dlquick
Seedling
I recently purchased this Itoigawa Shimpaku from Brent @ EvergreenGardenWorks.com. I plan to buy several more because these so far have been my favorite, and are the most attractive trees (opinion) once they're older, and trained properly. This one appears to be roughly 1-1/2 to 2yrs old, grown from a cutting, and has mostly "juvenile?" foliage. It is yellowing/browning on the inside of the branches, where external growth is vigorous and healthy. It arrived like this, and I'm slightly worried.. There is also some chunky white fertilizer (turns to dust when crushed between fingers) that is spread throughout the medium. Not sure if that much is harming the tree? I know I should begin wiring at this age/growth, but should I prune at all, or let it grow? Of course the trunk is a little on the thin side (1/4"), and would prefer 1-1/2" thick before placing in a bonsai pot. It is in a bark type medium that drains pretty well.
Can I get some tips for a beginner? I'm also not convinced this is 100% Itoigawa. Most others I've seen don't have as much juvenile foliage. I'm assuming older trees would have mostly mature foliage.
Can I get some tips for a beginner? I'm also not convinced this is 100% Itoigawa. Most others I've seen don't have as much juvenile foliage. I'm assuming older trees would have mostly mature foliage.