Hello all, new to bonsai!

[perdue027]

Well guys and girls I would just like to start by introducing myself. My name is Corey and I am very green to the hobby! I look forward all the knowledge on this forum! Well, I'm probably going to catch grief for this but I was at Home Depot and there was a cute little bonsai tree(for $10) that I couldn't say no too haha. I was wondering if you guys could tell me what type of tree it is? Also I am looking to re-pot it as soon as I get a chance, due to the fact that the rocks around it seem to be glued? Which doesn't seem ideal for a healthy plant!? About re-potting, I have read that it is a good time now being that it is spring? Also is there a specific soil that I should re-pot with? I do like the moss look on top is there any draw back to leaving that? So many questions! Thank you guys for all of your input, it is very much appreciated!

Corey

 

[bonsaiBlake]

looks like you found a mass produced "mallsai", glued on rocks are a dead give away. The rocks need to be removed asap otherwise you can get root-rot, pests, and a variety of other problems.

Welcome to bnut. happy growing

 

[lordy]

Welcome to bonsai. It looks as though you have found a ficus of some sort. Dont feel like you have wasted your money. People new to the pastime need to start somewhere, so this is likely where many of us started. My wife bought me my first tree from the mall. I kept the Juniper on my mantel until it died. Live and learn. Keep yours outside when nighttime temps are above 50F. As suggested earlier, remove the rocks carefully, and look into replacing the dirt with bonsai soil, which is more granular for draining purposes. plenty of info here to search.

 

[M. Frary]

Welcome to Bonsai Nut Corey. I agree with Lordy but would like to add you may as well toss the " moss". Had some of that before on a tree I was given and it was green after being on the floor of my garage for two years.

 

[klosi]

Hi!
It's a ficus of some sort as said earlier. I think this is one of the most popular mallsai (at least here in Europe I think). You should repot it ASAP. Don't put any regular soil in your soil mix as it will clog the drianage and produce root rot.
The soil should be good at retaining water but not holding it and not being able to dry. Also the roots must get air also.
About moss you can put it on, collect it anywhere you like but different types of mosses have different types of demands. Moss can easily dry out when in hot climates.
These are my experiences, I am, like you, just a beginner in this field.
My first tree died maybe I should mention this earlier before you read the whole post ha?

Good luck!

 

[Paradox]

I see those called Ginsing ficus near me. The large tubers in thethe first picture is a dead giveaway.

 

[klosi]

I see those called Ginsing ficus near me...

That's it!