Lissa's Learning... kinda

[lissa]

So this is going to be my one thread where I post stuff that is all about me. I want to share my experiences, questions, and discoveries with a community that shares my interest. I'm just starting out in the world of Bonsai so I wanted to try to somewhat document my experience.

Instead of flooding up the news feed with my newb stuff, I will just keep it all in here.

As some of you may (or may not) know, I am raising tiny little trees (of unknown species) that were just sprouted early this spring.

Right now I want to show you the two Ficus trees I (accidentally) purchased.

My pride and joy. I purchased her from Brussel's and she hasn't dropped a single leaf! I really love her!

This is a Midnight Ficus. Some kind of hybrid. I wasn't impressed because I received it after my perfect tree. lol

One thing about the midnight ficus tree is there is a really cool root:

What should I do what that root? I think it looks really cool but I feel like it also looks unnatural...

Now I just dream about buying a house with nice yard so I can hoard trees.

 

[PaulH]

That root's gotta go.

A little advice.... Google bonsai wiring and study wiring technique. Its probably the most important thing you can learn about bonsai.

 

[JudyB]

A great book to learn proper wiring technique along with much other great bonsai information is Deborah R. Koreshoff's "Bonsai".

Bye bye root....

 

[GrimLore]

Congratulations on your first purchases(by accident *chuckles*). Honest you have opened yourself to the "other side" of Bonsai that my Wife has enjoyed some 19 years now. Tropicals require far different care and my best advice is that you just let them grow and keep them happy and healthy for a full year(that will keep you very busy). For instance next year at mid Summer you will be able to work the heck out of them unlike local collected species. The root should go but it is not hurting anything and will not if left alone for that amount of time. It is a lot of fun to get your first specimens, learn them, and enjoy! Always remember - SLOW will get you the best results until you master the care of ANY plant. Welcome to the never ending journey

Grimmy

 

[lissa]

Bare with me! I am trying to study wiring technique but my hands-on is probably going to be the best experience. I completely realize that I suck! haha

I did unwire since, and decided to only wire a few branches I wanted to grow out nice and thick. So basically just some support wiring.

I can't wait to repot them but I should wait until next year? I want them in something a smidgen bigger and I want to see whats under the dirt.

Thanks for all your feedback!

 

[GrimLore]

Bare with me! I am trying to study wiring technique but my hands-on is probably going to be the best experience. I completely realize that I suck! haha

I did unwire since, and decided to only wire a few branches I wanted to grow out nice and thick. So basically just some support wiring.

I can't wait to repot them but I should wait until next year? I want them in something a smidgen bigger and I want to see whats under the dirt.

Thanks for all your feedback!

Some Tropical Basics that will give you the best chance of success -

Find a nice sunny spot outside for those and keep them there as long as night temperatures are over 45f.

Do not move them around a lot - they will drop foliage and it takes about two weeks for them to sprout new(not all but those two most likely)

Water those twice a day, three times if it is uber hot like 90f or higher.

Brussels soil will be fine for you for up to three years or so for a variety of reasons you will learn along the way.

If during the Middle of Your Summer they are happy it is the best time to repot. That is not normal for most plants.

The soft tie garden wire is "cute" but not harmful nor proper. That is a concern for next year. At repot during mid Summer remove it as it seems to me they should grow a lot and you do not want to scar up the bark.

Up until it gets to that point in summer that the day temps will be above 90 for a period of time fertilize them with Miracle Grow once a week 10 - 15 minutes after they get their first daily dose of water. When you have that crazy hot spell skip the fertilizer.

Copy this and print it, take notes and pictures for reference next year - for now ENJOY!

Grimmy