shibui wrote: It is possible to mistreat a plant enough to take 40 years to produce something like this so the claim is possible but it is also possible to achieve a similar result in 5-10 years if conditions are better. In bonsai, actual age is irrelevant. What it looks like is far more important.
Very well said. When I read this post that was exactly what crossed my mind. If they are grown with even reasonable conditions and a lot of sun, Callistemon are pretty fast growing trees.
Quite possibly one of the best 'advice' quotes of all time. I feel this should be slightly rewritten as a generalization and engraved on a plaque in every bonsai club....
It is possible to mistreat a plant enough to take tens of years to produce something that is also possible to achieve a similar result in only a few years, provided one learns enough about basic horticulture and optimum growing conditions. In bonsai, actual age is irrelevant. What it looks like is far more important.
Full sun, frequent fertilizer, left to grow and not cut back all the time = strong, healthy growth
Low sun and part shade, no or minimal fertilizer, and frequent pruning = slow, gangly growth
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