AusBonsai

Can't find a topic similar to this, so apologies if it's already been covered.

I have some small Port Jackson figs, a Sandpaper fig and a Willow Leaf fig and I've bought a couple of those Bunnings' mini greenhouses ready for winter if it gets too cold or frosts hit
Also got some Clerodendrons to experiment with over winter (I'm assured they'll survive as long as I keep them covered from frost).

It's 8C here this morning although the daytime temperature will go to a sunny 20C or 22C the bureau predicts, and 22-26 for a couple of days next week (still with the low overnight temps).

I was wondering at what point (if any) I should move the figs (and maybe the Cleros although I would prefer to leave them out) to the greenhouses. And is it better just to house them overnight and put them out again during the day.

Just for reference our winter days here are usually 5-15 with only a handful of nights where it might drop to -1 or -2.

thats a nice little green house ron, can i ask how much it cost?

as for leaving them in or out as long as the nights arent going to get frosty as then they should be good, you could end up with die back if it gets to cold though so mabye better safe then sorry, as for the clero i know they are a tough tree i just dont know how they take the cold, never had to deal with it. same with the figs.

i think 0 or minus temps are way to low for any tropical or sub tropical species, i would even be worried with 5 degrees. maybe noah can tell you a bit more with this he has just gone to vic and will have drastic temperature ranges that he will have to fix with all his figs and tropic species.


jamie

Hi Jamie,

The greenhouses come in two sizes. I think that 4 tier one was about $48 at Bunnings.

I bought the cleros because I really like the look of the barky trunks and their fast growth (nothing better for beginners ). Clinton Nesci told me they get quite a few frosts and very low temps during winter at the nursery and their cleros have alway come through fine. So fingers crossed.

Ron ...

PS REALLY,really glad we don't have to deal with the N. hemi winters I've been reading about on other bonsai forums.

clero are tough and if nesci says they can handle a frost then i would be pretty happy with that, i would think bout putting the figs in though just being cautious.

you will be happy with clero they are fast growers, i have to pinch mine every day if i leave it a week it blows right out! so you will enjoy it!

wheres the pics Ron???


jamie

Jamie wrote:wheres the pics Ron???

These are the two biggest of the 5 cleros (the other 3 are way smaller - just striplings from 'bonsai starter' pots - the little black 2" things)
and this is my 'big' PJ. This was in a 'bonsai starter' pot until a month ago and has really sprouted since up-potting it (found a caterpillar munching of the leaves this morning)

get those clero in the ground and step back mate

just a quick tip with the clero watch ya fine wiring as you will have it anchored and before you know it they will be biting in, i had it cage wired and within two weeks it now has wire scars.
they will grow out so i am not stressed it just bugs me!


jamie

I don;'t have any Cleros, but have numerous types of fig and I leave the out all winter
We get a few mornings below Zero at home and have never worried about them

Where you are I would put them in if the forecast is to get below zero.
You could put them away at the start of winter, and take them out after it warms up in Spring if you were worried

Ken

Thanks, Ken.

I've been thinking about it during the day and because they're all $10 or less plants, I think it might be best to get some experience and leave them out though in a partially sheltered spot such as under some trees. I think I would rather learn how all my plants handle the natural elements and if the figs and cleros don't make it then I'll stick to more suitable species.

its a good idea to stick with species that thrive Ron it is possible to keep fig and clero down there i am sure of it, i know figs are all over the place down south and survive, its just sometimes protection is needed. im not sure how much protection being under a tree will give but it will definately help the tree toughen up so to speak, being that they have been bought from a local nursery i would expect them to be acclimatised


jamie

Ive used a little greenhouse like that in the past, Ron, they are quite good to keep the worst of the frost away from the plants, and to get seeds started early in spring.
Tend to be a bit fragile, make sure its not subject to too much wind.
You will be good at assembling them if you can do this: the Ikea challenge.


I find frost damage can hit even before overnight temps are down to zero. I would be moving things which are sensitive when forecasts get to about 4 overnight, they might not actually die at that, but would definitely thrive better for longer with protection.
Just remember they will rely on you for watering, so even if its pouring you have to water the shelter! I know this sounds obvious, but I've made that mistake before!!!!
Everyone is sounding a bit cavalier about these low temps, but they hit plants hard, and even worse than just losing something straight away is having a plant that struggles on half alive for the next year.