Bonsai Help? (Sageretia theezans)

[Fluffy]

I bought this bonsai tree from B&Q and I was wondering what type it was here is a pic of the leaves on it!

[img]https://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/ep_fluffy/PICT0007.jpg[/img]

I also gave it a trim but still not sure how to shape it!

[ynot]

I bought this bonsai tree from B&Q and I was wondering what type it was here is a pic of the leaves on it!

Really difficult to tell from that pic {Need these - }[url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3557]Click here for photo tips.[/url] Please provide as much info about your tree as possible also.
[This is addressed in the link]

Are the leaves rough on the surface- Like a cats tongue?
If so, You have a Fukien tea tree.
This is a Chinese Elm:[img]https://www.bonsai4me.com/Images/SGimages/ulmus%20minor%20leaf.jpg[/img]
This is a Zelkova:
[img]https://www.bonsai4me.com/Images/SGimages/zelkova%20carpinifolia.jpg[/img]

Are either of those close?

I also gave it a trim but still not sure how to shape it!

OK!....
Are you familiar with the various styles of bonsai? See here: https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_StylingForms.html

Examine your tree to see what is a likely style, It is good to have a plan before you go cutting as mistakes are easier to avoid than to fix [Especially when you consider the time element involved.]

Please do read the articles on that site: https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics.html
Start with the ones on beginners, Watering, & Soil and continue on down.

Also visit the stickys at the top of this forum. And if you want to see what is possible for bonsai [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3343]Click here.[/url]

ynot

[Gnome]

Fluffy,

Hello and welcome to the site. I saw your post earlier but was rushed for time and was unable to reply. As Ynot has noted the photo could be better. It is difficult to say for sure but it looks like the leaves are arranged in an opposite manner, is this correct. If so, then this precludes the possibility of it being an Elm or Zelkova. And the serrations don't quite look right compared to the species that I am familiar with, but again I can't quite make out the details. A better picture that shows the foliage in more detail and an overall view would also help.

I am not familiar with B&Q, perhaps they can ID the tree for you.

Norm

[ynot]

It is difficult to say for sure but it looks like the leaves are arranged in an opposite manner, is this correct. If so, then this precludes the possibility of it being an Elm or Zelkova. And the serrations don't quite look right compared to the species that I am familiar with, but again I can't quite make out the details. A better picture that shows the foliage in more detail and an overall view would also help.

I am not familiar with B&Q, perhaps they can ID the tree for you.

Norm

Good eye Gnome, B & Q is the UK version of Home Depot/ Lowes etc. [Or similar].

ynot

[Gnome]

Ynot,

B & Q is the UK version of Home Depot/ Lowes etc. [Or similar].

Ah I see, then there is not much hope of an ID if the tree was not already labeled. Why do folks buy trees that are not identified? (rhetorical question)

Norm

[Fluffy]

Th leaves arent rough at all there very smooth with a shiny surface on the top.

Here is better shot of the leaves, hope this is better if not I will try with a different camera!

[img]https://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/ep_fluffy/PICT0006.jpg[/img]

Here is one from another camera!

[img]https://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/ep_fluffy/DSCF0622.jpg[/img]

[Gnome]

Fluffy,

Thanks for making the effort to post the new pictures. Sorry to say that I still don't have an ID for you. You did not say if I was correct that the leaves are arranged in an opposite fashion, in pairs directly opposite each other. If that is the case then, as I noted earlier it is not am Elm or Zelkova.

Lacking the rough leaves also means that is not a Fukien Tea. Nor is it a Ficus, the serrated leaves show that. Sorry I can't be more helpful, perhaps someone else recognizes it. Anyone

Norm

[ynot]

I agree entirely with Gnomes exclusions [Presuming the leaf arrangement] but I have no guesses to offer either...Sorry.

Perhaps a local arboretum, University, or large knowledgeable garden center would be a helpful stop to make and inquire.

Good luck.

ynot

[Fluffy]

The leaves seem to grown one just below the other really small gap between the pairs but there grow as a pair then one is just below the other as they start to get larger.

Is there anything else I can tell you that will help distinguish?

[Gnome]

There has been a tentative ID of this tree, Sageretia theezans. Please refer to this thread.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5705

Norm