First Bonsai: Ficus with a Funky Trunk

ElmTreeBee

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I was browsing a local plant store the other day when I saw this little guy in the back of the bonsai section. I fell in love with his funky style instantly and I knew I had to get him. The employee working there told me that this is a ficus bonsai, but I'm not sure specifically what kind. Is it a ficus retusa?

Anyways, I've been looking at a lot of styles for focus bonsai and I feel overwhelmed. I have no idea where to start in terms of pruning and styling. I went to another tropical plant to look at some more mature bonsai, and none of their ficus bonsai trees had a trunk that looked anything like my tree has. They all had a single curved trunk. Are there any styles that would suit my little guy? He's still pretty small (trunk is only around 3 inches tall), but I'm still worried about making a mistake now that will make him look bad down the road.

Thanks for the help! I'm really excited about getting my first Bonsai. I've thought about getting one for a while and I'm ready to immerse myself in this hobby.
 

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coltranem

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The first bonsai skill to learn is watering. Also please list your location so more specific help can be given.
 

Orion_metalhead

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Are the rocks in this pot glued down to the soil?

If so, first thing should be to get it out of its current soil and into proper bonsai soil.

Next, watering... you should water whenever the top inch of surface soil is dry. Use your finger to check how dry the soil is.

Dont worry about the aesthetics yet until you can keep the tree healthy and happy.
 

Orion_metalhead

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Youre also going to want to determine a location to keep the tree where it will get plenty of sunlight. If you are keeping this tree inside, that would be a south or south east facing window most likely.
 

sorce

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Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce
 

ElmTreeBee

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Okay here's a bit more information. I live in Utah and I'm in zone 7b. I've been keeping my tree outside in full sun during the day, but bringing it in for the night since it is a bit chilly at night.

The rocks are not glued down and I'm pretty sure that the bonsai is in good soil. I'm just not sure what kind of soil it is because the shopkeeper didn't tell me.

I've been checking the water moisture every day with my finger, but I decided to order a soil moisture meter too. I bought the tree on Friday and it was watered then. I checked the soil yesterday and it way still damp enough. I checked it this morning and it was damp around an inch down, so I think I should water it today. Also when it is indoors, I keep it nearby my humidifier since Utah has extremely dry air.

I've decided I'm going to wait a while before I even think about pruning it so it stay healthy.

Also someone helped me determine that this is a ficus ginseng if that helps.
 

coltranem

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Sounds like you are starting on the right track. How cold are the nightime temps you might be able to keep it outside at night too.
 

ElmTreeBee

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Sounds like you are starting on the right track. How cold are the nightime temps you might be able to keep it outside at night too.
I'm planning on keeping it outside in the summer because it's usually hot day and night. Right now it's raining a lot and the temperatures are dropping to around 40 F at night. It's not that cold, but since it's a tropical plant I don't want to take any chances.
 

coltranem

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I'm planning on keeping it outside in the summer because it's usually hot day and night. Right now it's raining a lot and the temperatures are dropping to around 40 F at night. It's not that cold, but since it's a tropical plant I don't want to take any chances.
I agree I wouldn't risk it yet.
 
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