[Neli] Melaleuka

[Neli]

• Species name: Melaleuka That is all that is written on the tug.
• Original height of stock (from top of pot to tip of tree): 60cm
• Where you obtained it from: Rose garden nursery
• Cost of stock $2

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[Neli]

I first chopped it:

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and then had nothing better to do so I spent the day turning it into a tanuki.
First drilled a hole...then enlarged it....then decided to open it on one side since the plant can get airlayered if the trunk grows.
Not decided yet if I shall keep the tanuki...so left both options open.
I used the sacrifice branch for the tanuki. Treated the wood with lime sulfur, and some silicon in the part thet will be in the ground. The plant will be tilted forward.

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[Ray M]

Hi Neli,
I like the piece of wood you have chosen. A lot of possibilities to get a real nice bonsai. What species of tree is the dead wood?

Regards Ray

[Neli]

I dont know Ray. Found it in the bush. It is black inside and very hard compared to the other trees I curved...

[Neli]

I have made a mistake. This tanuki should go to the other thread of melaleuka. They look so much similar that I confused them.
The first picture is the correct update.
Pup is responsible. I posted 4 melaleukas after he infected me with melaleuka fiver.

[Neli]

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It has grown, and I left lots of sacrifice branches which will be cut much later.

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[Neli]

My melaleuka has grown a lot. Just gave it a trim, but still left lots of sacrifice branches. Some primary branches were shortened, but need to be shortened some more.
My camera is giving me problems. Does not want to focus.

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[Neli]

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Not much progress here also.

[Neli]

The top of the little branch I wanted to develop died...so
withdrawn.