Callitris progression

[matlea]

Thought I would start a post on this Callitris columellaris. This is one has been grown from seed and then pot grown from there.
Currently letting the top run to thicken and develop the upper part of the tree.
The first pic I have was taken back in 2019, with the plant being around 4 yrs old.
It’s starting to get there… needs a trim once it starts warming up again and
definitely needs a repot!

[Kedron Brook]

I like it a lot. Thanks for sharing and including the species. Has it been sensitive to drought / flood, temperature, bugs, how much direct sunlight does it get most days? Is this typically how bushy you keep it?

[matlea]

Hi KD. I’m still learning with this species but to answer your question, I have them in full sun, but they do get protected from late afternoon sun. As with all things it just depends on location, soil mix, and how often you water.

With pruning it is better to cut back leaving some foliage as I’ve found they don’t back bud from a hard chop. They can push growth from older wood lower down if healthy and growing strong but leave some foliage.

I normally repot in autumn when the temps are a bit milder. I lost a few early on when repotting in summer as they didn’t seem to cope with the root reduction and the foliage dried out due to lack of water uptake. (25% root reduction) I did repot one this spring, placed in a spot getting morning sun only. It survived but the foliage bronzed off for about 2-3 months before greening back up again.

Now I’m just trying to trim them to get more compact foliage pads.

Also it is probably better to pot grow to promote finer feeder roots early as the ones I grew in the ground had fewer but thicker roots which is not ideal when it comes to transplant.

I’m sure there are others more experienced on this forum that can also provide their tips for this species.

They are definitely worth a go.

[Rory]

matlea... that is beautiful. Very nice mate. If it was mine, I wouldn't rush in to get 'foliage pads'. Looks awesome like it is.

[matlea]

Thanks.
Just seeing if I can get some tighter foliage generally. See how it goes over the next growing season.