Page 57 - BSAM 2015 Q1

of the tree. Casuarina can also be easily grafted to grow new branches at designated points on the trunk.
Next step in the styling of the tree would be to achieve branch ramification. This is done by constant- ly pruning it. Pruning is generally done by regularly pinching with fingers. On the odd occasion one can use scissors to remove twigs heading in the wrong di- rection and to reduce the number of growths from any one point. Since each needle has the potential to grow into a branch, the unnecessary needles should be re- moved at the first stage, keeping only those needles re- quired to create the future branches and sub-branches. Casuarinas have strong apical dominance so if you allow one shoot to extend on a branch the remain- ing foliage will weaken pretty quickly. If you break the new shoots with your fingers while they are young you can avoid browning-off on the tips, which will hap- pen if you prune with scissors. In hot regions, leaving the cut needles on the soil surface creates mulch for the plant as well as protects the soil from overheat- ing and drying out too quickly. Casuarinas tend to get top-heavy very quickly which then causes the shaded lower branches to die back. Therefore regular pruning and thinning of the branches at the apex is mandatory.
For training of a Casuarina into nice looking bonsai, the pruning technique involves first creating a rami- fied branch structure, followed by creating pads or clusters of needles at the tips of the sub-branches. Ca- suarina is fast growing and so the best way to achieve ramification is constant pruning using the clip-and- grow method.
Once the overall styling of the tree has been achieved, the needles can be shortened on mature trees by removing all other growth and pulling away the excess needles between the branches. This will not cause browning like cutting does.
Jins and shari on Casuarinas do not last long and tend to rot in humid climate and in excessive rains.
Maintenance and care:
Casuarinas do well in full sunlight. In shady areas the branches tend to become thin and dieback is seen. Roots tend to rot if the soil does not dry in between the watering schedule. In India we occasionally add coarse salt granules (a tablespoon or two) into the Casuarina container depending on size, followed by copious watering for a healthy growth.
Temperature; Handles most climates well, even coastal areas and is tolerant of mild frosts. Keep moist in the heat of summer by spraying or misting.
Watering; Casuarinas should be watered so as to not completely dry out the soil.
Top; Casuarina equisetifolia from nursery-grown material in the collection of Archana Gupta.
Bottom left; A composition with a driftwood feature from nursery-grown material in the collection of Jyoti and Nikunj Parekh.
Bottom right; Casuarina equisetifolia forest from nursery- grown material by Archana Gupta and Krishna Gupta.
April/May/June 2015 | BCI | 55