sleepytay
Seedling
Hey, y'all! Thrilled to have found this forum.
I am here, humbly, as yet another naive enthusiast who was beguiled by the gorgeous twisting roots and tiny leaves of a serissa bonsai starter at my local nursery. I bought it and brought it home, oblivious to the level of experience required to really keep these things happy. I've cared for a few beginner bonsai in the past (some of them still with us, others not...) and thought I was up to the task, however a panic-Google brought me to this forum after the temps started to soar here in Dallas and my tree was suddenly, horribly, wilted.
I am happy to report, however, that after more research I've been able to turn things around, and it now seems to be thriving!
Attached is a photo of what it looked like when I first brought it home at the beginning of May, followed by a before and after of the first trimming I gave it today. Since bringing it home, I've repotted it into a bonsai pot with what I hope to be proper soil: a mix of lava, limestone pearock, calcined clay, and pine bark. I've also kicked up my watering to once or twice a day as temps are in the high 90s to low 100s now. It's in a spot where it gets some direct sun, mostly in the afternoon, but is otherwise partly shaded. I can't find a place in my yard (South facing) that gets direct light only in the morning, though I think this would be better.
It does still get a few yellow leaves here and there, so I'm not sure if anyone can make suggestions as to what I can adjust to make it happier?
I'd love thoughts as well on the shape, and maybe a style I that would work well on this guy? I know they're notoriously fussy, but I'd really like to do my best to keep it going!
Thanks for looking and reading!
I am here, humbly, as yet another naive enthusiast who was beguiled by the gorgeous twisting roots and tiny leaves of a serissa bonsai starter at my local nursery. I bought it and brought it home, oblivious to the level of experience required to really keep these things happy. I've cared for a few beginner bonsai in the past (some of them still with us, others not...) and thought I was up to the task, however a panic-Google brought me to this forum after the temps started to soar here in Dallas and my tree was suddenly, horribly, wilted.
I am happy to report, however, that after more research I've been able to turn things around, and it now seems to be thriving!
Attached is a photo of what it looked like when I first brought it home at the beginning of May, followed by a before and after of the first trimming I gave it today. Since bringing it home, I've repotted it into a bonsai pot with what I hope to be proper soil: a mix of lava, limestone pearock, calcined clay, and pine bark. I've also kicked up my watering to once or twice a day as temps are in the high 90s to low 100s now. It's in a spot where it gets some direct sun, mostly in the afternoon, but is otherwise partly shaded. I can't find a place in my yard (South facing) that gets direct light only in the morning, though I think this would be better.
It does still get a few yellow leaves here and there, so I'm not sure if anyone can make suggestions as to what I can adjust to make it happier?
I'd love thoughts as well on the shape, and maybe a style I that would work well on this guy? I know they're notoriously fussy, but I'd really like to do my best to keep it going!
Thanks for looking and reading!