First Bonsai (Schefflera Arboricola)

[brandoncranford]

A few days ago I bought a Schefflera Arboricola from Lowes and repotted it into a terra cotta pot. I chose this plant because of reading that it's a good beginner plant, can be kept inside (I live in a dorm) and this is my first bonsai. After researching I still don't know where I need to start. Can I prune and defoliate any time of the year since it is indoors? Is it too young to prune? When do I begin to wire? Do I need to separate the roots? I'm stuck and don't know where to begin. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

http://m.imgur.com/a/vpnQR
(Pictures of my plant)

 

[amcoffeegirl]

There are several sites on the web that give good info on schefferella.

http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/Fukumoto.html

http://www.fukubonsai.com

I like to wait until summer to trim. When growing is at its fullest potential.
You can wire these trees but it's harder/ different than other trees.
Its easier to practice a clip and grow technique.

To get the tree to branch out you must cut the growing tips.
Also you can fully defoliate in the summer. Thats how you get this tree to really back bud.

Look up a good fast draining tropical soil. Give the tree lots of light.
I have one I keep at work under the lights from the office.
It does well about 12 inches from the fixture.

Read as much as you can about your species and just practice keeping it alive for now.

Another great begining tree is ficus willow leaf.
Have fun

 

[mat]

For now, I think you should work on keeping it alive and happy. These are very tough plants, hard to kill unless you keep their roots too wet. Worry about pruning, wiring and styling once you know that it's thriving. Have fun!