Sparkling Plum

Ml_work · 07-20-2008, 12:31 AM

I had noticed this small tree at Wal-Mart a few weeks ago. The trunk had what I thought nice curves from just natural growth. It did not look $13.00 nice so I left it. Passing by on my sat trip to wal-mart I saw most all plants on a $5.00 table. It looked a bit better now. I plan to let it grow until next year in the existing pot. Has anyone ever used one as bonsai?

"Loropetalum Chinese / Sparkling Plum

Have A Great Day!
Michael

shrimpy · 07-21-2008, 05:20 AM

Hi Michael
I grow Loropetalum Burgundy for both lollypop standards and shrubs.
I have found that the trunk stays thin while in containers but in the ground will thicken up very quickly also they back bud like mad in the ground.
Loropetalum are acid loving so be carful with fert.
I don't know your weather patterns but they don't like extremes in temps
check out www.alibaba.com/product-gs/200913174/bonsai.html

Shrimpy

Ml_work · 07-21-2008, 11:58 PM

Thanks Shrimpy, I will check out the site. I did put some standard Miracle Grow fert. on it, maybe I should remove (small BB size pellets) it and get something for acid loving. I was planning to leave it in the pot it came in for the next year, the soil drains well. But with your info I may put it in the grow to get some fast growth. It is under my pines now, sun most of the day through the pines.
Thanks,
Michael

ficusfanatic · 07-23-2008, 03:06 AM

never seen or used one but i like the curves and the flat alternating leaf habit. now lets get that trunk a little bigger!

Ml_work · 07-24-2008, 11:38 PM

FF, I agree with increase of the trunk. From what Shrimpy says that will be best achieved if I stick it in the ground. The soil it is in is fast daring, I was planning to leave it in there for the year at least. The thing about in the ground, I have plenty of room here but have to carry the water to back of my lot to water them...I am thinking on this.
Thanks,
ML

shrimpy · 07-26-2008, 04:17 AM

Hi Michael
Here's a pic to give you something to aim for

Shrimpy

Ml_work · 07-27-2008, 01:17 AM

WOW !
is that yours?
ML

shrimpy · 07-28-2008, 03:43 AM

Hi Michael

Unfortunatly it is not my tree
The pic was sent to me by a friend while he was in Europe he didn't say where he took it.

Shrimpy

Ml_work · 08-21-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:Loropetalum are acid loving so be carful with fert

Shrimpy,
I did not have any acid fertilizer so I used some standard MG (has worked great with some other plants) on the tree. It is not dying, but it is not growing either. Is it bad to use regular fertilize on this tree...?...is the fact it is not "acid" fertilize stopping it from growing?
Thanks,
ML

shrimpy · 08-22-2008, 04:43 AM

Hi Michael
Most standard fertilizers will not be a problem to Loropetalums just Don't
put any Lime or Lime based fert anywhere near them.

Is your plant still in the pot?
If so whats the moisture level of the soil?
You need to keep the soil moist but don't over water to get good growth.

What are your temps around mid-day? if they are say 26 C or above you need to give your plant shade.

Shrimpy

07-21-2008, 05:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
shrimpy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Waikato, NZ Posts: 56	Hi Michael I grow Loropetalum Burgundy for both lollypop standards and shrubs. I have found that the trunk stays thin while in containers but in the ground will thicken up very quickly also they back bud like mad in the ground. Loropetalum are acid loving so be carful with fert. I don't know your weather patterns but they don't like extremes in temps check out www.alibaba.com/product-gs/200913174/bonsai.html Shrimpy __________________ Protect your dreams for they will carry you beyond all obstacles.

07-28-2008, 03:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
shrimpy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Waikato, NZ Posts: 56	Hi Michael Unfortunatly it is not my tree The pic was sent to me by a friend while he was in Europe he didn't say where he took it. Shrimpy __________________ Protect your dreams for they will carry you beyond all obstacles.

08-22-2008, 04:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
shrimpy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Waikato, NZ Posts: 56	Hi Michael Most standard fertilizers will not be a problem to Loropetalums just Don't put any Lime or Lime based fert anywhere near them. Is your plant still in the pot? If so whats the moisture level of the soil? You need to keep the soil moist but don't over water to get good growth. What are your temps around mid-day? if they are say 26 C or above you need to give your plant shade. Shrimpy __________________ Protect your dreams for they will carry you beyond all obstacles.

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07-21-2008, 11:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ml_work Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 172	Thanks Shrimpy, I will check out the site. I did put some standard Miracle Grow fert. on it, maybe I should remove (small BB size pellets) it and get something for acid loving. I was planning to leave it in the pot it came in for the next year, the soil drains well. But with your info I may put it in the grow to get some fast growth. It is under my pines now, sun most of the day through the pines. Thanks, Michael

07-23-2008, 03:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
ficusfanatic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, Co Posts: 16	never seen or used one but i like the curves and the flat alternating leaf habit. now lets get that trunk a little bigger!

07-24-2008, 11:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ml_work Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 172	FF, I agree with increase of the trunk. From what Shrimpy says that will be best achieved if I stick it in the ground. The soil it is in is fast daring, I was planning to leave it in there for the year at least. The thing about in the ground, I have plenty of room here but have to carry the water to back of my lot to water them...I am thinking on this. Thanks, ML

07-27-2008, 01:17 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ml_work Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 172	WOW ! is that yours? ML

08-21-2008, 12:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
Ml_work Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 172	Quote:Loropetalum are acid loving so be carful with fert Shrimpy, I did not have any acid fertilizer so I used some standard MG (has worked great with some other plants) on the tree. It is not dying, but it is not growing either. Is it bad to use regular fertilize on this tree...?...is the fact it is not "acid" fertilize stopping it from growing? Thanks, ML

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