AusBonsai

so i have got my very own Leptospermum (mesmer eyes)

i was wanting to know is there anything i will need to keep in mind?
what time of year?
any soil needs?
and general root maintenance?

They grow very strongly in open soil, I prefer to repot more often and go easier on the roots. Remove about one third of the roots annually. Half the roots every 2 years can be a bit harsh. Spring to summer would be the best time, or when there is fresh growth happening

Gerard wrote:They grow very strongly in open soil, I prefer to repot more often and go easier on the roots. Remove about one third of the roots annually. Half the roots every 2 years can be a bit harsh. Spring to summer would be the best time, or when there is fresh growth happening

thanks, do you find them to be good bonsai? could i maybe have a look at yours if thats okay?

you should consider joining the local bonsai club in your area.

Depending on what comes out of this thread, the wiki should get updated too.
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... ptospermum

Alek Stead wrote:and general root maintenance?

If it's Leptospermum scoparium then you need to be very careful of the roots. I've had a nursery man recommend repotting underwater to avoid damaging the roots. Haven't tried as I've had my heart broken too many times.

The branches tend to be brittle so they're more of a clip-and-grow proposition.

They are absolutely beautiful little trees, with fine ramification, small leaves, delightful flowers and bark with character.

If it's Leptospermum scoparium then you need to be very careful of the roots. I've had a nursery man recommend repotting underwater to avoid damaging the roots. Haven't tried as I've had my heart broken too many times.

The branches tend to be brittle so they're more of a clip-and-grow proposition.

They are absolutely beautiful little trees, with fine ramification, small leaves, delightful flowers and bark with character.[/quote]

thanks, yea mines got nice bark and its still a young tree. cheers for the advice

You need to think about why you want to re-pot, new pot choice? Is it root bound or in a very poor mix?

If it's for a new pot I would wait for spring.

Generally people say you shouldn't re-pot if the tree is unhealthy however, I had a large Petersonii that I chopped hard in summer which didn't shoot back as much as I had hoped.

I decided to re-pot late March as it was very heavily root bound, cut off at least 50% of the root ball with little to no media left in the web of fine roots.

It immediately responded with vigorous growth all over and is powering on now like never before.

I am an advocate of a point Shibui brings up often that people are finding out old steadfast rules don't always have to be followed, success is often in the care taken during the procedure with respect to tree's health and the after care you can afford it.

MacGuyver wrote:You need to think about why you want to re-pot, new pot choice? Is it root bound or in a very poor mix?

If it's for a new pot I would wait for spring.

Generally people say you shouldn't re-pot if the tree is unhealthy however, I had a large Petersonii that I chopped hard in summer which didn't shoot back as much as I had hoped.

I decided to re-pot late March as it was very heavily root bound, cut off at least 50% of the root ball with little to no media left in the web of fine roots.

It immediately responded with vigorous growth all over and is powering on now like never before.

I am an advocate of a point Shibui brings up often that people are finding out old steadfast rules don't always have to be followed, success is often in the care taken during the procedure with respect to tree's health and the after care you can afford it.

Well said Shibui and MacGuyver

Kevin

thanks all, this is all very helpful to me