AusBonsai

I've had this nursery grown Mel.Rhaphiophylla for about 3 yrs now, it's been potted like this (it's first bonsai pot) for just over 9months. When I originally bought it..it was growing in this prostrate fashion. As there was no correcting this trunkline/planting angle it was potted pretty much identically as to how it was in the nursery pot.
Plans for the future include to strengthen and further develop the secondary branching and of course better the ramification on all levels and hopefully , one day have a well ramified, complete canopy all round.
So...I pose the question... is the lean/slant on this tree too exagerated to be plausible. If not, there is also the choice of pot debate. Does this suit??. If not any suggestions. The main reason for repotting it into this, was because it has quite alot of space(circumfrance speaking) while at the same time it under went quite a large reduction to it's rootball; so as to fit into a pot of this depth. All comment/suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers!,
Anthony

Hi,
I think this tree has great prospects.
I do feel that when a tree slants to one side, its first primary branch should always be on the side opposite to the direction of the lean. Otherwise, to my eye the tree looks as though it is falling out of the pot.
I have stated before that I'm not an Aussie Native bonsai.ist, so will probably be told that my suggestions are way off the ball, but here goes.
1).. Try to stand the trunk up at least 10-15 degrees, If you cant, try bending the top section of the trunk from the junction of the first right hand side branch
2).. remove the 2 bottom Right Hand Side Branches and convert the tree to a windswept type form
3)..shorten the 3rd RHS branch slightly
4).. Pot would need to be changed to maybe a freeform pot

YOU ASKED !!!
cheers
Dave

I tend to lean in the complete opposite direction (so to speak)

I love the strong movement to the right and feel the first/lowest branch on the left is the problem. I call it a saftey branch because the owner doesn't feel safe without a supposedly balancing branch going in the opposite direction to the main movement.

Leaving the potting angle as is or adjusting the 10 to 15 degrees is all OK to me.

I have rarely seen a windswept style I like.

You did ask.

Grant

Definatly an intresting tree to work with and I agree it has great prospects.
I think Windswept is an option but I am unsure if I agree with the branch placement that
Dave suggests. I like the lower right primary branch and would think hard before removing?

Hi Grant,
generally a big fan of your work, but to my eye, taking off the primary LHS branch an having 2 RHS branches on the same side as the direction of the lean. GEE I'd have to have a mate standing next to the tree in case it fell out the pot
cheers
Dave
Anthony, I just covered up those two RHS branches and it looks great, QUICK get out the side cutters, I personally couldn't get them off quick enough!!!!

Stand it up Pup

A good variety of opinions to choose from. A good result all round.

Grant

Banksia those two right hand branches will weaken and die if you leave them as they are.
From experience they have taught me this.
You could go for a semi cascade. Or find another small raph and plant it next to it upright making a twin trunk, or if you wish Mother and child ( father and son ). I have a couple of examples in a post called Pups Dilemma.
More Ideas to think on Pup

I would raise the tree 10 degrees or so and remove the branch on the bootom RHS. This will improve the movement of the trunkline.
Regards EdwardH

love the strong right movement

i just want to sit on the trunk

i would consider just tweaking the top part of the tree for a small vertical line to finish.

and...i do like the foiage triangle to accent the movement if it is so strong... so that means that first left branch MUST be sentimental.

pup knows his mel's, so listen up

pup knows his mel's, so listen up

Banksia those two right hand branches will weaken and die if you leave them as they are

Little Jonny says, How come they have been this way for at least 3 years and probably alot longer but still have not died

smack little johnny in the mouth and send him to bed without supper



pup's got better mel's than me... i listen to him.

I said will weaken and die not over night, but it will happen, some times ten years of work has to be changed.
So little Jonny got his ass smacked.
I posted a re-pot here of a tree collected in 1995. The branch had weakened and died all other branches are very healthy.
This is the reason for the edit celebrating birfdees early. Also anniversary's 30 years tomorrow. You get less for murder

Great tree Banksia but it's going to be really hard to photograph from all sides for the 360!
Please let us see what you do with it in the future.
S.

Thanks alot Guys!. I've always been a little concerned for the branches mentioned, and up till now these have been healthy as ever. As Pup said though, these could keel over anytime! So I must entertain the thought of a re-style.
The planting angle can be changed next repot if need be...at the moment there's a small piece of stone wedged underneath the trunk as to prop it up abit.

Pup wrote:Stand it up Pup

I thought you'd to say something like that!! ....this almost sounds like an invitation over to your place!!
Seriously though, I like the idea of a semi-cascade....this will be looked into further. At the moment I'll just bide my time and keep it healthy. Thanks for your comments there much appreciated.

Cheers!,
Anthony