Hello--
Bought a bonsai at Lowe's on a whim today, thought it would be kind of fun to see it grow. And...I don't know the first thing about bonsai trees. I've been reading things online all day, but if you all have some expertise to impart, I'd appreciate it.
First: what species do I have? I feel like that's a good place to start.
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/nftystud1/IMG_1607.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/nftystud1/IMG_1608.jpg[/img]
I went for a simpler tree just because...I don't know, I felt like going with something simple.
Second: I live in an apartment so I don't have a lot of outdoor space for the bonsai. Is it possible to keep it inside with plenty of water, in the sunlight (I.e. window)? At all possible? I can maybe have it outside for a day at a time, but if I leave it for too long I feel it will be gone...
Third: pruning advice? Wires and such? It seems pretty simple from some of the pictures I've seen, so what can/should I do with it?
Thanks!!!!!
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jfelduf,
Welcome to the site.
, but it may be a form of Ficus. I am not familiar with all of the species. If when you prune it or remove a leaf and you see a milky sap that would tend to confirm this. Perhaps someone else has an opinion on the identity.
Please remove the moss from the soil it does not appear to be alive and it makes judging the condition of the soil more difficult.
Make sure not to over-water it, many plants are killed with kindness. Take a look at the sticky thread concerning growing tips for some general advice on watering. Look [url=https://bonsaihunk.8m.com/cultural.html]here[/url] for information regarding indoor bonsai.
Norm
Welcome to the site.
My record with identification has not been that good as of late,First: what species do I have? I feel like that's a good place to start.
, but it may be a form of Ficus. I am not familiar with all of the species. If when you prune it or remove a leaf and you see a milky sap that would tend to confirm this. Perhaps someone else has an opinion on the identity.Please remove the moss from the soil it does not appear to be alive and it makes judging the condition of the soil more difficult.
Possible, yes; ideal, no. No tree will be at its best inside but some will adapt well if given the proper care. I keep all of my tender species outside during the summer and they love it. Since this is not an option for you, supplemental lighting is a necessity, especially as the hours of daylight wind down for the year.Second: I live in an apartment so I don't have a lot of outdoor space for the bonsai. Is it possible to keep it inside with plenty of water, in the sunlight (I.e. window)? At all possible?
Make sure not to over-water it, many plants are killed with kindness. Take a look at the sticky thread concerning growing tips for some general advice on watering. Look [url=https://bonsaihunk.8m.com/cultural.html]here[/url] for information regarding indoor bonsai.
I don't think I would jump into anything too quickly. Allow the plant some time to become acclimatised to its new environment. look at other trees for [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3343]Bonsai Inspiration.[/url] As you look at these trees you will realize that yours has a long way to go. A lot of pruning now only tends to slow the progress of the tree. Let it grow for a while and try to formulate a plan.Third: pruning advice? Wires and such? It seems pretty simple from some of the pictures I've seen, so what can/should I do with it?
Norm