loz3002
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Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2009 12:05 pm

help identifying what type of tree/whether it is healthy

hi there
I got bought a bonsai tree in the new year and left it at my boyfriends parents and have only just got it back 2 days ago (they live very far away) and I have no idea what type of tree it and whether it is healthy or not

any help would be much appreciated

thankyou

[img]https://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/loz3002/DSC01191.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/loz3002/DSC01192.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/loz3002/DSC01193.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/loz3002/DSC01195.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/loz3002/DSC01196.jpg[/img]
Last edited by loz3002 on Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:54 am, edited 1 time in total.

GreenBrain
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Location: British Columbia, Canada

Scrape a tiny bit of bark off to see if there is still green flesh underneath. If there is then there is hope. Wait for it to refoliate and post pictures of the leaves.
The trunk reminds me of a schefflera but the secondary branching is too twiggy for that.
Ficus maybe?

loz3002
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hiall, I know its alive as I scraped the bark off and it is green :) I took it to a bonsai shop and found out it is a chinese elm and that I did the right thing in rescueing it...it just needs abit of tlc and he said it will come into full leaf in 2-3 weeks so ill post pictures then thanks for the help :)

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uzeyr
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Location: rochdale,manchester

looks like a carmona but thing is it wouldnt loose its leaves like that so maybe it really is an elm
I guess the only way u will find out is if it leaves begin to show lol

killyspike
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Location: Norwich UK

Before I read the reply on the shop saying it was a chinese elm I thought to myself it could also be a chinese elm. I've seen many shops that sell chinese elms with the unnatural curved trunk its a very common seller certainly over here. I think chinese elms are great but its difficult to find a tree that hasn't been spoilt by the manufacturers curving the trunk like that. So yeah familiarity says to me that it is a chinese elm.
Like I've said before its not the trees fault but the tree still has the right to be cared for :)
Read the very important guidelines about watering bonsai correctly, create a humidity tray if kept indoors and it should start to leaf very soon.

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Gnome
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Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

loz3002,

Although the overall shape is indeed reminiscent of imported Chinese Elms the arrangement of the buds does not 'seem right' to me. Since the shop told you it was an Elm I suppose you have to go with that until something indicates otherwise.

The soil is also the typical commercial soil that causes so much trouble. I don't like it at all.

Norm

loz3002
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yeah I noticed the soil wasn't up to scratch and I have an inkling that it has too much potasium/iron in it I can't remember which one at the moment as there is almost chalky substance around the base of the trunk..but what soil would you reccomend?

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Bogascareworker
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Hi loz, I guaranty you'v got a Carmona. The fluffy nodes "nobbly bits" are obvious :), look it up and check it out... I'v got one to.
Oh yeah, It would look much better without that lowest branch, go on chop it off :D... Enjoy.

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Gnome
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loz3002,
yeah I noticed the soil wasn't up to scratch...but what soil would you reccomend?
If you intend to mix your own look [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422]here[/url] for tips but I suggest you hurry.

If you are inclined to purchase soil [url=https://www.kaizenbonsai.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=440]here[/url] is one in the UK that looks good to me. I'm sure there are others, perhaps even locally. Be aware though that not everything that is labeled 'bonsai' is of equal quality, I've seen some pretty bad mixes out there.

Some things to keep in mind when choosing is how important texture, drainage and aeration are to a potted tree. Compare the picture at the link I posted to the soil in your pot and the difference is readily apparent.

Norm

loz3002
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I have the soil root hook and mesh now to repot my bonsai ive heard that this can cause alot of stress to the tree so I'm abit worried about doing it now but I suppose causing it abit of stress now would bebetter than keepig it in that soil and before the leaves come in?

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majed
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Location: pakistan

soil is looking too misty keep to avoid too much watering and remember bonsai are like child take care of them..



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