Melaleuca LINARIIFOLIA

Melaleuca LINARIIFOLIA - Snow-in-summer, Flax-leaved paperbark, Tea tree, Melaleuca linariifolia.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Melaleuca is a large genus in the family Myrtaceae, comprising according to various classifications from 220 to more than 300 species of evergreen shrubs and trees distributed predominantly in Australia, as well as Malesia and New Caledonia. The greatest diversity of species is concentrated in southwestern Western Australia. Representatives of the genus inhabit a wide range of habitats - from swampy lowlands and watercourse banks to the poorest sandy soils, edges of salt marshes, and rocky plateaus. Many species are adapted to regular fires and regenerate from epicormic buds or root crowns.

All melaleucas are evergreen. Leaves range from scale-like to large, usually with translucent oil glands that give them a characteristic aroma when crushed. Flowers are small, gathered in spikes or heads resembling a bottle brush; ornamental appeal is provided by numerous brightly colored stamens united in bundles. Fruits are woody capsules, often remaining on stems for years and opening under the influence of fire or upon the plant's death. The genus is close to Callistemon, which differs in having free (not fused into bundles) stamens.

Melaleuca linariifolia grows as a large shrub or tree up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. It is characterized by branches with dark bark covered with fine hairs when young. Ovate leaves tapering toward the tip reach 1 cm (0.4 in) in length and 2.5 mm (0.1 in) in width. It blooms with white spike-like inflorescences with a cream or pink tint. Inflorescences about 10 cm (4 in) long and up to 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter gather at the ends of branches and consist of numerous groups of flowers, 3 per group.

Melaleuca seeds are small and light-colored. Before sowing, using growth stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, Epin, or Zircon) is recommended. Stratification and scarification are not required.

Sowing is performed year-round in a loose, well-drained substrate. Seeds require light for germination and are spread over the substrate surface without burying - if necessary, lightly sprinkled with sifted sand for fixation. Sown seeds are moistened from a spray bottle and kept at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) in partial shade. The substrate is kept constantly moist without waterlogging. Daily ventilation is mandatory.

Seedlings emerge within 14-42 days; the minimum period is about 14 days under optimal conditions, and the maximum possible is up to 6 weeks. Seeds can remain dormant until suitable conditions occur. After germination, the cover is removed gradually, and the substrate is kept slightly moist. Pricking out is performed after 3-4 true leaves develop - into individual small pots with drained substrate while preserving the root ball.

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Melaleuca is grown in full sun or light partial shade; in low light, flowering weakens. It tolerates open positions with strong winds well. Placement in sunny locations reduces fungal risk under conditions of moderate air humidity.

The optimal temperature during the period of active growth is 15-28 °C (59-82 °F). Mature plants tolerate brief light frosts down to -3 to -5 °C (27 to 23 °F), while young specimens are more sensitive. In temperate climates, it requires shelter or wintering in a cool place at 5-10 °C (41-50 °F). High summer air humidity combined with heat suppresses the plant and encourages fungal diseases.

Watering is moderate - the substrate is kept evenly moist during active growth, but without prolonged waterlogging. Water should be soft, at room temperature. After watering, excess water from the drip tray is drained. Young plants require more frequent watering until established; established adult specimens are drought-tolerant. Air humidity should be moderate. Leaf misting is not required.

The substrate used must be very loose, well-drained, preferably with an acidic or neutral reaction: a mixture of cactus substrate or universal potting soil with coarse sand or perlite (1/3 part). It grows well on limestone and granite soils. The pot must have drainage holes and a drainage layer at the bottom. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years. Fertilizers are applied once a year in spring using a slow-release fertilizer for Australian plants or a universal fertilizer with low phosphorus content - phosphorus is toxic in high doses to most Australian myrtles. After flowering, light formative pruning is performed to stimulate branching and maintain a compact form.

Semi-lignified cuttings 8-12 cm (3-5 in) long are cut in late summer to early autumn, lower leaves are removed, cuts are allowed to air-dry for several hours, and planted in a mixture of perlite and peat at 20-22 °C (68-72 °F). Rooting occurs within 4-8 weeks.