Page 1 of 1
$15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 14th, 2013, 3:32 pm
by Rory
I decided to take a large $15 nursery challenge as I have no real established Melaleucas other than starters. I purchased this Melaleuca in April 2013, this year for $15.00 It was sitting amongst others, but all his friends were just straight up and down pole trunks, and this really caught my eye. I cut its head off the day I took it home and it has now produced buds and shoots in all the right places, and I've taken off the unwanted ones. I am looking forward to seeing how this fat guy develops. Unfortunately it did not come with a tag, so I do not know what type of Melaleuca it is, but its leaves are thin and needle-like.
Before the cut (April 2013):
After the cut (August 2013, today):

Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 14th, 2013, 4:04 pm
by Jason
Lover paperbarks

think this could turn out really nice! Look forward to seeing where you take it
It might be a Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, but am not 100% sure sorry
Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 14th, 2013, 5:28 pm
by klaery
Great base

Keep us postted on its progress
Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 16th, 2013, 9:37 am
by Rory
Jason wrote:Lover paperbarks

think this could turn out really nice! Look forward to seeing where you take it
It might be a Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, but am not 100% sure sorry
Thanks for that. Looking at the images of the foliage on google, you might be right. Being a novice plant identifier myself, I don't know how many other mels have this type of foliage, but thanks for that.
klaery wrote:Great base

Keep us postted on its progress
Cheers mate.

I am excited about this one, as it seems to naturally know where I want to take it, and is helping me.

Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 16th, 2013, 1:58 pm
by Alan Peck
Nice find.
You will find that is a Melaluka Nodosa. Common name is Prickly leaf Paperbark. Make sure you use phosphrus free fert.
I have one about the same size and it is looking good with good growth. (At the moment)
If you use wire on it don't wrap it very tight because of the soft bark and watch it closely for any signs of marking. Guy wiring is better with soft packing at the branch.
They like plenty of water so mine sits in shallow plastic food tray with 1/2 inch of water in it permanantly.
Shall post a pic if you like.
Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 16th, 2013, 4:38 pm
by Jason
Alan Peck wrote:Nice find.
You will find that is a Melaluka Nodosa. Common name is Prickly leaf Paperbark.
Thankyou for that clarification

Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: August 16th, 2013, 5:37 pm
by Pup
Melaleuca rhaphiophylla has a hollow needle, this one does resemble this species.
As for Phosphates I have used fertilisers that have an NPK rating of 14. 4.4. 28 with no Problems even on the Proteaceae family.
Cheers Pup
Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: December 23rd, 2013, 9:39 am
by Elmar
Pup wrote:Melaleuca rhaphiophylla has a hollow needle, this one does resemble this species.
As for Phosphates I have used fertilisers that have an NPK rating of 14. 4.4. 28 with no Problems even on the Proteaceae family.
Cheers Pup
What brand is that, Pup? or can you mix it yourself … Is there a brand/ type fertiliser that is recommended by the more experienced of this group?
Cheers
EZ
Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: June 17th, 2016, 6:54 pm
by Pearcy001
Hi Rory,
Looks like the links have unfortunately broken to the original photos.
Any chance of posting them again aswell as an update? I love seeing the changes in a trees progression
Cheers,
Pearcy.
Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk
Re: $15 Melaleuca attempt
Posted: June 18th, 2016, 9:02 am
by Rory
Sorry Pearcy,
This was killed from a lack of sun and constantly being eaten by wallabies quite a while ago.
I think the only Mels that I have left now are luecadendra... and maybe still an armillaris.

The rest were eaten, shaded or attacked by myrtle rust and I didn't get onto them quick enough.