ML4 - Melaleuca Linariifolia (seed planted 2023)

[Joshua]

I planed a bunch of melaleuca seeds at the start of 2023, very much inspired by some of Rycemans mel and partly also always wanted to try a paperbark.
Did a mix of Stypheloides and Linariifolias and the Linariifolias just did better given the same conditions so I only stuck with those.
This is one of the three that I've kept.

I'm sure i've missed some of it's history but here are my notes:


2023
Seed planed start of 2023.

25-May-2024
Repotted to individual pot. Didn't touch the roots too much.

06-Feb-2025
Despite having a smaller pot, this one seems to be thickening up morethan the other Mels. Good growth and interesting shape from previous cuts.
Slip potted it up.
Photo below taken a bit later

2025-02-14 at 11.01.01 AM.jpeg

15-Mar-2025
Bonsai club workshop. This was the ""main"" tree I worked on.
The first task given by the instructor was to choose a size, a front, and a general project.
A general project is where I think I have the most trouble.
The idea will be to go for a 25-30cm size. So in my opinion the trunk could thicken a bit more, but today the plan is to determine the initial shape and "project".
Then he helped me cut it back to remove some of the noise. Otherwise there wasn't much to do on it.
It didn't look impressive after but when it backbuds there are a few places I should encourage growth and a few others I should cut back to.
I tried a before and after drawing.

Notes for next steps:
A few places where new buds need to emerge and once that starts a few other places to cut back.
Once that happens it should be cut a few times for some direciton then left to grow and grow.
Then again cut back in a year or so.
This year I will repot into something a bit flatter but also wider (to encourage a bit more size to it).

2025-03-16 at 3.47.01 PM.jpeg

2025-03-16 at 3.47.10 PM.jpeg

22-Apr-2025
Gave it a trim before going away on holiday.

2025-04-22 at 9.22.39 PM (1).jpeg

25-May-2025
Back from holiday and it looks ok but not quite as lush a green as before. Gave it a trim to remove unwanted branches and a little cut back.

2025-05-25 at 8.45.19 AM.jpeg

2025-05-25 at 9.02.14 AM.jpeg

Upcoming plan -> I'm not sure if it's ever had a proper root prune. If healthy I'll repot during this summer.

[Ryceman3]

Looks like a decent start to me.
M linariifolia are generally quite hardy plants that tolerate bonsai culture well. Might be a good idea to check over the roots and keep them nice and compact so you have a smooth transition when it comes time to move into a ceramic bonsai pot.
I like the subtle movement in your trunk line, keep at it!

[Luke308]

Thanks for sharing.

I bought a few mels as tube stock from the local bog green shed in October 24 and I can't believe how much hey have grown!

I potted them up in to 6 inch pots in pumice and a couple of them I have already slip potted twice since then! Ive kept mine in a shallow tray of water, and they just go nuts for it. I have them mostly in 8 inch or 10 inch pots atm. I picked one up one day and the pot was solid with roots, this was my signal to slip pot it. They have also had teabags with dynamic lifter over spring, and autumn.

I have also just purchased a bunch of seed to start some more this spring.

Keep it up