Giving more

[Pup]

what are those large balls your growing it in ?

G,day Psymo
That is Akadama the Japanese soil. That's the one that Bretts is arranging for the people that are interested in buying to be sent over from here.
As you can see it allows the roots to grow well. The large ones are for the bottom drainage layer. As you know the holes in the plastic pots are large.
Then I used smaller sizes. Cheers Pup

[Pup]

nice work pup.
when it is ready for it, please post some pics of these beauties in bloom.

G, day Damian Bee I did not get back before as I knew I would be posting when I re potted. So I could answer your question or request.
I have never had a lot of flowers as I keep them pruned back so I have tighter and smaller needles.
The flowers on most Melaleucas are white with a few exceptions nearly all flower on new growth, again with a few exceptions. Those that do not flower on new growth do not generally have many flowers.
I have one coming into flower at the moment, called elliptica it has red flowers that come from the trunk. I will post it when it is fully formed.
Cheers Pup

[bodhidharma]

Hi Pup, i have a large collected Melaleuca which is going to need drastic carving to create a nice tree. How do they respond to this type of treatment? Also, when rootpruning, how sensitive are they. is there a rule as to how much you can reduce the rootball? And the main one, can you wash the rootball of old soil before you reduce. Ta in anticipation.

[Pup]

Hi Pup, i have a large collected Melaleuca which is going to need drastic carving to create a nice tree. How do they respond to this type of treatment? Also, when rootpruning, how sensitive are they. is there a rule as to how much you can reduce the rootball? And the main one, can you wash the rootball of old soil before you reduce. Ta in anticipation.

Bodhidharma I do not wish this to come over the wrong way. There a 250 + Melaleucas of them 48 are referred to as Paperbarks.
So you can see my dilemma.
Can you be more specific on species, Most of the 18 that I have respond well to root pruning also I have bare rooted them without problems. Carving and Burning also with no problems. Now burning he asks I do this to harden off the wood also it is good for stimulating new growth,and for the stressed bushfire look of our natives. I hope this has helped you if not please come back at me for more info. Cheers Pup

[bodhidharma]

aaah Pup, and my ignorance of our aussie natives become glaringly obvious. But this is how knowledge is acquired, I will find out and report back to you.

[Jamie]

pup, your skills with natives absolutly amaze me. you must do some hunting for these beautys

[Pup]

pup, your skills with natives absolutly amaze me. you must do some hunting for these beautys

Nah just fall into my lap. This one was collected from a potential 4 lane freeway . I say potential because they decided to leave this little patch where they were there. When I drive around our State I look for what would be potential Bonsai.
Then I dig them up with permission of course. I also have a Scientific licence to do so the restrictions are( unless it is private land with the owners consent )
I am not allowed to trade or sell or give them away.
So now I have enough because I need someone to do the digging. Which of course means I have not given or traded or sold anything Pup

[Jamie]

thats not a bad little permit to have mate. nearly like 007 license to dig

[Petra]

Oh cool, Pup where can i get one. I dont think its fair when council wont let anyone pick one up off the road, but yet in they come with their bigtanks and plow down any thing in their way,just isnt right. Petra!

[Jamie]

Oh cool, Pup where can i get one. I dont think its fair when council wont let anyone pick one up off the road, but yet in they come with their bigtanks and plow down any thing in their way,just isnt right. Petra!

yea damn straight lol
i will be in on that too

[Pup]

What you guys have to do is what I did. What you say is what got up my pipe also.
So I went to the relevant state authority.
Stated my case as it is. I as a proud and conscientious State resident. I am sick to death of the wanton destruction of said plants.
When if I was to dig one up you would fine me.
Why can I not dig one or two ( not declared species ) for the education of my fellow Bonsai enthusiasts, into the conservation and horticultural, benifits of growing Australian Plants as Bonsai. Thus saving these tree's that are being mowed down by Councils.
It worked for me. What have you got to lose it cost me the grand sum of $10-00 per year, you have just reminded me I have to renew it. :

Now if all else fails get a ute and a bright coloured reflective vest. It works for a mate.

[Chris]

Pup i have them vests and can get my hands on a work sign and speed limits pluss a digger im just waiting for the elusive tree that has to go due to progress of a sewer pipe trench it will happen NO TREE IS SAFE

[Pup]

Pup i have them vests and can get my hands on a work sign and speed limits pluss a digger im just waiting for the elusive tree that has to go due to progress of a sewer pipe trench it will happen NO TREE IS SAFE

Chris can I ask one thing take as much care with what you dig as you do holding a young baby. Also make sure it is worth the effort. I have been on organised digs and have been disgusted, by it's free dig it then when it is realised there is no real potential or too straight. Throw it away .
It sounds like you have a great opportunity. That a lot of other enthusiasts wish for. Remember the bigger the tree the bigger the pot. Then when you get to the stage I am at bloody hard work moving them. Please don't be put of though. Good hunting