Beginner needs help.

[adam112]

I purchased this bonsai about an hour ago from a local garden centre and was extremely dissapointed when I read that these type of bonsai are the hardest to keep alive. I am totally new to the concept of growing and training bonsai and would apreciate any assistance whatsoever as to keep this one from prematurely dying.

Firstly I don't know what species it is, and Im not too sure as to what needs to be done immediately from preventing it dying.

I have some pictures that may help the more expierienced of you help me.

Many thanks.

[MagicDan]

Hi and welcome to the forum. You will find this a great place to get all sorts of information about your tree. Take the time to read the posts as most beginner questions have been asked (and answered) many times!

I purchased this bonsai about an hour ago from a local garden centre and was extremely dissapointed when I read that these type of bonsai are the hardest to keep alive.

I found this a little interesting as you said you just found out this type of bonsai was hard to keep alive and then you followed with...

Firstly I don't know what species it is,

Sounds a little contradictory to me. How do you know it's hard to keep alive if you don't even know what it is?

Not trying to give you a hard time here...just thought it was kind of funny when I first read your post.

Your new tree looks exactly like my Chinese Elm and I'm pretty sure that's what you have. As far as I know it's a pretty easy tree to maintain. I bought one last fall. It has wintered in my garage and I'm waiting for the weather to warm a bit more before bringing it back outside.

Perhaps you were told this tree is hard to keep alive INSIDE?? That may be a problem as this tree may not do well if you plan to keep it inside. Keep in mind the vast majority of Bonsai must be kept outside where they adhere to the natural cycle of life.

I'm sure many other members will add to this post with advice. As I said before, look around and most of your questions will be answered.

Good luck with your new tree. I'm sure everything will work out just fine for you!

Dan

[ynot]

I purchased this bonsai about an hour ago from a local garden centre and was extremely dissapointed when I read that these type of bonsai are the hardest to keep alive.

I agree entirely with MD wrt species and the apparent contradiction he notes.

I would ask: Read it where? And how was that information determined to apply to your tree?

Here is a species care sheet on ulmus: http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ulmus.html

More will follow but we need to know a bit about your current source of "information".

ynot.

[Gnome]

Adam,

Welcome to The Helpful Gardener. Don't worry so much, you chose a fine plant in terms of being easy to manage. That is also a pretty good specimen, better than my first one. Glad that you asked for assistance before there was a crisis.

The single most important thing for you to get a handle on at the moment is watering. With lighting taking a close second.

Look here for information about watering. Very quickly, don't be too quick to water. Allow it to dry a bit before you water again. Please read the link above. Can we please see a picture, closeup with better lighting, of the growing medium.

Position it in a well lit location for now. When it warms up it should go outside and be allowed to stay there. We can discuss winter storage later.

Here is a link to a thread about my first one. I have since acquired three more varieties.

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/v ... php?t=3544

Norm