Total Bonsai Novice...

[bubba]

Hi Guys,

Got given a Bonsai for my 18th Birthday which was on Saturday, not entirely sure why, think because it was different they thought it would be a cool gift which I suppose it is. I don't want to kill it before I get a chance to learn about it, read lots about it fromt he site but it doesnt tell you basic info, so what things should I do to it, eg basic maintanance type of things, watering I'm guessing would be good start.....

Sorry I dotn even do gardening, cutting the grass is where my talents end so been dropped in at the deep end here!

Thanks for any replies

[Sharp]

Happy birthday.


What kind of tree is it?

This is where we need to start.

[JoeLewko]

If you're not sure what it is, post a pic of it and we'll help identify it.

[Gnome]

Bubba,

An identification is neccessary in order to provide specific information, your location is also meaningful. For now, some common mistakes are keeping the tree inside and overwatering.
Keep it outside where it gets morning sun. Do not water the tree on any kind of schedule, but instead when it is nearly dry. This is just preliminary advice.

Does it look like this?

[url]https://www.1888orchids.com/images/804.jpg[/url]

Norm

[bubba]

ow how embarassing, I thought you only got one type! lol!

Thanks Sharp, its a definately the most interesting present I got, part from the cheque from the aunt I never speak to......could buy lots of trees with that !

Its in a small cley pot which is what the site said was good for them, watered it last night before I went to bed, and its in my porch which doesnt have central heating and gets plenty of sun at the moment. I stay in Kilmarnock, west of Scotland ( cold and miserable! lol ). Does that help?

Its not the one in that picture no, well I don't think it is.


[img]https://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/bubba_wf/Bonsai.jpg[/img]

Hope that picture works, thanks for all your replies and hope you can help once you see the picture.

[Gnome]

Bubba,

I would have to say that it is a Chinese Elm - Ulmus parvifolia. A very popular bonsai subject. I have been keeping mine in full sun, 8 to 10 hours of strong sunlight each day. don't keep it too wet or let it dry out entirely either. Here is a picture that is a little better in focus, although it does not appear to be very healthy.

[url]https://www.thebonsaiguide.com/imgspot/nb_a02l.jpg[/url]

Do you agree with this identification? The leaves are small, probably not much larger than 1/2 inch long.

Norm

[bubba]

yea that looks about right. Ive just been watering it every so often, like once a day is that enough? Its inside at the moment, am I better to move it outside?

[Gnome]

Bubba,

I prefer to keep mine outside until about Thanksgiving, with winter protection in an unheated garage. Some keep them inside where they will be evergreen. I would suggest keeping it outside at least until late fall. From then it is your choice wether you want to let it go fully dormant or bring it indoors where it will put on a new set of leaves. Where are you located?
Water as needed not on any schedule, don't keep it constantly soggy. Your soil should drain freely not puddle on top.

[url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ulmus.html[/url]

Norm