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Melaleuca claret tops

Posted: January 2nd, 2011, 3:00 pm
by cuwire
Hi
Just purchased this plant from Swains (I am pretty new to bonsai and this is my first native).

Looking for some advice on -
Re-pot now, re-pot latter?
Wire some shape - do you think the main trunk can be bent?
Cut out some under-growth?
Cut back?
Full sun or not?
Just leave it alone for now?

I have a couple of pots I would like to use one eventually will they be roomy enough? - but I am in no rush.
Claret Top 001 2nd Jan 2011.jpg
Claret Top 002 2nd Jan 2011.jpg
Pics- 2nd January 2011 003.jpg

Thanks
David

Re: Melaleuca claret tops

Posted: January 2nd, 2011, 4:27 pm
by Bougy Fan
Hi David if it is the size you want it put it in a bonsai pot because once you do that it really slows down in growth. Same as for any other plant - native or exotic. The pots you have look a little small :imo: If you want it to thicken up put it in a grow box and when the trunk is the size you want stick it in a bonsai pot. By all means give it a haircut but don't go back past all the foliage as sometimes they are a bit reluctant to back bud. you can trim it with a pair of hedge shears if you like :lol: If you want to give it some shape by all means wire it. If you do repot it part shade would be a good idea for a while and if it goes into a bonsai pot a spot where it is sheltered from the worst of the sun will help with the pot not drying out in summer.


Tony

Re: Melaleuca claret tops

Posted: January 4th, 2011, 1:37 pm
by cuwire
Thanks Tony

Tried to wire the trunk but way to tough for wire.

Wonder how trunk movement is started on this species - maybe I will try to get a younger plant for that.

For now it can sit in the pot and rest, its probably bigger than I anticipated - unless someone wants to suggest savage pruning.

David

Re: Melaleuca claret tops

Posted: January 4th, 2011, 6:29 pm
by Pup
G,day David I do not see too much of problem with this tree other than it is Juvenile, It just needs to grow some. So do not put it a small pot YET.
Take out of this pot and put it into a larger much larger or a polystyrene vegie box and get some growth.

Then as it is growing shape the canopy to look like a Melaleuca.
P1080482.JPG
This is not unlike yours just older with a little more styling and growth.

Re: Melaleuca claret tops

Posted: January 5th, 2011, 1:02 pm
by cuwire
Classic tree Pup

Thanks for that post and advice.

Cheers David