Rescued Some Bonsai Today

[D805]

This is really addicting. Was in walmart today found these two guys today. I figured I'd give them a new home. I think they are a Fukien tea and a Ginseng ficus. There was no name on the label other than bonsai. As I am still new to all this I've been doing a lot of reading about soil. The soil these guys are in seems more like potting soil than bonsai soil. I figure I can use these and try repotting for the first time using some bonsai soil. Looks like they can both use some trimming as well. Any advice is welcomed.

 

[Underdog]

I have some of those rocks. Welcome

 

[CWTurner]

This is really addicting

You got that right, and your first winter is the worst. You can't do much and can't wait for spring.
My advice is read everything you can find. Scout some trees for spring removal, get your soil components collected and sifted, and start saving money
CW

 

[GrimLore]

Any advice is welcomed.

Step one:

Pry around the surface and make sure none of that topping is glued down and if so remove it along with those rocks.

Step two:

Add some top where that packing topping was and learn exactly what you have. It will help you to quickly find out how to keep them alive until repot. I suspect they are both tropical and that process should wait until early to mid Summer.

Welcome to B-Nut!

Each and every plant you purchase will want, need, and have different requirements depending on origin and your space. They ALL will require time, patience, and horticultural experience. In a nutshell learn to keep them alive!

This site is a great resource for all of the above - welcome to the journey

Grimmy

 

[D805]

You got that right, and your first winter is the worst. You can't do much and can't wait for spring.
My advice is read everything you can find. Scout some trees for spring removal, get your soil components collected and sifted, and start saving money
CW

I have an azalea in my yard that I will be digging out come spring. Working on getting soil components now as well. Did buy some Bonsai Jack mix before reading up on soil composition. What about tools such as cutters? Are the garden center variety usable for bonsai?

 

[CWTurner]

I have an azalea in my yard that I will be digging out come spring. Working on getting soil components now as well. Did buy some Bonsai Jack mix before reading up on soil composition. What about tools such as cutters? Are the garden center variety usable for bonsai?

Azaleas are awesome.
Garden tools are fine for digging and rough pruning, but you'll want a pair of bonsai scissors, and concave cutters at the minimum.
Plenty of tool shopping to keep you busy, if you like.
CW

 

[sorce]

concave cutters

Except for Azalea.

Adair says flat cuts heal better.
http://www.bonsainut.com/search/6731542/?q=azalea&o=date&c[user][0]=13405

I went a looking for a saw.
http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/saw-an-azalea.21034/

And let me be clear before I give you this link.....

I got mad respect for Grimmy for giving you the real info where few would.

And I understand the path, yes, the addiction, and I wouldn't want to take away from anyone's path....

Grow these trees....

But you seem like a dude who might like to play with matches....
So when you're ready...
http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/the-burn-pile-newbie-graduation.25911/

Hell....one of them will die anyway...
It's rigged that way! See ya there soon!

Sorce

 

[Bavarian Raven]

Hell....one of them will die anyway...
It's rigged that way! See ya there soon!

Sorce

No, your favourite one will die.

 

[D805]

No, your favourite one will die.

Don't say that. They are all my favorites. lol

 

[Bavarian Raven]

Don't say that. They are all my favorites. lol

It's the truth though.
I caught the bonsai bug this fall and I'm waiting for spring - but my south facing windows look like a greenhouse now XD Granted most are cuttings i'm trying to root, but still...

 

[quietobserver]

Except for Azalea.

Adair says flat cuts heal better.
http://www.bonsainut.com/search/6731542/?q=azalea&o=date&c[user][0]=13405

I went a looking for a saw.
http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/saw-an-azalea.21034/

And let me be clear before I give you this link.....

I got mad respect for Grimmy for giving you the real info where few would.

And I understand the path, yes, the addiction, and I wouldn't want to take away from anyone's path....

Grow these trees....

But you seem like a dude who might like to play with matches....
So when you're ready...
http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/the-burn-pile-newbie-graduation.25911/

Hell....one of them will die anyway...
It's rigged that way! See ya there soon!

Sorce

Yeah don't use anything concave on an azalea or the cut will be fuglified for awhile.....a long while.

 

[Cypress187]

No, your favourite one will die.

I still have memory's of him, RIP. (and my ginseng is still alive , the bastard.)