Banksia Ericifolia

[slogro]

Hi,

As my first post on this site I want to show some pics of what I believe is a Banksia Ericifolia, a self seeder which was recovered from my backyard as the more advanced seedling of a pair in 2011. The plants were seperated last year into seperate orchid pots. What I am looking for is some advice or tips on styling for the plant at this point in time. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Slogro

[Gerard]

Looks like ericifolia to me, nurseries often call it "birthday candles'.
Growth habit makes it a little difficult for bonsai as branches tend to grow in whorls (lots of branches from one spot)
you need to stay on top of this in order to avoid thick bumps at these points.
Reduce the number of branches over a period of time, ideally only two branches at one spot.

[shibui]

Hi Slogro,
I agree with B. ericifolia. This one looks a bit more robust than 'birthday candles' which is a selected form that stays small. The normal form of B. ericifolia grows up to 3m tall.
They will produce lots of new buds when you prune branches, even on older, bare wood so don't be afraid to cut it back when you decide what shape to go with. At this stage you can make whatever shape you want.
Use the branching habit to give the trunk movement - cut out the main leader and leave 2 of the side shoots, 1 as a branch, the other as a new leader.
I find best time for repotting is the warmer months.

[slogro]

Hi shibui,

Thanks for the advice. My thinking was to let it be for the moment to allow the trunk to thicken up before pruning in spring.

[shibui]

Good choice. You now know that it does not matter how tall or bare the trunks get you can always prune it back and expect to get lots of buds on the bare stumps.
Use low P 'native' fertilizers on banksia but put it on every few weeks.
I find they grow lots of roots very quickly and if I do not repot, the pots fill so full of roots the water will not soak in and the plants die. Repot at least every 2 years while growing on. I am repotting many of mine every year.