Creating a Melaleuca linariifolia Bonsai

[Ray M]

Hi all,
I have decided to do some work on this Melaleuca linariifolia and thought I would share progression photos as it develops.

HISTORY: A friend of mine had to give up bonsai and had some nice stock trees that she decided to give me. I have spent the last couple of years bringing this tree, and others she gave me, to good health. I have been feeding and foliage feeding during this period and the tree responded very well.

The first photo shows how the tree has responded.

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This is how the tree looks after the first cut back. I have been a little reserved in cutting back at this stage. I am still learning about this species and didn't want to overdo the cut back at this stage. I will wait until Spring now and do some harder cutting and looking at how to shape the tree.

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Any comments are welcome. I will try to keep this updated as the tree progresses.

Regards Ray

[lackhand]

I love this species, Ray, and that looks like some very nice stock. Looking forward to watching this one. Thanks for posting.

[Damian Bee]

Melaleuca do have great potential.
They are often used as street trees in Melbourne and exhibit some unique trunks, branching and canopy.
Like Juniper they are prone to build up of dead foliage within the branches which can restrict air and light but this is easily resolved with a little maintenance, (although they bud back a lot easier).
I would be interested to see more of your results from cutting back and growth that follows after as well as what goes on below the ground.
Great post

[Ray M]

Hi Damian and Lackhand,
Thanks for your replies. I will post new photos as work is done on the tree. I am looking forward to see how it will turn out.

I also have a Melaleuca linariifolia 'Claret Tops' that would be very similar in size and maturity. I will set up a new post when I get time to do some photos.

Thanks again.

Regards Ray

[Ozmad]

looking at the tree i'd lean it to the left. this will make the left hand branch look like it has come down without bending it.
your first branch on the right you need to let grow, till it fattens up thicker than the second branch.
other wise its a nice looking tree.

[Ray M]

Hi Ozmad,
Thanks for your reply. There is still lots to do with this tree. I think there is a lot of potential in the tree. I am looking forward to see what growth it throws back. I have turned the side where the growth is less vigorous toward the sun. After removing so much foliage there is a lot of light getting into the tree now.

Regards Ray

[Dario]

Hi Ray, lots of potential with this tree. I will enjoy watching you transform it.
Can you please go into a little bit of detail regarding your foliar feeding process...such as how often and the fertilizer you used etc?
Thanks, cheers Dario.

[Ray M]

Hi Dario,

Can you please go into a little bit of detail regarding your foliar feeding process...such as how often and the fertilizer you used etc?

GROUND FERTILIZER: I ground feed the tree with SeaMungus. It has a suitable NPK for natives. I also compliment this with a drink of Charlie Carp and Powerfeed. I alternate the two liquid fertilizers. If I give them Charlie Carp this week I would then give Powerfeed for the next feed.

FOLIAR FERTILIZER: I have been using Miracle-Gro MaxFeed, (for Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron). Now the bad news. Scotts have stopped making this particular fertilizer. I am in touch with a fertilizer company at present to see if I can organize a replacement. I will keep you posted.

Regards Ray

[Dario]

Thanks for that Ray.
Yes please keep posted re replacement fertilizer.
Cheers, Dario.