My First Bonsai

[alexb21]

Hello Forum! I just got my first bonsai and I'm really excited about it. I hope we will get along well.
First, a little background. I'm Alex and I'm from Romania. I received my bonsai as a gift. Unfortunately I couldn't even identify what type of bonsai is it. I'll attach a picture of it in the post.
[url=https://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?I=1&u=15454242][img]https://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/15/45/42/42/dsc03410.jpg[/img][/url]
I encountered some difficulties finding info for beginners. I hope you can help me out.
1. What type of bonsai is it ?
2. I've noticed some flies around it ever since I got it. Are they harmful? I'll attach some picture of its leaves. They seem dry or eaten.
3. I don't have any ideea how to maintain it. How often to water it? When and how to prune it?
[url=https://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?I=2&u=15454242][img]https://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/15/45/42/42/dsc03411.jpg[/img][/url]

I've searched the internet for these questions but I couldn't find a definitive answer. Maybe you can help me. Thank you very much.

[linlaoboo]

try finding out where it came from and ask the seller. From the markings on the bark it could be some kind of Ficus. Look for bugs in the soil. Wet soil tends to attract bugs and flies so let it dry out more between watering.

[alexb21]

I received it as a gift. I found out that it's either a ficus or a Ligustrum Sinese. I don't know exactly which of them is sadly.

[Gnome]

Alex,

Hello and welcome to the forum. To me your tree does not resemble a Ficus but I could not identify it. Of the two choices you have presented I feel that it more closely resembles the Ligustrum. Ficus do not have oppossite leaves. It's hard to tell from you pictures so you should take a closer look and then check Google for images to confirm.

Norm

[alexb21]

Thanks Gnome!

I've read more articles on the internet and I'm pretty sure it's a Ligustrum. This is my first plant(except from a cactus which basically grows itself) so I don't know how to tend it.
I'm particularly worried about pruning it. I'm afraid of damaging the tree. I've looked for basic info, but all the sites seem to think that I'm already a gardener. Also, is it ok to prune it now or should I wait for spring?

Thanks again!

[linlaoboo]

I think this link will help you

https://www.bonsaiempire.com/html/species-ligustrum.html

[djlen]

Yes, that certainly does look like Privet to me. I have them growing all over my yard as hedge and also a few in training as Bonsai.
They are, IMO one of the best plants (any of the cultivars) for newbies to start off with. Very forgiving of mistakes in all ways. Very fast to grow and develop. Very tolerant of over watering and also of cold in Winter. They need little protection when Wintering over. Very forgiving of over watering but they don't like to be dry. Keep it evenly moist and prune it to your taste. This plant loves pruning and training and will respond quickly to both.

[alexb21]

Thanks for the info I pruned it a little today. It looks a lot better now.

[Gnome]

Alex,

I have been doing some work on a different species of Privet. The species I have does not have the wavy leaves, perhaps that is part of why I did not initially recognize it. Anyway, I have found that my species requires re-potting every year. I always prune the roots agressively and by the following spring the pot is full of roots again. Just a little heads-up.

Norm

[alexb21]

Thanks. Mine's pretty full of roots but I think it'll last until spring and I'll repot it then.

[butter1958]

can u keep a burn busb bonsai in side.[quote][/quote]

[nicklangevin]

can u keep a burn busb bonsai in side.

No. Burning Bush need to go through dormancy in winter. Plus, you miss the best part of having a Burning Bush if you never let it go through it's fall color change.