AusBonsai

Dave:

Eucalypts are not particular about what fertilizers are used They do need regular fertilizing though. Occasional feeding with a high nitrogen fertilizer seems to be appreciated.

Bazron:

My mix for all bonsai both exotic and native is equal proportions of a good quality potting mix and coarse river sand. To this when actually planting I add a small handful of blood and bone and some slow release pellet fertilizer such such osmocote. Preferably one with added trace elements. The B & B is to encourage the micro flora and fauna. I never add pebbles to my mix although I have considered adding zeolite instead of part of the sand as it contributes to the performance of the soil.

Bretts:

Despite what u may have read Melaleuca and Callistemon are very closely related. In fact some Botanists have in the past suggested that they belong in the same genus. My standard soil mix and fertilizer regime suit both well.

In addition to the pellet fertilizer at potting time I occasionally feed a liquid fertilizer. I try to alternate between Charlie Carp and Aquasol or similar. Originally I used pelleted chicken fertilizer but since switching to a drip watering system I have not used it.

Dennis Mc

thanx everyone i appreciate the information. next time i feed ill mix up 2.5ml to 1L.

Pup whats the difference between pebbles and coarse river sand?

dennismc wrote:Dave:
Bretts:

Despite what u may have read Melaleuca and Callistemon are very closely related. In fact some Botanists have in the past suggested that they belong in the same genus. My standard soil mix and fertilizer regime suit both well.
Dennis Mc

I'm glad you mentioned this, as I was about to say the same thing. There was taxonomy talk that Callistemon would eventually be merged with Melalueca, so their appetite for ferts should be very similar.

The group of natives that I assumed were phosphorus sensitive were members of the Proteaceae family (e.g- Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea etc.), as the can develop proteoid roots which are able to access phosphorus in P deficient soils (e.g. - most Australian soils). But when we root prune our bonsai, Grant has said you can remove any visible proteoid root clusters which should enable you to use standard ferts on your Proteaceae.
Not an experienced grower as such, but I am an experienced reader, if there is such a thing.

George Lullfitz, one of the most respected plants men in WA . He specialises in Australian natives, he advises many horticultural colleges and Royal Kings Park. In his book he list plants that are susceptible to Phosphates, and those that will tolerate it.

He says that even the Grass tree (Xanthorrhoea ) will tolerate it,and it does as the one Mrs Pup has, is thriving with my fert regime.

I have always used fertilisers that have a 4.4 or less in the phosphate level of the NPK rating on all of my natives, even Banksias Adenanthos Hakea Calytrix Chamelaucium Thryptomene. All of these plants get the same fertiliser, as Melaleuca and Callistemon, and Gum trees ie Corymbia Eucalyptus.

Yates fruit and flower, ( when it was available I used Phostrogen ) the same NPK. I alternate with Miraclegro for Azaleas and Camellias.
Have done for as long as I have been growing Bonsai.

Sand is Sand Gravel is Gravel. Pebbles are what is put on the Mallsai bonsai.

Pup

Thanks Dennis and Pup, I think I understand what is going on now. But do I dare explain