Hi

Nice to see anyone trying to Bonsai the Eucalypts.

Yes it does have a tap root but I believe many worry too much about cutting the taproot.

The correct name for the main regenerating organ of the Euc. is "lignotuber", it is found as a swelling at the base of t he tree. However, in many species they can also regenerate from epicormic buds all along the trunk. All very handy for recovering from fire and very useful for the Bonsai-ist.

Despite what many will say the Euc. can tolerate root pruning very successfully if appropriate precautions are taken (I have done this on many ocassions - one of my gum trees has been in full Bonsai training for over 20 years).

Put simply if you root prune a Euc. you must not let the root ball become dry at all for 3 to 4 weeks. After that normal Bonsai treatment will be adequate. Over several years of root pruning they become better able to withstand root pruning with minimal stress.

I am sure that many will disagree but this has been my actual experience over many years of Bonsai practice.

regards

dennis Mc

So, usual bonsai after care? Usual trainer pot? (Deep-ish, that is.) And nothing too fancy until the root system has adjusted itself...(aka no instant bonsai).

dennis Mc, thank you very much.

(One is quite compact and 'feathery' with its leaves. The other is more 'willowy'. They've both got personality, and I hope I can keep it that way.)