Melaleuca Linariifolia "Claret Tops" - First Bonsai Project

[TheNumber13]

Hi,

This is to be my first of many bonsai (excluding the couple as a kid that only got watered).

I picked it up for $10 at my local nursery. I was not happy with the variety or shape of many bonsai starters and such, but found this one in a 12cm normal pot.

MelClaret.20-11-09.jpg

I got home and pruned off branches I didn't want, and a lot of the new growth tips, trying to give a bit of shape. I left some alone where I was not sure about what to aim for.

MelClaret.20-11-09.front.jpg

MelClaret.20-11-09.back.jpg

MelClaret.20-11-09.left.jpg

Aiming for at least one good branch, being the one off to the left, with its own foliage. I'm not sure how the smaller branch at the first fork near the dirt will grow out, though it would be nice to have it a bit lower than that on the right. Not sure if it's too skinny?
The branch off the back near the top I think I will try and grow up to join the upper foliage, adding some depth with the branches.

For now, I think I'll grow it on a bit as it is, see how things go and plan further.

So what do you guys think?
-Good tree choice in general? Shape etc?
-Was my first pruning attempt decent, or did I butcher it? Any advice?
-And I guess any other advice in general.

I'll try and get some more detailed photos.

Cheers,

Pat

[Jamie]

pat, good choice of species, from what i know they are tough, pup is the melaleuca master on here and i am sure he will put his two bob in too, i think on an overall opinion of this tree it is in its early stages, i think if you slip pot it into a training grow box or larger pot will be a good start, needs a fair bit of growth on it, i think you can make a decent twin trunk out of this, mother and daughter style, i can see it in the last bottom pic but it needs some strong growth first

i think pup will be able to advise you a lot better than me, good to see you have started on your bonsai journey though


jamie

[Pup]

G,day Pat any Melaleuca is a good choice . The one you have chosen is no exception. They are fast growers and can handle hard pruning. I will always say to leave some green growth at the point you cut. Claret tops is a very forgiving tree. I would if this were mine put in either into the ground if possible to thicken up, if not into a bigger pot.

The shaping you have started appears very disorganized at the moment. Not to worry though.

Cheers Pup and welcome to the affliction

[Loretta]

Hi Pat
My name is Loretta and I'm also in Townsville. I have just newly joined this forum also, I'm not as computer literate as you seem to be, I'm really struggling with all this technology!! Good on you for giving it a go. I have not attempted to bonsai with natives yet, I'm more into figs - bougainvilleas and azaleas. Be nice having someone from home to chat to on the forum.

Cheers Loretta

[kcpoole]

Hi Lorretta and welcome
Glad to see more northerners joining us. We have quite a few from up your way.

Ken