Re: Potted bottle tree okay to trim?

SausageTreeSlim;794243 Wrote: 
> Hello everyone,
> 
> I'm in the UK and and about five years ago I bought a small Queensland
> bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris) from a garden centre and it's been
> growing happily in a pot in my front room since then.
> 
> As it now stands about 2 metres tall it's reached the ceiling and run
> out of room to grow upwards - can anyone advise me if I can trim the
> top off without damaging its health?
> 
> Or alternatively, would it be happy outdoors from now on? - I think I
> read somewhere that they can survive occasional frosts, and UK winters
> tend not to be all that harsh now.
> 
> Many thanks in advance for any help :)

Hi Sausagetreeslim.  What is a Sausage Tree ??.  I have a Queensland
Bottle tree that I hope to develop as a Bonsai at some stage in its
life.  Just wanted to let you know that I have cut it back twice in 6
years to a dormant bud down the trunk and it has sprouted new branches
at that point each time.  I have also reduced root ball to expose
roots.  The tree has lived outside in semi shade in a plastic garden
pot.  We are heading into winter in Oz so I will wait a till just
before spring to reduce the trunk one more time.  It is currently about
1/2 metre.  I would give yours a spell outside as you are heading into
summer and take to it with your pruning saw.  Be brave..you can bring
it back into the house during your autumn/winter period once the new
shoots have come away.  dont overwater..that is easy here as we dont
have any water.
Regards
Dennis




-- 
Dennis Le Cornu