AusBonsai

Hi all,
I purchased this jade. It was at least a metre tall. Was told it was 40+ yrs old. Not sure where to cut - suggestions please? Also this is the biggest box I could find. There is also about 4 bottlebrush I saw at the premises I’m going back to collect.


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This is Crassula ovata. They don't make good bonsai, but is fantastic as a pot plant. With just the right sun exposure they develop a slight red tone on the edge of the leaves. To much sun and the leaves go yellow. To little and it stays green. You'll have to experiment to get the best from it. Also it flowers regularly under the right light/sun exposure.
They like being slightly pot bound.

Bugger. I wanted to do something like these two - at my mother in laws.



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Hey Nozila, I think that’s what FreedieV is saying - potted plants will be fine - you’ll be able to trim them like your mother-in-law’s over time.

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Maybe Freddie was referring to the larger leaves and longer nodes of Crassula ovata being difficult for bonsai.
You can still grow in pots and shape the branches but won't get those nice tight foliage pads of the MIL's which are Portulacaria afra.
They are 2 different species that look superficially similar but have slightly different attributes that impact on bonsai worthiness..

Bugger !!! Oh well. I’ll give them to my in law.
On another note, I went back to scored I think 5 bottlebrush. Worth the $25 for the jade just to ask for free natives.


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Geez those native stumps look good! Urban-Yamadori - well played.


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what type of soil would I plant these in? I’ve only got potting soil, cat litter, scoria and sand on hand. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.


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I also collected one of those Godzilla succulents a while back.
It is now a feature in my garden but I'm still trimming it to resemble a bonsai.
Every tree dug out or rescued has some potential I think.
If they don't make it to a bonsai then a garden plant is far better than seeing it mulched.
The melaleucas I think you will find more rewarding and respond well to the hardships bonsai folks put them through.
Once they recover and grow well, say a year or so I would be chopping again to minimize long, strait sections .
They will be a long term project with large scars to heal but better in the end.
Re; soil. Potting mix and a course drainage additive [scoria, course sand or similar is fine]
If you sift out the dust from potting mix and remove some log sized wood some brands have you'll be OK.

Much appreciated. The soil they came out of was rather rich and moist.


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I bought this one. But it’s so much more satisfying digging it out and watching it struggle and grow. Bonus being it was for free and on private land.


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