pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsus)

[Andrew F]

Hi Gang,
Ive had this NZ xmas bush for awhile now, i had to slip pot it as it was very pot bound (as you can tell by the pics)

Do i have potensai on my hands or did i waste $5????





Usual deal, how much and how far back can i chop it in one go?
Do they reduce?

[rowan]

I think that has lots of potential.
I have been meaning to try these for a while - I love how they make aerial roots (rare for a non-tropical tree) and have been interested to see if they will do it as bonsai.
Anyway - I think you shouldn't touch it now till it regains its vigour and starts putting out new shoots. They should be a tough tree so I don't think it will hurt if you get impatient and give it a prune now though.

[Andrew F]

I think that has lots of potential.
I have been meaning to try these for a while - I love how they make aerial roots (rare for a non-tropical tree) and have been interested to see if they will do it as bonsai.
Anyway - I think you shouldn't touch it now till it regains its vigour and starts putting out new shoots. They should be a tough tree so I don't think it will hurt if you get impatient and give it a prune now though.

Thanks Rowan.

I particularly am fond of the rugged bark on these trees, i hope you can source some as cheap as i got them

I should of mentioned it was slip potted weeks ago, ive only just got around to photos and posing the question.

[izzykay]

can cut hard, will get new growth easy. i have to constantly rub new growth on mine. wood is tuff too

[Andrew F]

can cut hard, will get new growth easy. i have to constantly rub new growth on mine. wood is tuff too

Okay thank you Izzy, do you have any pics of yours for reference???