AusBonsai

I bought this Banksia serrata yesterday at Flower Power. They were having a "10-90% off" sale so I picked up this guy for $4.50 It is 80cm tall and the base is 5cm across. Haven't really given much thought as to how to style it as yet. I might just let it grow to really thicken up the base and go from there.

Chop it above the low shoots and wait for the buds!!

What do you think would cause the base to thicken quickest, growing in large foam box as is or by cutting as suggested and growing in same foam box?

Banksia serrata will fatten while constricted in a smaller pot than you would think. The lignotuber will swell and give some taper.

Conversely if you put it in the ground, feed and water it well you will end up with a telegraph pole; ie no taper at all.

To cut or not to cut. That is the question. Is it nobler in the ....oooops sorry.

Chop it a few inches, millimeters, 10 times less centimeters above the existing buds.

Wait for the new buds to grow, thin out and allow to elongate, then trim back and repot into the styrofoam.

Good luck,

Grant

Thanks guys

Looks like a good project for Australia day

i was looking at one of these today, i might just hold back though as the size wasnt great for the price. i might even be able to find a wild one in the bush out the back of my place

as for your tree i would chop back hard, repot into the styro and feed her up, i reckon it will boom!

jamie