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First acmena

Posted: August 1st, 2021, 5:48 pm
by Moss
Hi all,

I picked up this treat a nursery for $30 because it had a nice thick trunk. It was potted really poorly and I have repotted. I trimmed it back and it had a natural wind effected look. I tried to wire and snapped a couple of branches that I really wanted. I'm thinking if a blown over look but will just let it heal for now. I'm really not sure where to go from here.

1 week into bonsai lol.

And feedback is much appreciated. Cut it down more. ?
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Re: First acmena

Posted: August 1st, 2021, 6:29 pm
by shibui
Again this tree has already had enough done in one session. It probably could be shortened further but that should now wait until it has settled in and recovered after the repotting.
FYI most of us find that Aussie natives tend to recover better when root pruned in warmer weather. Melbourne growers assure me that it is OK to repot natives any time of year and Sydney climate should also be warm enough for the same so this tree should be fine if you give it time to recover now.

I like the look of the small curve close to the roots, That would be a theme to follow when deciding what lines to follow for the rest of the tree.
Blown over look is probably similar to what we usually refer to as 'windswept' in bonsai and can be a really dynamic look in a tree but really good ones are quite rare.

Re: First acmena

Posted: August 1st, 2021, 10:22 pm
by Moss
Thanks, Shibu.

I have to learn to do less. It's hard to leave it alone thinking I could do more to set it up for regrowth.

Re: First acmena

Posted: August 1st, 2021, 10:24 pm
by Moss
Once the plant has healed how short could I cut this tree safety. Will it make new shoots I could get branches from if I reduce it to the main trunk.?

Re: First acmena

Posted: August 2nd, 2021, 12:57 pm
by juan73870
Over the next few months, you'll notice new shoots in new places, giving you options to go with from there. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with it in the future ☺️

Re: First acmena

Posted: August 2nd, 2021, 6:53 pm
by shibui
Lily Pilly generally bud well from bare wood so you should be able to chop and get new shoots on the trunk if that's what you need.

Re: First acmena

Posted: August 2nd, 2021, 7:34 pm
by Moss
Thanks guys.

I'm so new to this it is hard to know what to do. I like the trunk so I'm thinking to let it bud and choose new branches closer to the base then cut the rest of the trunk off. I will need to try get a main trunk out of the new shoots too I think. Not sure if I can use what is there right now. I may get some inspiration when I see new growth and it's position.