Leptospermum scoparium 'burgundy queen' 1

[Rory]

L. scoparium 1-07 03Nov2023.jpg.jpg

03Nov2023

This was repotted 2 weeks ago, slight root prune and placed into a purple Tokoname wood fired bonsai pot. I can't remember the potter, but I'll look another time. Takeyoshi said it was a rare toko potter, but for the life of me I can't remember.

Do you know what is so beautiful about seeing this species, 2 weeks after its been repotted and root pruned?.....
The fact that its still alive.

Repotting these guys is scarey and you have to be very, very, very careful, and take your time.

[boom64]

Hi Rory ,
Great to see all the updates . All looking well. Love this Burgundy Queen about to repot a few as well however a bit smaller so hopefully not to stressfull.
Cheers John

[Mickeyjaytee]

Thanks for the post Rory. Scoparium is one of my absolute faves but, scares me to death to even attempt what methods do you use when repotting/root pruning?

Cheers mate

[Rory]

Hi Rory ,
Great to see all the updates . All looking well. Love this Burgundy Queen about to repot a few as well however a bit smaller so hopefully not to stressfull.
Cheers John

Yeah, I’ve found the older ones seem to give the same result.
I no longer even have the spray on any forceful pressure at all. Rather I prefer just wetting the roots and gently easing them apart and then cutting back the outer unwanted roots seems to work better. Good luck John.

Thanks for the post Rory. Scoparium is one of my absolute faves but, scares me to death to even attempt what methods do you use when repotting/root pruning?

Cheers mate

Well, first off, as you can see…. this tree is over potted.
I don’t recommend anyone does this. However, my wife has ‘politely’ requested that I no longer have my bonsai in training pots and have them displayed in bonsai pots. We also have full sun now, so over potting isn’t as much of a concern as it was with low sun.

I apply all the same methods as to any other standard native repot, except I no longer ‘spray’ the roots to ease them apart. You have to be very gentle with the root systems on scoparium.
Do not pull the roots or use a ‘root rake’ like you might use on a Casuarina or Melaleuca. Only use your fingers, and be gentle. If you have to remove roots, carefully cut them, don’t pull or damage the surrounding roots.

They’re a real oxymoron for Bonsai….very hardy trees, but only if you don’t touch the roots.

[Brekel]

From my experience with L.scoparium, if you think you've lost one after repotting or a root prune, don't give up too quick.
When I moved one from a training pot to a bonsai pot, it lost all leaves within a week or two and was looking quite dead. Stayed that way for 3 months before buds started to appear, total of 4 months until leaves reappeared.
They're such hardy, vigorous growing trees and you can do anything above ground. But the roots are the total opposite.