Beginner-Need Help

[sjs3956]

I've had this bonsai for a couple months (I took the stones that were glued on off) and now I would like to start training it, this will be the first bonsai that I have trained/trimmed. I got a new pot to put it in (it is very root bound) Any ideas on which way to trim it?


https://www.flickr.com/photos/steffsmith_fotos/7497584546/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steffsmith_fotos/7497591244/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steffsmith_fotos/7497598306/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steffsmith_fotos/7497627554/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steffsmith_fotos/7497620286/

[Gnome]

sjs3956,

Hello and welcome to our forum. Can you please let us know where you are located? Approximate location is sufficient. Next, are you willing and able to keep this outside, when appropriate to your climate?

I keep several species of plants that are tender in my area and every one is outside now. They respond well to their time spent outside and put on much of their yearly growth during this period. Your Ficus will respond well too.

Your plant is a Ficus and summer is a good time to re-pot this species. Should you like to learn more about bonsai soil refer to this thread.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

Norm

[sjs3956]

I am in eastern South Dakota and will be moving to an apartment in the fall, so as of right now this one will be indoors all the time, as I wont have a place outdoors for it.

[The Ficus Guy]

Keep in mind, however, that this tree will need to come in when temps hit 55F or lower.

[Gnome]

I am in eastern South Dakota and will be moving to an apartment in the fall, so as of right now this one will be indoors all the time, as I wont have a place outdoors for it.

OK, some growers are forced, or simply prefer, to keep their trees indoors, luckily for you this is one that can tolerate being inside, if you meet it's needs properly. Perhaps Ficus Guy can give you some idea of how you can improve your technique.

My apologies, I neglected your initial question. My approach for this year would be to simply re-pot it and then encourage as much growth as possible. You can concern yourself with styling later. Please have a look at the thread I referred you to earlier. Bonsai soil (read shallow pots and trees rather than houseplants) is unlike potting soil that you may be familiar with in other circumstances.



Norm

[kdodds]

Unfortunately, there's no real "style" for ginseng ficus (a variant of Ficus retusa). The focus for these trees is the exposed root system. While many bonsai enthusiasts cock an eyebrow at ginseng ficus (as a most mild reaction), I happen to like them when they're REALLY well done. Again, unfortunately, this takes many, many years of root work, allowing and encouraging the roots to grow into a gnarled and twisted mass of many, many matured and swelled roots. Only then should they come up above the soil line. If you're happy with the roots as they are, then the only thing left to do for ginseng ficus is to develop a thick canopy. Ramificzation should not be the focus since the branches will be thin and twiggy and unbalanced against the root system. Rather, the leaves should be tightly packed. This isn't difficult to acheive with this species, you just need a few years (maybe 5 or 10) of clip and grow. For the first two years, you'll probably just want to let it grow wild until spring, then chop back, then repeat if necessary the following year. After that, just keep the branches to two nodes as it grows.

[sjs3956]

Thank you for all the helpful hints! I've re-potted the tree today, so hopefully it doesn't get too stressed, should I fertilize it now or wait awhile to do that (I've read conflicting advise on whether to do it or not at re-potting time).

[kdodds]

As long as the tree is growing, it should be fed.