Page 58 - BSAM 2015 Q1

Before and after photos of nursery-grown material in the process of being refined. The branches are cleaned, thinned out and wired as necessary and the branch tips are arranged like those in a Japanese-style pine bonsai to achieve well-defined branch pads.
Fertilizing; Fertilize with organic fertilizers during growth periods. Slow release fertilizers like Osmocote should be used at potting time. Casuarinas produce their own nitrates due to its ability to fix nitrogen in a symbiotic association with the bacteria Frankia sp. so the plant does not require nitrogen. The plant re- sponds well to fertilizers containing phosphates. Since Casuarinas grow naturally along seacoasts, spraying the roots with salt water periodically is recommended.
Repotting; Repotting should be carried out just prior to growth periods (early spring is best) as the buds swell. Drastic root pruning is not recommended. Only about 10% of the roots should be cut during re- potting. Part of the old soil around the roots should be
kept. Repotting should not be done during the rainy season as the sunlight is insufficient and roots tend to get waterlogged.
Disease and pests; Casuarina is relatively strong, resistant to disease and pests, however occasionally fungus attack can cause stem and leaf wilt and even- tual death. It is quite sensitive to improper drain- age or when the root system is disturbed during the repotting. The major biological cause of death is the mushroom root rot that causes dying-back, but this can be decreased in wetter condition with perfect drainage.
56 | BCI | April/May/June 2015