First Banksia bought today

[Noramay]

Hi all, have just purchased this tree, saw it a few weeks back and have only just had the chance to go have another look.
Its currently stands about 400mm high and the base is about 60mm across.
Any tips on styling and chopping it would be appreciated.
Thanks Nora

[craigw60]

Hi Noramay, banksia serata has the potential to develop a lovely thick trunk. I would say it is a bit premature putting your tree into a bonsai pot. When the weather warms up a bit you should repot your tree into a larger container and spend a couple of years developing the trunk which is the major feature of this species.
Craigw

[Pup]

G,day Nora I agree with Craig on it being on the small side for a Bonsai pot. They do handle pruning quite hard, contrary to( well here in the West they love water and fertiliser) BUT low in Phosphates.
I have struck a cutting from the top of mine at 2.5cm (in the old speak 1 inch) there are plenty of roots and I have just potted it up. The roots are a little weak as to holding the tree up at the moment so I have had to prop it up, but I am sure that when the weather warms up the will flourish and be fine.

This one is going to developed as a Shohin.

Cheers Pup

[Noramay]

Thanks everyone, will defenitaly pot into larger growing pot
the photos of the tree are as I purchased it, pot included, I think it was the healthiest plant in the nursery, I doubt I'd buy another tree there, even for the garden as everything looked to be on its last legs, but they still wanted top dollar for things.
Probably paid too much for this little man, but he caught my eye and stuck in my mind so much I had to go back and get him a week later.
thinking I may cut him in half too, should I do that when I transplant or wait till he gets fatter?
Cheers Nora

[craigw60]

Hi Noramay, just thin out that cluster of shoots at the top to 2 then pot it up and as stated by Pup feed it, these plants tend to develop pretty good taper on their own so I would just grow it like mad for a while.
Craigw

[Noramay]

Thanks
will trim up this weekend and maybe even look at potting him too, if daddy can babysit for me.
cheers Nora

[craigw60]

Don't be in a hurry to repot it wait until the night temps come up a bit I would leave it till late november.
Craigw