These are some pictures of my recently acquired bonsai tree. It was a gift so I don't have information about its previous state. The only thing I know is that is an elm (probably chinese) and it is 3 years old. I am concerned about the fact that some roots seem to be exterior. I don't know many things so I would like someone to help me with that. To tell me if I need to repot it in a better way, if I need to buy soil and what type exactly for this tree and what else do I need for its care (do I need to buy fertilizer, something else?). Also I would like to know if the fact that I was said to water it twice a week is right or I should do something else. I should mention that I live in Athens so you can take into consideration the climate here. If you need more photos tell me so.
Thank you in advance
A desperate newbie in bonsai......
[img]https://www.anebaseto.com/files/id33plz6bc285q3ggs7a.jpg[/img]
[img]https://www.anebaseto.com/files/kikfftzygq0lxbbr0rn3.jpg[/img]
[img]https://www.anebaseto.com/files/m2v5g76x9i3vybzhsepl.jpg[/img]
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manalis,
Hello and welcome. Please start by reading the sticky threads located at the top of the bonsai forum. The one on general growing has some tips on watering. In case you do not realize it, your tree belongs outside. It may require some shelter from midday sun if it intense in your area but keeping it inside is worse.
The soil in your pot looks very dense and compacted, not good. It is essential that when you water you do so thoroughly and in this case it will be difficult to completely moisten the soil. If you feel that the interior of the soil is not being saturated then water it by immersion occasionally.
Do not worry about the few roots that are exposed. be more concerned about changing the soil to something more appropriate. The pot seems a little on the small side as well. If you cannot locate a larger bonsai pot any nursery container can be used. Look [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7322]here[/url] for some ideas for training pots. Look for something that is wider than tall and that has excellent drainage.
Read the sticky on soils as well, a re-pot is in order and bonsai soil is totally unlike conventional potting soil. To a beginner it appears to be little more than gravel with a little bark and that pretty much is what I use. If you can locate a ready-mixed product it may be easier in the short term but not all such products are to my liking. Most growers end up mixing their own.
You can fertilize with basically anything that is suitable for other potted plants as long as you follow directions. There is no need to purchase specialized products.
This just touches on the basics. In the sticky thread there are links to other resources that can explain things much more thoroughly than I am able to do in a few paragraphs. Make sure to follow those links. and explore the rest of those sites as well.
Norm
Hello and welcome. Please start by reading the sticky threads located at the top of the bonsai forum. The one on general growing has some tips on watering. In case you do not realize it, your tree belongs outside. It may require some shelter from midday sun if it intense in your area but keeping it inside is worse.
The soil in your pot looks very dense and compacted, not good. It is essential that when you water you do so thoroughly and in this case it will be difficult to completely moisten the soil. If you feel that the interior of the soil is not being saturated then water it by immersion occasionally.
Do not worry about the few roots that are exposed. be more concerned about changing the soil to something more appropriate. The pot seems a little on the small side as well. If you cannot locate a larger bonsai pot any nursery container can be used. Look [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7322]here[/url] for some ideas for training pots. Look for something that is wider than tall and that has excellent drainage.
Read the sticky on soils as well, a re-pot is in order and bonsai soil is totally unlike conventional potting soil. To a beginner it appears to be little more than gravel with a little bark and that pretty much is what I use. If you can locate a ready-mixed product it may be easier in the short term but not all such products are to my liking. Most growers end up mixing their own.
You can fertilize with basically anything that is suitable for other potted plants as long as you follow directions. There is no need to purchase specialized products.
This just touches on the basics. In the sticky thread there are links to other resources that can explain things much more thoroughly than I am able to do in a few paragraphs. Make sure to follow those links. and explore the rest of those sites as well.
Norm