Twin Trunk Malus #1

Orion_metalhead · May 6, 2020

These two seeds grew together last year. Decided to keep them together. Growing well so far this year.

NOZZLE HEAD · May 7, 2020

What are your plans for these?

Orion_metalhead · May 7, 2020

For now, letting them grow. I think Id like the right tree smaller than the left tree. Ill probably prune with that in mind.

NOZZLE HEAD · May 7, 2020

Makes a lot of sense.

I have a lot Japanese maple seedlings in my collection. It takes more time to start from a seedling but I like the process.

Orion_metalhead · Oct 20, 2020

End of year on these:

Age: 2yrs
Width: .33" and .30"
Height: 15" and 21"

I changed the front to this side. I like the way it highlights the front tree's roots... like they are hanging over a stream bed or something.

Next year, I'd like to wire the back tree slightly to the right and towards the front. Also will leabe the front tree to grow unrestrained to add girth to it's trunk, while trimming the back tree to try and restrain it slightly.

Orion_metalhead · Apr 28, 2021

This morning. Doing well. Ive been keeping a satchel of fertilizer (4-3-3) on the tree, since it wasnt repotted at all. It looks full and healthy. Will do some pruning on it later this year. I want a slightly heavier lean to the right so next repot I may shift slightly.

Orion_metalhead · Oct 10, 2021

End of year. Happy with progress. Needs repot next year.

Orion_metalhead · Mar 19, 2022

Did a little prune and repotted. Tree was pushing up quite a bit. Soil is Saf-t-Sorb, Perlite, Bark mixture.

Orion_metalhead · Oct 2, 2022

End of year. Need to reign in small tree and let big tree grow unimpeded next year to get some size differentiation between the trunks. The small tree needs a prune up top, especially the right branch, back to smaller twigs, and a little wire to bring a branch frontwards. I like the composition. It needs to turn counterclockwise just slightly to show a back branch on the front tree. I like the moss at the base as well. Drains well, no repot next year unless something drastic happens this winter.

Orion_metalhead · Mar 26, 2023

Looks like the top branch didnt make it. No big deal. Happy with the spring foliage. Should grow well this year.

Orion_metalhead · Mar 31, 2023

Ill take a close up of the bark at the base. The right tree looks to be getting some texture.

Orion_metalhead · May 21, 2023

Pruned up today

Orion_metalhead · Aug 20, 2023

Today. Done well. Just letting grow rest of season. I think this fall Im going to slip into a grow box to get some massive growth next season and let grow unrestrained. Its been in the small pot for a few years and may need some space.

Orion_metalhead · Nov 17, 2023

End of year. I'm conflicted with my plans for next year. While I see the advantage of growing this out in a larger box, I also like the restrained slow and controlled growth in the small pot. The left main tree still gained thickness this year, which is what I wanted, and there are plenty of healthy buds for next year. Soil still drains great also so... I think I'm going to wait another year on repot. Maybe I can find a new pot for the pair that is the same size but I'd like a glazed green I think.

End of Year:

Top Down:

After some minor tip pruning:

Orion_metalhead · Mar 17, 2024

Starting to lead out.

Orion_metalhead · Jul 14, 2024

Pruned a little, fertilized. Probably needs a repot next year into a more appropriate glazed pot. Maybe one of the two new @sorce pots I recently bought.

Orion_metalhead · Nov 2, 2024

Starting to mature nicely. Next year needs a repot. Still deciding what to move it to but this new acquisition pot looks like a good option. Its about 2" larger and 1" deeper. It should be a good option to grow out but still look good. Also considering a slight rotation to best show off branching. Wired some slight apical movement.

Current front:

Current nebari

Potential new pot

This slight rotation shows this branch off better. It also tightens the gap between them, which I like.

Some wire..

Orion_metalhead · Mar 15, 2025

Repotted today. Should have plenty of room in new pot to grow out. Need to bring rightmost branch foward... should be easily done through regular pruning.