Acacia: gradual progress and advise needed on pruning(1)

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avz10
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Acacia: gradual progress and advise needed on pruning(1)

Post by avz10 »

We moved in December from Johannesburg to Cape Town, a summer rainfall area to a winter rainfall area. Most of my “pre-bonsai” were still in the garden and I transplanted them into pots early spring and they are still in pots. (Winter months in Cape Town (June, July August) has an average maximum temperature of 18.0 °C and an average minimum temperature of 8 °C. The average monthly rainfall in winter is 80-100 mm.

I would like advice/opinions on the following:
  • How should I water and what should the position be of my two Acasias. Their natural habitat is that of a summer rainfall area.

    When should I prune? Some articles propose early winter, other before spring, etc.

    As I am relatively new to the hobby, any advice on how I should prune these two?
In the garden a few years ago:

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Currently:

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Another one:

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Neli
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Re: Acacia: gradual progress and advise needed on pruning(1)

Post by Neli »

You are getting reverse taper. You have too many branches at the same level and your roots are out of the soil. Remove all but 2 branches , (one on each side and cut off the dead portion between them.
Grow branches to 6-7 internodes and cut back to 1-2 internodes.
Post this on FB SA bonsai association for lots of advise, from locals.
I ask lots of questions that sound like suggestions. Please remember I am a inquisitive newbie trying to figure out why You made a particular decision, in order to learn.
I started a blog:http://nelibonsai.wordpress.com/2013/07 ... a-nursery/
Andrew Legg
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Re: Acacia: gradual progress and advise needed on pruning(1)

Post by Andrew Legg »

So, the big question . . . Who's AVS?

For now mate, stick em all in full sun position. Acacias you can prune in winter once they have lost their leaves. Give me a shout on 0836288163 if you want local advice or help getting into the local scene.

Cheers,

Andrew
Neli
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Re: Acacia: gradual progress and advise needed on pruning(1)

Post by Neli »

Andrew Legg wrote:So, the big question . . . Who's AVS?

For now mate, stick em all in full sun position. Acacias you can prune in winter once they have lost their leaves. Give me a shout on 0836288163 if you want local advice or help getting into the local scene.

Cheers,

Andrew
If I have to guess, a friend of mine from Jnb that moved to CT...But this is just a guess. I new him from my Koi hobby. A doctor.
Last edited by Neli on June 20th, 2014, 5:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
I ask lots of questions that sound like suggestions. Please remember I am a inquisitive newbie trying to figure out why You made a particular decision, in order to learn.
I started a blog:http://nelibonsai.wordpress.com/2013/07 ... a-nursery/
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