Seedling Help Needed!

[Dracos101]

Hey Y’all,

I am asking from West Tennessee (7b), and I found this seedling. It looks like a maple to me, but want to know what type. I planted it in the soil I found around the plant (Clay), and added some garden soil. How should I take care of it? This would be my first Bonsai, and I don’t want it to die. I just planted it yesterday. Any advise is Appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Dracos101]

Hmmm, for some reason the pic is not showing up

 

[Dracos101]

 

[HorseloverFat]

Greetings, fellow tree person. Pleasure to make your acquaintance!

I am not too good at Acer identification this young (unless it’s in my hands). I will, however, “take a crack at it” until someone who is more versed and learned can assist...

Acer Saccharinum??? Or Rubrum?? I believe they are native to Tennessee...
If the “finished product” is more shrub-like.. i know Mountains, and Striped Maples are native to that region...(however I’ve never SEEN a seedling)

Dang.. I guess that was no help at all.. I’m sorry...

Still had to try.

 

[Dracos101]

Thanks so much for your guesses. I also think it may be Rubrum. Now since this is my first bonsai, I am not sure on how to water it. Any tips? As I said before, the soil is a mixture of Clay and Garden Soil.

 

[HorseloverFat]

The clay and garden soil mix is not going to be ideal for your little friend, as it will retain a higher amount of water. Also if it is “Garden Soil” as apposed to “Potting Soil”, that means (I believe) even HIGHER retention, and the PH will be geared toward “in-ground use.”

You would (in a perfect world) want to get it into some faster draining substrate. However, I think that maybe the roots should NOT be disturbed at this particular point in time in your particular area of the world.
Once again, not completely sure. A larger skillset then my own should be along shortly.

I, personally, have transplanted seedlings at many different times of the year successfully. I cannot, in good conscience recommend this though, as I am new to this, as well.

Returning to your watering question... My answer would be... Depends on the substrate. In that soil, I wouldn’t overthink it. moist, not soggy.

Basically, it’d be wonderful to get that tree into different soil. But I lack the body of experience to actually advise you what road to take. The maple, as it sits, shouldn’t be tricky at all to water.

 

[Dracos101]

Ok thanks so much. I will give it better soil next year.

 

[SC1989]

Silver maple