Hi
Just purchased this plant from Swains (I am pretty new to bonsai and this is my first native).
Looking for some advice on -
Re-pot now, re-pot latter?
Wire some shape - do you think the main trunk can be bent?
Cut out some under-growth?
Cut back?
Full sun or not?
Just leave it alone for now?
I have a couple of pots I would like to use one eventually will they be roomy enough? - but I am in no rush.
Thanks
David
Melaleuca claret tops
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cuwire
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Melaleuca claret tops
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Bougy Fan
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Re: Melaleuca claret tops
Hi David if it is the size you want it put it in a bonsai pot because once you do that it really slows down in growth. Same as for any other plant - native or exotic. The pots you have look a little small 
If you want it to thicken up put it in a grow box and when the trunk is the size you want stick it in a bonsai pot. By all means give it a haircut but don't go back past all the foliage as sometimes they are a bit reluctant to back bud. you can trim it with a pair of hedge shears if you like 
If you want to give it some shape by all means wire it. If you do repot it part shade would be a good idea for a while and if it goes into a bonsai pot a spot where it is sheltered from the worst of the sun will help with the pot not drying out in summer.
Tony
If you want it to thicken up put it in a grow box and when the trunk is the size you want stick it in a bonsai pot. By all means give it a haircut but don't go back past all the foliage as sometimes they are a bit reluctant to back bud. you can trim it with a pair of hedge shears if you like If you want to give it some shape by all means wire it. If you do repot it part shade would be a good idea for a while and if it goes into a bonsai pot a spot where it is sheltered from the worst of the sun will help with the pot not drying out in summer.Tony
Regards Tony
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cuwire
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Re: Melaleuca claret tops
Thanks Tony
Tried to wire the trunk but way to tough for wire.
Wonder how trunk movement is started on this species - maybe I will try to get a younger plant for that.
For now it can sit in the pot and rest, its probably bigger than I anticipated - unless someone wants to suggest savage pruning.
David
Tried to wire the trunk but way to tough for wire.
Wonder how trunk movement is started on this species - maybe I will try to get a younger plant for that.
For now it can sit in the pot and rest, its probably bigger than I anticipated - unless someone wants to suggest savage pruning.
David
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Pup
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Re: Melaleuca claret tops
G,day David I do not see too much of problem with this tree other than it is Juvenile, It just needs to grow some. So do not put it a small pot YET.
Take out of this pot and put it into a larger much larger or a polystyrene vegie box and get some growth.
Then as it is growing shape the canopy to look like a Melaleuca. This is not unlike yours just older with a little more styling and growth.
Take out of this pot and put it into a larger much larger or a polystyrene vegie box and get some growth.
Then as it is growing shape the canopy to look like a Melaleuca. This is not unlike yours just older with a little more styling and growth.
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