Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Putting these 2 together...what do you think? You learned the zone it grow on NATURALLY...you think they are protected in zone 6, 7, or 8? How low do you think they go there?
Hi, got my first bonsai (a boxwood) need some advice pls
- Thread starter Squeaker
- Start date
Putting these 2 together...what do you think? You learned the zone it grow on NATURALLY...you think they are protected in zone 6, 7, or 8? How low do you think they go there?
Squeaker
Yamadori
Putting these 2 together...what do you think? You learned the zone it grow on NATURALLY...you think they are protected in zone 6, 7, or 8? How low do you think they go there?
I dont get it... so should i burry the pot in a bigger pot or cover it with a pillow case? I live in zone 9b.
I dont know how low they can grow there because i dont know about different zones.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Look at this USDA zone map. http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
Not being smart ass. I can easily give you the answer but trying to teach you how to understand and learn something you can apply to different plants.
This plant (as you noted) is planted several zones above yours (I believe up to zone 5)...which means it is at home in colder weather.
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Squeaker
Yamadori
Oh, i see. So my problem wont necessarily be winter, itll be hot summers, yes? Is there a good way to protect it from heat? The best i can think to do is keep it under my covered patio out of direct sun beating down on it. Summers can get around 103, and thats for a few days, but high 90s is very common.
I know i have alot of questions, and i appreciate the help and advice. I just want to make sure i do everything possible the right way. Since im a first time bonsai owner, $40 for a tiny plant is still a bit expensive to me lol. Eventually it wont be, but it is for now. I did the same with my saltwater fish tank, now spending $50 on a 2" fish is nothing. Over $100, is where i start to cringe, back then, anything over $15 was outrageous lol.
I know i have alot of questions, and i appreciate the help and advice. I just want to make sure i do everything possible the right way. Since im a first time bonsai owner, $40 for a tiny plant is still a bit expensive to me lol. Eventually it wont be, but it is for now. I did the same with my saltwater fish tank, now spending $50 on a 2" fish is nothing. Over $100, is where i start to cringe, back then, anything over $15 was outrageous lol.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
We get lots of 100+ temps here too...probably more than you and they are everywhere as hedge in full sun or partially shaded.
Research and verify what particular species you have. Ours are mostly japanese boxwood and I am not sure how others handle heat (or cold).
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GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOW Down and listen - Learn your plants, learn how to keep them happy and healthy ALIVE outside for a couple of years. Then worry about alternative growth methods AND the hundreds of other things you will learn. There is no point in doing anything but showing yourself that you can GROW the trees/plants for a couple of years - Bonsai is a slow wonderful process *take deep breaths*.
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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How often do you get sub freezing weather...a couple of times a year...maybe? I'd leave the boxwood outside and watch the forcast closely for potential frosts and freezes...only then would I protect it a bit. It wants to be outside in the sun...it needs to be outside in the sun...even in January. Protect it from freezing and it will be fine for now if you want to be cautious. Next year, I'll bet it'll handle anything your winter can throw at it
ps The ficus wants to be outside year round as well but isn't as cold hardy as a boxwood. I'll leave it to others with ficus expreience to chime in, but I know of several growers in zone 9 FL who leave their ficus out year round, only moving them in when frosts are forcasted.
ps The ficus wants to be outside year round as well but isn't as cold hardy as a boxwood. I'll leave it to others with ficus expreience to chime in, but I know of several growers in zone 9 FL who leave their ficus out year round, only moving them in when frosts are forcasted.
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Squeaker
Yamadori
Not sure how oftsn it freezes, maybe 10 times a year or more? But it doesnt freeze too bad, only around 27F or so
Smoke
Ignore-Amus
I have no idea how old you are, if you have a job or a car. If you do and you are serious about bonsai, then one of the premiere bonsai nurseries in the state is about 30 miles from you.
Muruyama Bonsai
1423 47th Ave. Sacramento, CA. 916-421-6888
Virtualy anything you wish can be had here, plants, pots wire and soil.
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Squeaker
Yamadori
REEEAALLLYYYYY???? :-> I work in sacramento! I hear a field trip in my nearby future! Thanks a bunch... i know ill come home with some stuff lol
Beng
Omono
Definitely leave it outside knowing it's been kept outside.
Squeaker
Yamadori
Yep, outside it shall stay. I bought a gorgeous pot for it too, its a shame it wont be indoors, but thats okay. I spend alot of time on the patio (beautiful scenery... and im a smoker lol).
Now that i know about the bonsai nursery by me, what plants CAN be indoors year round?
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
There aren't really any plants that CAN be indoors year round (without extensive work, at least). All plants benefit from being in the fresh outdoors at least some point during the year. Bonsai isn't really a decorative hobby, so if you're looking for a tree that will thrive on the counter, the best kind would be one you never have to water.
Trees that can be indoors part of the year include Ficus, Schefflera, and Brazilian Rain Tree, to name a few.
Squeaker
Yamadori
Really? I wouldnt dare put my ponytail palm or money tree outdoors, they are absolutely thriving indoors and have been for years. But i can see your point, a little time in the fresh air probably could do them some good, i just wouldnt risk it with these 2 plants.
edprocoat
Masterpiece
Squeaker, most if not all Ficus varities will thrive indoors too, at least all the ones I have had but there are many varieties. Boxwood are outside plants and grow real slow, the link in your post on the first page of this thread from Ebay had a small, thin trunk. That leaves you the choice of cutting it down or letting it grow outside in the ground for a few years or so to develop a thicker trunk. Cutting it down would make the trunk look more natural as a tree, the illusion of age comes from a thick trunk. There is also the option of a literati style tree, although I have never seen one done with a boxwood, not saying it can not be done though.
The advice about learning your plant is the most important thing you need to do first, learn the water needs, light levels. Many plants need acidic soils to thrive, some need better draining soils while others respond better to wet conditions. Fertlization is another thing you need to consider, I find that all plants kept as Bonsai need regualr strong fertilization due toi the lack of roots to both gather and store the " food " the plant needs to survive and thrive.
There are tons of great threads here on B-nut about soils, fertilization, plus links to other valuable materials that will help you on your journey.
Good luck, and have fun.
ed
The advice about learning your plant is the most important thing you need to do first, learn the water needs, light levels. Many plants need acidic soils to thrive, some need better draining soils while others respond better to wet conditions. Fertlization is another thing you need to consider, I find that all plants kept as Bonsai need regualr strong fertilization due toi the lack of roots to both gather and store the " food " the plant needs to survive and thrive.
There are tons of great threads here on B-nut about soils, fertilization, plus links to other valuable materials that will help you on your journey.
Good luck, and have fun.
ed
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
Squeaker
Yamadori
Ehh, i might not go for a specific "style". I sorta want to experiment with it. I bought it because i liked the curved trunk and it being thin doesnt bother me yet
since its my first one, i think im just going to try to get wireing down and other techniques, so i can apply them to other plants. If it doesnt end up being a "proper" bonsai style, thats okay.... no one i know knows anything about how a boxwood "should" look.... except as shrubs. So we will see what happens. Im sure whenever i post future pictures of it, ill get tons of reccomendations on how wrong it looks, but thats okay lol
