Need some advice/direction - Mel. Quinquenervia

[Jason]

Hey guys,

Ok, so I've been sitting on this mel for about a year, it was a rushed purchase before I had any idea what I was doing... or what I could do. I've gone to post it before... but have been a bit too ashamed to show the lack of knowledge I had when buying it... if that makes sense lol

Anyways... I'm basically ready to give up on it as I cannot think of how I could style this into a decent bonsai. I don't even know where to start! I've sat there looking at it for a too long to count, but nothing is jumping out at me.

My thoughts are that I can either:
a) Trunk chop. Although I would have no idea where to do the chop, but definatley something within my skillset
b) Leave as is, and try and do some fancy carving to create a nice hollow on the front. Way out of my league though, so am not keen to try this... although I am keen to try my new rotary tool lol
c) Air Layer. Have never tried to layer before, plus knowing that they are tricky to do on a paperbark tree, I'm hesitant to try
d) Some massive wire work... which in my eyes wouldn't be possible... but maybe someone knows otherwise?

Now for some pics, these were taken early Janruary so it has grown a bit since, but no new shoots down low, only growth up top... plus some mealy bugs The trunk is about 4 or 5cms at the base, and 30cms from base to where it splits



Really appreciate any replys or advice you can give. Don't hold back... I know this one wasn't the smartest purchase... but I have a habit of learning lessons the hard way

Cheers guys and gals
Jason

[izzykay]

Its a very boring piece of material and I would dump it or Put it in the ground and grow and chop to get something worthwhile or do something spastic with it and try get it to live. Save your self sometime and get some decent stock. imo

[GavinG]

Either of the two large branches would be fine to chop down to. Then plant it in the ground at an angle, grow long, cut back, dig it up each year, and replant at a different angle. You construct a trunk with angles, not just wishy-washy soft curves from wiring. Takes longer, much stronger.

Gavin

[kcpoole]

I agree with Gavin
Cut back to the upper of the 2 larger branches, Plant in large pot or the ground leaning away from the new leader so it is more upright, grow again then chop.

these have larger leaves anyway and I do not know if they reduce well, so maybe suited to a larger tree anyway

Ken

[lackhand]

I agree with the chop and grow on this one. I think I would cut down a bit lower, to one of the smaller branches though. It will take longer to fatten up to match the trunk, but in the end would give a lower bend that I think would look better. Plus, this is likely a long term project, so what's another season?

Isn't Pup in Perth? He's the melaleuca master, see if you can get his help on it at a workshop or something. With his experience, he might see something different in it, or know more about the best way to handle it.

Not to worry mate, I think most of us are probably embarrassed about our first dozen or so tree purchases. Looking back on what I thought was great nebari is now an ugly eyesore that desperately needs fixed.

[Jason]

Thanks a heap for the replies guys, I should just say that this is the worst of my stock and I quickly realised that there was not a lot I could do with it... but I just can't bring myself to kill it. Must be my inner hippy

Definately something I'd love to take to Pup or a workshop... but well... not having a license really holds me back

I think the chop is obviously the way to go, I might go to the lower two branches to give it some sharper angles and see how it goes. Can't get it in the ground, but do have some very large pots that might suit... or a styro box if I can find a spot for it

Again, thanks for the replies, I know you guys get a lot of 'simple' posts and I appreciate you taking the time to answer my newby questions

[Boics]

** do have some very large pots that might suit... or a styro box if I can find a spot for it **

Just beware of over-potting..

I myself have done this to a couple of my little tree's and in summary if the pot is too large for the tree it will not be able to wick the moisture out of the soil. This will leave the pot to be eternally wet which will be no good for your tree/s.

There is some threads and links to some more detailed info regarding "overpotting" in the forum that will be worth a look.

Cheers,

[Jason]

** do have some very large pots that might suit... or a styro box if I can find a spot for it **

Just beware of over-potting..

I myself have done this to a couple of my little tree's and in summary if the pot is too large for the tree it will not be able to wick the moisture out of the soil. This will leave the pot to be eternally wet which will be no good for your tree/s.

There is some threads and links to some more detailed info regarding "overpotting" in the forum that will be worth a look.

Cheers,

Cheers for the heads up Boics, will have a search now and give them a read

Going to have to change the soil as well, as it doesn't drain very well as it is. Although I think that is the soil as opposed to the pot size... another rookie mistake on my part

[Jason]

Sorry, one more newby question...

Am I ok to use cut paste on the large cut I'll make when I chop it? I seem to have a mealy bug problem, and they like to infest any fresh cuts I make on this tree, but don't know if cut paste is ok with natives? Not able use anything to kill them at the moment, aside from white oil, so hoping the cut paste will keep them out