too early to prune Natal Plum? - bonsaiTALK Community

8-May-2005	#1
WinterGreen bonsaiTALK Neophyte Join Date: May-2005 Location: Maine Country: USA USDA Zone: 5 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9	too early to prune Natal Plum? A few Q's about Natal Plums: How old are they when they begin to flower? I have read that if you prune flowering bonsai too early you may ruin the chances for some flowers the next growing season. I have also read that the natal plum should be pruned/repotted in the fall. So if my plant (probably about 2 y.o.) is too young to flower, do I need to wait for the fall to prune it? Should I try and force more growth before the growing season is over or be patient and wait for the fall? I am lost as how to prune this tree so any and all advice you guys can give me would be great!!! Also there is a reddish tinge to some of the leaves. Is this normal? It was in the tropical greenhouse when I bought it (the red was already present). Am I wrong in assuming that it is because it may have recieved too much sun or heat? __________________ I am a newbie! If I ask repeat Q's, just direct me to the right thread. Last edited by WinterGreen : 8-May-2005 at 02:09 PM.

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16-May-2005

BonsaiMon

bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman

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Hi WinterGreen,

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinterGreen

A few Q's about Natal Plums:

How old are they when they begin to flower?

Since most natal plums are started from cuttings .. blooming is not a problem.
Providing the environment for them to bloom is more the issue. Warm, above 70 F and humid..with partial to full sun.
I have one kept in a greenhouse and recently worked the roots and no branch prunning and it is pushing flowers as I write.. It flowers from the tips .. so if you prune alot you will get ramification of branches but no blooms.. or very few.
I have read that if you prune flowering bonsai too early you may ruin the chances for some flowers the next growing season. I have also read that the natal plum should be pruned/repotted in the fall. So if my plant (probably about 2 y.o.) is too young to flower, do I need to wait for the fall to prune it? Should I try and force more growth before the growing season is over or be patient and wait for the fall?

I am lost as how to prune this tree so any and all advice you guys can give me would be great!!!

Also there is a reddish tinge to some of the leaves. Is this normal? It was in the tropical greenhouse when I bought it (the red was already present). Am I wrong in assuming that it is because it may have recieved too much sun or heat?

The reddish color is natural to the natal plum.

peace,
tom stoute

__________________
peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/

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