Newbie that jumped in headfirst

[rrichard321]

Hello. Just as the title says. I live in mid Ohio region. Long story short, I receive one of those bonsai kits as a gift and gave it a shot. I’ve been pretty successful up to this point. From what I read it was important to establish a decent trunk size. I’ve been growing in an 10gal pot all summer. With the plan of over-wintering in a grow tent with decent lights. Was going to attempt to transfer to a bonsai pot and start shaping in the spring. After researching I now know I have some tropical and some that aren’t. Flame Tree (Delonix regia), Jacaranda, and Acacia, I’ve also learned a little about dormancy. My question being is: 1) Am I even heading in the right direction or is this not going to work? 2. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 3. Do tropicals even go dormant and if so will 70 degrees to warm in the tent for dormancy? This is my first post so I hope I did it right. Lol

 

[August44]

Hello. Just as the title says. I live in mid Ohio region. Long story short, I receive one of those bonsai kits as a gift and gave it a shot. I’ve been pretty successful up to this point. From what I read it was important to establish a decent trunk size. I’ve been growing in an 10gal pot all summer. With the plan of over-wintering in a grow tent with decent lights. Was going to attempt to transfer to a bonsai pot and start shaping in the spring. After researching I now know I have some tropical and some that aren’t. Flame Tree (Delonix regia), Jacaranda, and Acacia, I’ve also learned a little about dormancy. My question being is: 1) Am I even heading in the right direction or is this not going to work? 2. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 3. Do tropicals even go dormant and if so will 70 degrees to warm in the tent for dormancy? This is my first post so I hope I did it right. Lol

Hey Richard, to get help here, it is best to give us where you live and the growing zone so we know how to advise you. Welcome aboard.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Also, photos are the biggest help. Our veterans can't give much advice if the can't see the trees you're asking about.

1) Am I even heading in the right direction or is this not going to work?

This is the question we need pictures for.

3. Do tropicals even go dormant and if so will 70 degrees to warm in the tent for dormancy?

Not exactly. They grow more slowly in cooler weather, but if they stop growing altogether, they're probably never growing again. At least, that's my limited understanding of tropicals.

This is my first post so I hope I did it right. Lol

You'll get better with experience, but it's a good start. As @August44 mentioned, adding your general location to your profile will yield much better feedback tailored to your climate.
Welcome to the Nut House!

 

[rockm]

Tropical species do NOT require dormancy. They are best brought inside once temps at night get into the high 40s or so. Frost and freezing will kill them. If you leave them in an outside enclosure in winter you will most likely lose them. Unless the enclosure is a greenhouse you run the risk of losing them in the winter outside

Identifying the species you have is critical. Knowing those bonsai kits you may have some conifer species. Those are winter hardy and should not be brought inside. 70 degrees for overwintering hardy species is far far far too warm. Heat is unneeded for outdoors species that mulched into garden beds with six or seven inches of mulch piled over the pot surfaces