AusBonsai

No need to apologise, I totally understand.

It's interesting to consider how much content there is on refinement when so much work has gone into the tree before it gets to that point. I mean there are quite a few people around now showing the maintenance and progress of their trees which is great, and even better on the aussie natives! Adversely, I bought a couple of tubestock to play with, and even they were chockers in the base. I think I need to find a nursery that has native stock that isn't just left with unchecked root growth.

I'm wondering if now's not a good time for me to repot the third tree. It has started budding flowers! #prouddadmoment Seems late in the season to start flowering now but I'm not complaining.

The weather here in Melbourne has been pretty unstable, cold 18-20 degree highs all week, now 35 degrees over the weekend. The rudolph and copper glow I have repotted look to be suffering, if not at least complaining. I also had a realisation that maybe my substrate isn't as good as it could be. I mixed in euc mulch thinking it wasn't much different to pine bark, but I've now realised something like orchiata would have been way better. Probably the sand could have been coarser too. At least I have mixed a touch of perlite in it too. Live and learn I guess.

I want to get into the SYANBS comp, so I have been buying seed and tubes and trays and converting a set of shelves into a greenhouse, but I'll start another thread on that once I have the seeds planted.

ShaneVE wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2025, 11:05 pm I want to get into the SYANBS comp, so I have been buying seed and tubes and trays and converting a set of shelves into a greenhouse, but I'll start another thread on that once I have the seeds planted.

Hey guys, the rudolph seems to be struggling a bit on recovery, while the copper glow seems less phased. I had Rudolph in a semi-shady spot for the first few weeks, but since moved it back into full sun. Also had it sitting in a dish, but would try to not let it stay full, so the lower substrate still had a chance to breathe.

ShaneVE wrote: ↑March 2nd, 2025, 11:51 pm Hey guys, the rudolph seems to be struggling a bit on recovery, while the copper glow seems less phased. I had Rudolph in a semi-shady spot for the first few weeks, but since moved it back into full sun. Also had it sitting in a dish, but would try to not let it stay full, so the lower substrate still had a chance to breathe. RUDOLPH-03.jpg

They can be a bit picky with their light, so moving it back to full sun might’ve stressed it a bit. As for the watering, try to make sure the dish isn't collecting too much water, since they’re sensitive to root rot.

There are exceptions, but in most cases it’s probably best to avoid trays under the pot. Root rot can become a real problem quickly. Especially after repotting where there are less roots to take up water. Trick is to water regularly, not just let it sit in a pond.

I notice that when repotting the others you added mulch to your mix. Probably best to avoid mulch and stick to pine bark if you’re going to use an organic substrate. Again just retains water and adds to the rot risk situation. Organic fertiliser will do a better job for our purposes!

Andy

I came to the same conclusion. I had wondered if maybe the necessity for the tray came from use of inorganic substrates, but felt it was just way too damp for my liking. I have had them out of the tray for a week or two now. Rudolph might just pull through.

Yep, I realized my error their too. Next repot I think I will try something like orchiata and pumice. Thanks again for the guidance Andy.