Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
These guys are really hardy. They tolerate wet conditions and myrtle rust. They're basically the commandos of the Melaleuca world.
They have very small foliage, and you can reduce a massive amount of the root system.
For better recovery after a root prune, I highly recommend leaving most of the foliage on the tree.
However, this is all in proportion: If you remove a significant amount like 80% of the roots (like the first root reduction from nursery stock, then I would normally reduce about 40% of the foliage mass.
But with regular annual root prunes, I wouldn't reduce the foliage at all.
This tree was purchased from the Big Flower, at Ourimbah on the Central Coast for $9.95 in an 8inch tub.
20Feb2020
15Jan2021
10Jan2022
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.
01Jan2023
Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
- Rory
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Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
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Rory
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus
Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480
Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724
Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995
How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus
Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480
Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724
Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995
How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227
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Re: Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
Awesome little tree Rory. I’m keen to follow this along and see how it develops. Thanks for the information, it’s great that you guys share especially for beginners like me I haven’t heard of purpurea compacta and will keep a look out for one! It looks great so far!
Mickey
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Re: Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
Thanks Rory,
In regards to the root trim aspect, do you think there is any merit using sphagnum moss on natives? I know Peter Chan raves about it for his trees, and I wonder how it would go for our delicate roots?
Thanks
In regards to the root trim aspect, do you think there is any merit using sphagnum moss on natives? I know Peter Chan raves about it for his trees, and I wonder how it would go for our delicate roots?
Thanks
- Rory
- Aussie Bonsai Fan
- Posts: 2812
- Joined: January 23rd, 2013, 11:19 pm
- Favorite Species: Baeckea Phebalium Casuarina & Banksia
- Bonsai Age: 24
- Location: Central Coast, NSW
- Has thanked: 22 times
- Been thanked: 460 times
Re: Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
I’ve not used it. Losing moisture isn’t something I have a problem with. Perhaps I could see the benefit on material that doesn’t shoot roots from close to the trunk, but most natives I’ve grown will send out roots in a mix of a standard growing medium, mixed with River sand. The river sand is heavy and holds the tree in place VERY well after a repot. Also, the river sand provides exceptional drainage, and combined with a mix of any standard bonsai medium, it then doesn’t have the mix staying too wet too long. For example with Casuarinas and Melaluecas, I know I can pot into this type of a mix and it will shoot roots regardless of the centre root ball drying out a little bit before the edges of the pot. So personally I don’t see a benefit of sphagnum moss. But I also don’t collect material from the wild… sphagnum moss be a benefit for that.
On the flip side… if I used sphagnum moss on a Banksia, I’d be very worried about root-rot. It’s all subjective to your type of mix and micro climate that you keep them in.
Rory
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus
Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480
Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724
Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995
How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus
Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480
Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724
Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995
How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227
- Rory
- Aussie Bonsai Fan
- Posts: 2812
- Joined: January 23rd, 2013, 11:19 pm
- Favorite Species: Baeckea Phebalium Casuarina & Banksia
- Bonsai Age: 24
- Location: Central Coast, NSW
- Has thanked: 22 times
- Been thanked: 460 times
Re: Melaleuca linarifolia 'purpurea compacta' 1
03Nov2023
Placed into an Esther Griffiths (Walsall) bonsai pot (United Kingdom). Esther makes beautiful pots.
It was recently repotted, which is why it looks a bit raggedy, as the new foliage will soon regain its vigor and look better soon.
Placed into an Esther Griffiths (Walsall) bonsai pot (United Kingdom). Esther makes beautiful pots.
It was recently repotted, which is why it looks a bit raggedy, as the new foliage will soon regain its vigor and look better soon.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Rory
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus
Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480
Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724
Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995
How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227
I style Bonsai naturally, just as they would appear in the wild.
Central Coast, NSW
Bonsai: Casuarina Leptospermum Banksia Phebalium Baeckea Melalueca Ficus
Growing Australian natives as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=289480#p289480
Buying and repotting Native nursery material: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=30724
Growing tips for Casuarina as Bonsai: viewtopic.php?p=244995#p244995
How to reduce moss from the trunk without damaging the bark: viewtopic.php?p=295227#p295227