai World for $16

They need fast drainage, and don't like having wet feet. You will rot the roots if your drainage isn't good.
I add washed river sand to the mix to give it excellent drainage.
You MUST keep a lot of foliage on them at all times and try to ensure all the branching gets a lot of sun otherwise the shaded branches will decline in health fairly soon. Even when you do a trunk chop, try to do it and leave foliage on the tree as well.
I only do root-work when its growing strong in the warmer months and putting out new growth. But wait till the new growth is a little hard before touching the roots, (in my experience).
I usually leave a lot of the foliage on them, even after a heavy root removal.

The branching takes a long time to harden, so they are easy to style. They look really good with the clip-and-grow method instead of wiring.

With this particular specimen, I am yet to start work on it, and have only trimmed it back and separated the roots after its initial root prune.
I have grand plans for this one.
But slow and steady is the way to win these over.
Bonsai is about patience.

B. marginata 3-01 29Sep2019.jpg

29 Sep 2019

B. marginata 3-02 10Jan2022.jpg

10 Jan 2022

[Rory]

I wont say I'm not dissapointed. A gum tree branch snapped off the lower branch on this beauty. I will wait many years until the first section of the trunk thickens a lot more and the scar heals over more before I remove the thick branch to the right. This was repotted in September and is doing fabulously now.

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. marginata 3-03 01Jan2023.jpg

01Jan2023

[Rory]

Gosh I love this tree.
Its been placed into a Kai Watanabe (Tokoname) Japanese pot.

The plan is still to remove the branch growing off to the right at the base. But I probably wont remove it for another 5 years or so until it really thickens the base and heals the scar. I want it to develop a very thick base to support the entire upper structure. I love tall Banksia, so it needs to have a solid foundation for the future.

B. marginata 3-04 17Nov2023.jpg

17Nov2023