Hello!
I recently received a bonsai tree as a present and I am having trouble identifying the tree. Can someone please help me out and include a couple of tips to take care of it.
Thanks!
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jordynbain
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Please Help me ID my bonsai!
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The Ficus Guy
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rainbowgardener
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Gnome
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jordynbain,
When you search for more information use the name Portulacaria or more completely Portulacaria, afra. It is indeed a succulent, meaning it stores water in it's fleshy stems and leaves. Compared to other some other succulents it likes to be watered more often. Always water thoroughly then allow the soil to dry then wait. If the leaves begin to shrivel you have waited too long.
They have an opposite budding pattern that rotates 90 degrees between nodes and in this regard are similar to Maples. They respond well to the clip and grow method.
Your picture shows it inside. Is this your intended location? Mine only grow well when outside in the sun.
Norm
When you search for more information use the name Portulacaria or more completely Portulacaria, afra. It is indeed a succulent, meaning it stores water in it's fleshy stems and leaves. Compared to other some other succulents it likes to be watered more often. Always water thoroughly then allow the soil to dry then wait. If the leaves begin to shrivel you have waited too long.
They have an opposite budding pattern that rotates 90 degrees between nodes and in this regard are similar to Maples. They respond well to the clip and grow method.
Your picture shows it inside. Is this your intended location? Mine only grow well when outside in the sun.
Norm
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rainbowgardener
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I think lots of people do grow them indoors IN HIGH LIGHT. Unless you have a really bright south facing window, that probably means supplemental light from a lamp (shining directly on it from just a few inches away).
It is native to South Africa and doesn't tolerate temps below 40 deg F for very long. So if you live in a cold winter area, it does need to be indoors for the winter. (Jordyn, it helps if you let us know where you are located. There's hardly any gardening question that can be answered without regard to climate considerations.)
When indoors, it will benefit from being on a humidity tray and being misted. The interior of heated houses is very dry.
It is native to South Africa and doesn't tolerate temps below 40 deg F for very long. So if you live in a cold winter area, it does need to be indoors for the winter. (Jordyn, it helps if you let us know where you are located. There's hardly any gardening question that can be answered without regard to climate considerations.)
When indoors, it will benefit from being on a humidity tray and being misted. The interior of heated houses is very dry.
