Banksia watering habits

[rockkcorful]

Hello all, I have recently collected a banksia serrata last wee and I am curious as to its watering habits, what tree I would treat it like ect. Leaves look like some yellow spots may be appearing, I am on the gold coast

[Rory]

I have found Banksia serrata/aemula/integrifolia are similar in watering requirements to most Melaleuca.

Provided the drainage is good and they're not pot-bound, then I've found them to be quite hardy.
I actually leave them more on the drier side than the wetter, as they don't like constant wet feet.

[rockkcorful]

Cool! So in regard to while it is regaining health from transplant more dry side or?

[shibui]

It is hard to be definitive for a different climate and garden. I have transplanted a number of banksias from out garden and from mu grow beds. The worst result was keeping the fresh transplants in the poly igloo. I don't think they liked the think high humidity Best results for me ware when trees were potted straight into my usual potting mix and the pots put on the benches and on the ground alongside the benches (not enough room) with regular water. I rely on my open mix providing good grainage and aeration rather than allowing the pots to dry out. Witholding water just enough can be tricky so mine just get watered along with everything else.
it is way too early down here for me to consider transplanting banksia. I get far better results when transplanting banksia in warmer weather so I'll be waiting until November. Hope it is warm enough up there for yours to be happy.
Sometimes a few of mine have dropped leaves after transplant. Most then leaf out again as they get accustomed to life in a pot. hope yours copes as well but please keep us informed either way.