AusBonsai

Gday folks!

Some years ago, I bought a cheap Yellow Box (Eucalyptus meliodora) with a view to creating Bonsai. My initial efforts were uninspiring, so I chose to plant it on our front nature strip. For 2 or 3 years, the tree struggled against encroaching weeds, hard clay soil, scale & ant infestation and itinerant builders who insisted on trampling the thing. So, since it had been a failure as Bonsai, and a failure as a street tree, I thought I might try it as Bonsai again.
I've sifted some old mix, some new potting soil and sifted/washed some attapulgite, and created what I believe will be a suitably well drained medium.
Now to place the tree out of harm's way, water it frequently, and wait. Updates to follow.

Thanks!

Bri.

Hi Bri,

It has good movement in the trunk and if it survives it will be an interesting progression. I have had one in a pot (Nursery grown) for about 10 years (straight trunk,poor material).

Good luck,

Peter

Nice to see you posting again Bri ! Nice movement in the trunk. So you recommend a very free draining mix for a collected native ?

PeterH wrote:I have had one in a pot (Nursery grown) for about 10 years (straight trunk,poor material).

Gday Peter!

Why not try a trunk chop somewhere on the lower trunk? If it is healthy, you could achieve good movement and taper within a couple of years...

Bougy Fan wrote:So you recommend a very free draining mix for a collected native ?

Gday Mr Fan!

I think a very well-drained mix is essential for all Bonsai - not just Oz natives. I believe that it was DennisMc who proposed the absolute necessity of fast-draining soil and frequent watering when dealing with collected/re-potted Eucs. I'll try to find the specific quote. [EDIT] Hereis the quote from DennisMc regarding Euc aftercare. [/EDIT]

Thanks fellas!

Bri.

Nice trree fly.

I have collected a few natives, Mel, Kunzea, geebung, Euc, and they are all in My diatomite mix and so far have had great sucess with them surviving.
I collected afew more today too .

Ken