Allocasuarina torulosa 16

[Rory]

Progression thread : Allocasuarina torulosa 16

This was purchased from Bonsai World for about $16

There are many natural traits that a lot of growers dislike with Casuarina which ironically are what make this iconic species so immediately recognizable. Yet many growers remove or discourage this, such as crossed branching, bar-branching, multiple trunks that do not start at the very base, and their long beautiful arching branches with no taper. (This is perfectly understandable as we've always been discouraged from allowing this, but I adore these traits on Casuarinas). It isn't actually that easy to maintain sweeping branches with no taper as the branching will thicken fast if you allow the branch to strongly develop, so you have to occasionally reduce the number of branchlets, but keep enough to maintain good health.

I find it is best to cut-and-grow to develop the sweeping branch movements, as opposed to wiring, as wiring doesn't give it that iconic look.
And another iconic trait of these guys is that they generally don't have a uniformed branching style on the one tree.

These species make aesthetically beautiful trees. The weeping foliage and very thin needles make this the most visually stunning of all the Casuarina species in my opinion.

DO NOT let these dry out. I recommend adding about 30-35 % washed course river sand for better drainage to your mix.
Don't let the lower branches get heavily shaded.

A. Torulosa 16-01 17Aug2016.jpg

17Aug2016

A. Torulosa 16-02 20Sep2017.jpg

20Sep2017

A. Torulosa 16-03 02Oct2018.jpg

02Oct2018

A. Torulosa 16-04 03Mar2021.jpg

03Mar2021

[Rory]

Nothing much to report with this one either. Just growing and cutting back and trying to develop that creepy beach casuarina feel.

I realize its not quite yet 01.01.2023, but its easier to post that its 2023, so looking back people can easily distinguish that its a year apart. Its only 1 day before the actual date.

A. Torulosa 16-05 01Jan2023.jpg

01Jan2023

[Rory]

A. Torulosa 16-06 03Nov2023.jpg.jpg

03Nov2023

Placed into a Pat Kennedy pot (Australia)

[Albo]

I picked this one up from Rory back in April.
I put it into a pot by Peter Anderson yesterday.
Peter.anderson40@y7mail.com
0438717884

I’ve just been trimming a few really long shoots since I got it and put a little bit of wire here and there. I’d like to grow it a bit bigger but keep the natural shape.

Thanks Rory, I’m really happy with it and it’s getting a lot of attention/compliments from the family and friends.
I did change the planting angle you had it on. Personal preference.

[Rory]

Nice mate. The easy thing about this species is that if you use wire, it will bite in fairly quickly as they can thicken quick over the warm months.
But the fissured bark will easily hide any scars that result from forgetting to take off the wire sooner. It can take a long time for thicker branches to harden, as you'll find they slowly push back into place. It can sometimes take 3-4 seasons of growing to finally have thicker branches set.

[fae]

A very nice composition of plant and pot.

Congrats Albo.