AusBonsai

as promised i have done those newbs i picked up a couple of weeks ago. these plants were extremely pot bound, the tags were very faded too. i got this feeling that these have been at the nursery since i got the 1st one i posted here or there abouts. the first one is my favourite of the 3 for its basal flare and movement. some heavy wire on the trunk to accentuate the existing movement. i have cut almost half the trunk away down to a strong branch that will act as a sacrafice. i have my sights set on a new leader that will hopefully pop just coming out of that last bend. also im looking for lots of low budding to let go and fatten this baby up. the roots have been bare rooted and culled hard. they were a mess so in future need to keep working them. potted into a 12" pot in equal parts of aussie native potting mix, fine pine bark and scoria.

I hope you didn't pay more than $9.95 Pal!

Nice movement in the trunk!

S.

the root ball was then soaked in a bucket of water over night and next morning cut in half. poked and prodded and pressure hosed.

finally barerooted!

2nd one i have chopped all the way down to the last shoot and planted in 100% diatomite, in an orchid pot.

third into small styrene box with the first mix.

Thats a great start, let us know which does the best.

My guess is the last one.

They will look good in a few years:)

What size diatomite is it? It looks like the finest stuff. I have been using larger stuff (i think), with good results. I really wish we had small scoria up here .

Which one do you think will do best Antonio?

JayC

jay thanks yep they will be in time. im using medium diatomite to the roots, then top off with fine. i recently did that benji in 100% diatomite and its recovering in break neck speed. im hoping it will have the same effect on this banksia. the last of the 3 had less work done to the roots, so my bet is that will take off sooner. if all goes well the 1st is defiately my fave and will be a winner.

JayC. wrote:They will look good in a few years:)

What size diatomite is it? It looks like the finest stuff. I have been using larger stuff (i think), with good results. I really wish we had small scoria up here .

Which one do you think will do best Antonio?

JayC

yep!!! 100% diatomite is the way!!! the one i brutalised the most is the one that is poppn all over the place. meanwhile the other 2 are sookn (but will be fine)