AusBonsai

Melaleuca cuticularis is a species seldom seen for sale in my area (Melbourne), I believe it makes terrific bonsai.
I paid a visit to Pup a few years ago and he generously provided one he had struck from a cutting. I have been letting it grow freely to gain some thickness and the time has come to cut back a few strong shoots.
This competition has given the incentive to not waste the strong shoots but air layer instead. Left is about 6mm, right about 8mm

Gerard wrote:Melaleuca cuticularis is a species seldom seen for sale in my area (Melbourne)

Never a truer word spoken! Look forward to watching what becomes of this, love the potential of these - would love to say I love these as stock, but that would mean I had some... I refer to Gerard’s initial line... good luck!

Apparently, cuticularis has the whitest of all Melaleuca barks. I also think they will make outstanding bonsai.

Nice one Gerard

I toyed with the idea of layering also. I have found layered plants seem to kick on better than seedlings. I took the safe option but let’s see who prospers.

Looks a lot like incana but more upright. Is it soft to touch.

Squizzy

Great stuff.
That's a lovely piece of material. I love the base on that one with the branching at the base. I hope to see an update on the parent in time too.

squizzy wrote:Nice one Gerard

I toyed with the idea of layering also. I have found layered plants seem to kick on better than seedlings. I took the safe option but let’s see who prospers.

Looks a lot like incana but more upright. Is it soft to touch.

Squizzy

Not all that soft, leaves are small and not too delicate I imagine they would be tolerant of really hot days. Branches / new trunks are a bit brittle at this thickness so achieving nice movement will be a challenge.