AusBonsai

have just bought bottle tree . but need help on how to prepare it for bonsai .
please advise , how much of root sytem do i cut off ?
how much off the foliage top , ect ect ?
appreciate help on this

Hey ZZiggy,

A pic would be really helpful so we can give you the best advice for your tree.

I have several bottle trees & treat them all differently given what I want them to be doing. In general you can cut them back hard, leaving only the tuber like main root/s and the top to a bare stump no problems during the warmer months.

Matt

Edit:- spelling

will put pic up tomorrow Matt .
TKU

tree is approx 1 metre tall

Based on info received through my cactus & succulent society people i have decided to totally remove the roots and cut the canopy back hard. I have planted the now soil less top and root remnants in a 50/50 mix of Akadama and Kanuma. As a test I am also trying to see if the roots will sprout.

Forever in Bonsai,
Zyggy.

Be interesting to see how this one performs?
Keep us appraised of it progress please

Ken

I have grown a QLD bottle tree for about 5 years. The roots are a bit of a problem for me - maybe lack of experience? Two weeks ago I removed them and just repotted. I didn't trim the leaves as the tree stores enough water to keep it growing for about 6 months. Hopefully I get some better roots. The last lot looked like a T intersection