[Ryceman3] Leptospermum Laevigatum

[Ryceman3]

Thanks Gavin/Mel for your input.
I reckon the tray might be a good option initially so will get onto it. I have been pretty wary of it drying out, and keeping the Seasol up to it to date, but a tray might help to alleviate a bit of the stress with that. I'm happy with the progress to date so want to keep the momentum going if you know what I mean... I will say without this comp I doubt I would've gone down this path - it's been a great learning experience and well worth the time - just hope it continues!
Thanks to you both for the comments.

PS: Just wondering if your Lepto was a Laevigatum Gavin? Not sure it makes much difference in terms of after care - just curious!!

[GavinG]

The bare-root was a small L. obavatum - local, much like L. laev. I also attacked a large L. "Mesmer Eyes" - not bare, but it lost a lot, and it's come through well with damp feet.

Gavin

[Ryceman3]

The bare-root was a small L. obavatum - local, much like L. laev. I also attacked a large L. "Mesmer Eyes" - not bare, but it lost a lot, and it's come through well with damp feet.

Gavin

Thanks Gavin. I have popped mine in a tray as suggested - we'll see what happens ...

[Ryceman3]

Wasn't sure if I had updated this so took a photo ... and here it is!
Hasn't done very much at all since it's treatment in December - I can thank GavinG and Mel for the tray advice - without which I am sure this entry would no longer be with us. It was VERY unhappy for a few weeks, foliage really paled off and some bits died off all together - but it is coming back to a healthier shade of green, although I have seen no real sign of growth for about 2 months or so ... hopefully it forgives me and can push some new buds soon!

[melbrackstone]

Fingers crossed! At least it's still alive.

[Ryceman3]

Fingers crossed! At least it's still alive.

If it's green it's not dead!

[Ryceman3]

Another update on this entry, and almost 4 months since I gave the roots the hardest day of their life and repotted there has really been little-to-no movement. If it was a perfect, "finished" tree that sounds ideal ... but I don't think I'm quite at that stage yet so a bit of growth ... anything really would be nice!
There is a tiny bud that has sprouted, so I still hold out hope things are turning!

[GavinG]

In earlier days I cut wedges out of the very dense root ball of the Mesmer Eyes (no water tray) - it hated it and did absolutely nothing for a year! So don't be discouraged - if the leaves are still green it should shoot again one day...

Gavin

[Ryceman3]

In earlier days I cut wedges out of the very dense root ball of the Mesmer Eyes (no water tray) - it hated it and did absolutely nothing for a year! So don't be discouraged - if the leaves are still green it should shoot again one day...

Gavin

Cheers Gavin, I'm just thankful it's still alive... which I attribute primarily to the water tray - great tip!

[melbrackstone]

It's still alive!!! yay!

[Ryceman3]

Another Update.

Good news with this entry ... it has decided living is a good option and pushed out a lot of new growth in the last month or so, which is an interesting time to get active since it is the middle of winter but I am certainly not complaining. I plan to do absolutely nothing to it for a bit and give it a chance to rebuild some vigour before I move on to the next stage. It's nice to see the new green ... Happy days!

[Ryceman3]

Final Submission!
Since my last submission, I have wired and compressed the top down a little and just let it grow really. Good growth has occurred since winter so I think it is over the shock of last December, healthy again!
I plan to let it continue to grow and develop branching, will keep it small and just let it do it's thin for a little bit (within reason). I'm not sure that it will remain in the current form forever - things always change and I might look at developing it in a more "native natural" way, whatever that might mean!

Anyway ... here are the pics ... thanks to all those involved in getting this comp off the ground. I've learnt plenty (not just with this tree) and really enjoyed the last 18 months!

[LLK]

Quite an achievement. And a nice photo!

Lisa

[Ryceman3]

Quite an achievement. And a nice photo!

Lisa

Thanks Lisa,
18 months isn't really a long time is it? (in bonsai world anyway) so it is great to push what you are capable of and learn stuff on the way.
Glad you like the pic, if you look close enough you'll see I used my cat's blanket as my black backdrop... The tell tale printed paws on the left give it away!
Thanks for you feedback.

[boom64]

Hi Ryceman ,great work with the little fellow ,has the makings of a cool tree. Cheers John.