Schinus Molle..Peppercorn as Bonsai.

[Shane]

Hi Bodhi, how's your Peppercorn going? I collected one from my BIL's farm in May without cutting either the top or roots, and am now researching when and how to treat them for an initial rootpruning and top pruning. You said they sulk and backbud poorly. Do you go hard on the roots? (I just saw how hard shibui goes on his deciduous trees). I have long thin trunks with first leaves at least 80cm up that I want to reduce hard; your collected stump had a couple of leaves down near the base already, I'd have none. Thanks for your tips. Shane.

[bodhidharma]

Hi Shane, the tree is doing well and it will get its first real root prune this year. I have only ever partially root pruned it as the roots are very spaghetti like and break very easily. It will take a few people's help to do it successfully.

[Grant Bowie]

We have one on loan at the collection from SA. The tree we have has been owned by the same lady for over 40 years and was purchased as an established bonsai then.

I don't think they are as frost sensitive as some people are making out. Would be interesting to hear experiences.
Allow the branches to elongate and when you do cut back you cut back to a strongly downwards growing branchlet
They have male and female trees. Therefore the flowers will/may never turn into fruit.

You defoliate. Any problems?

Grant

[bodhidharma]

They have male and female trees. Therefore the flowers will/may never turn into fruit.
Yes, figured that out Grant. It has flowered but no fruit yet.

You defoliate. Any problems?

Not as yet. The tree was defoliated and wired for our last show (see pictures) and has come back strong. Our frosts have knocked it around a little this year and has browned some foliage.

[Josh]

Hi Bhodi
Any updated pictures on this tree. Would be interested to hear any more info on developing this variety. All I seem to get is long straggly branches. Still trying to get my head around this tree.

Josh.

[bodhidharma]

Hi Josh, the tree is powering along. it has slowed down in the cold weather and i will update soon.

[Neli]

Body I grew 2 from seed...they are so fast...Got the seeds last year from a tree in SA and trunks in a 5 liter pots are now 3cm...Chopped them back somewhat and put them in large pots to fatten.
The place where I got the seeds from gets -7C temperature in winter.
Now I dont remember if I put a tile under???? So worried about the roots. Maybe I did??? He he he!
So to grow branches a bit like Acer...??? grow and cut back hard...?
Defoliate ones or twice a year?
How well do they bud on normal , not too old lignified branches?

[bodhidharma]

So to grow branches a bit like Acer...??? grow and cut back hard...?
Defoliate ones or twice a year?
How well do they bud on normal , not too old lignified branches?

Hi Neli, like yourself, i am still learning about these guys. At the moment it is recovering from our Winter. It did not like the snow we had this year and maybe it might need wintering in a glass house. As said i am still learning but i will prune it hard this Summer and wire it out again and see how it goes. i will post the update.

[Neli]

After I posted this I went to see mine and took pictures. Transplanted it in this pot month ago. grown from seed collected last year in SA.
Just noticed it has buds on the branches close to the trunk.


So....so far so good...it budded well on the branches even though they are not chopped.