Fukien Tea

[Richkid]

Hello Everybody,
I've always admired Bonsai trees but never owned one of my own. My wife knows I like them and have an interest in cultivating, so she decided to buy me my first as a surprise present! She purchased a Fukien Tea tree from a bonsai shop here in Pennsylvania. I was just wondering if anyone could supply me with some ground rules and things to watch for with this specific tree. Thanks a lot in advance for your time and help!

[Gnome]

Richkid,

Hello and welcome to the forum from a another PA resident. I don't grow this species but others here do so hopefully someone else will chime in soon. For now the important things are not to allow it to get too cold and to monitor the moisture in the soil closely. Check out the chopstick method for watering that can be found here:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479

Glued on rocks as a top-dressing, or even moss, is best removed so that you can monitor the soil and water as necessary. Supplemental lighting certainly will not hurt. This can be as simple as a CFL in a clamp on fixture.

Don't be too anxious to make changes to the tree. Re-potting and restyling can wait until you get to know the plant better and the weather is more conducive to growth.

Often mass produced bonsai (mallsai ) are potted in poor soil so begin to research what makes up a decent, free draining, bonsai soil. Have a look here to begin with:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

Here are some other links that should help:

hhttp://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/FukienTea.html
https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Carmona.html

Norm

[linlaoboo]

Richkid,

Norm is right as in any newly purchased bonsai not to disturb it until its used to the new environment. The FT isn't the easiest bonsai species to take care of so a bit of monitoring in the beginning is a must. It definately likes alot of light. In our climate it'll be an indoor tree in the winter without any dormancy where growth will be much slower. It can be left outdoors from May to Sept. Don't be alarmed if a few leaves turn yellow and black from time to time. It's telling you conditions aren't ideal. Don't allow the soil to be soaking wet all the time as it'll definately get yellow leaves that fall off. Cold temperature <60 deg F and wind draft cause that too. Allow the soil to go a bit dry but water alot when you do. It can drink water pretty fast on hot days and you'll notice the pot become lighter really fast in a fast draining bonsai soil so a tray of water under the pot will help so you don't have to water it every day. Careful not to leave too much water in the tray cuz it'll cause root if the soil gets too much water from the drain holes. Original soil have a tendency to become water clogged so the roots may not get water properly therefore soil change in the Spring is recommended every couple years. The leaves will turn brittle and droopy if the soil is allowed to dry too long. The leaves will become less shinny if it doesn't get enough light. Fertilize it from Spring to fall in moderation. The leafs will become too big and fat if overfertilized. Congrats on your tree and lets see some pics.