AusBonsai

Just a quick question on the tuffness of our natives, I have recently wired a Casuarina & I have made some pretty tight bends on both semi new growth (brown but very pliable) and green shoots. I heard a few cracks on cone bends so I re straightened that section out to allow the crack to reseal. I haven't posted any images yet as I did this last night & would like to let it grow for a few weeks so I can post it in the Aust Native comp.

In your experience will new growth on Casuarinas tolerate some pretty heavy bending & wiring?

Cheers

Ryan Bridges

Hi Ryan,
I think one word is sufficient TOUGH. you should have no drama with these trees and if you do loose a branch another should pop out from the scar.
Craig

G'day Ryan,

You will have no problems bending and twisting your Casuarina! Even if you see the bark crack or split a bit, don't stop. They will heal very fast if the cracking is only on one side.

Here is one I did quickly this morning to show you how I treat them. It's a 6 month old C. cunninghamiana cutting, approximately 10mm diameter and growing in medium grade Akadama. I have done much more radical bending on younger/thinner stock and branches.
And here is another one that was only ever intended to be an experiment. 3 whips plaited together in October 2009. They have fused very well and the shape I wired into the trunk/s has set too.
Just go for it mate and be as radical as you feel comfortable with. Document anything interesting you do so we can all learn together.

Regards,
Steven

Just a short reply. As Nails

Steven; you GUN!

Excellent all. I will prob post a few images tomorrow to satisfy your curiosity

Cheers

Ryan