Where can I gather information on continuing my bonsai trees?

[PhilipMatthewD]

I stopped by Hobby Lobby as one does and picked up the typical starter kit. I know I'm just one of the millions of people on here who has one of these kits but I'd love to grow a bonsai from seed and see it mature completely. I've had some seedlings before that ive found and tried to grow, some from a crack in the concrete to a gutter and I want to have these trees follow me through my life.

My Norway Spruce never grew but my Royal Poinciana, Blue Jacaranda and Rocky Mountian Pine have, I'd like only 1 of each tree so I might gift my spares away. I have some Grow Queen Craft Aroid Mix, 3 6 inch pots and some water spray fertilizer. Most plants are healthy but my cat ate some of the Royal Poinciana (thats why theyre on shelves now) and was wondering if this plant will recover? Also is there anything I should look out for, or what I should prepare for when I repot the plants? They say a blend of sandy loam, peat moss and pea gravel plus some Perlite but the soil I have has some in it. The plants arent ready for a repot yet but I just want to be prepared for when it is ready. Any sites for reading or watching to learn more about bonsai is amazing to hear about! Last picture isn't a plant btw it's a bastard.

 

[Potawatomi13]

What is "Rocky Mtn Pine"?

 

[leatherback]

What is "Rocky Mtn Pine"?

Pinus aristata Engelm ?

Pinus aristata

my cat ate some of the Royal Poinciana (thats why theyre on shelves now) and was wondering if this plant will recover?

It should. These first two leaves are actually a store for the plant to draw energy and nutrients from during the first phase in life. Near the steam new buds should start pushing after a few weeks.

Also is there anything I should look out for, or what I should prepare for when I repot the plants? They say a blend of sandy loam, peat moss and pea gravel plus some Perlite but the soil I have has some in it. The plants arent ready for a repot yet but I just want to be prepared for when it is ready.

That is a bit of a complex question as everybody has their own preferred strategy. I frequently repot out of the seedling trays as soon as the first of second set of read leaves (so not the cotylodons [storage leaves] have emerged. At that time I clip the main root. I DO loose a part of the seedlings. You can also wait till spring.

Note that pretty muich all plants love to spend time outside. The pines MUST grow outside. The other two need to be protected from frost and thus live inside at least during the winter months.

Loads of youtube channels, websites but also this forum. I can recoommend searching your question on this forum and you might find most have been discussed.

 

[PhilipMatthewD]

What is "Rocky Mtn Pine"?

Sorry, it has a lot of names, ive only heard Rocky Mountian Pine and Lodgewood Pine.

 

[PhilipMatthewD]

Pinus aristata Engelm ?

Pinus aristata

It should. These first two leaves are actually a store for the plant to draw energy and nutrients from during the first phase in life. Near the steam new buds should start pushing after a few weeks.


That is a bit of a complex question as everybody has their own preferred strategy. I frequently repot out of the seedling trays as soon as the first of second set of read leaves (so not the cotylodons [storage leaves] have emerged. At that time I clip the main root. I DO loose a part of the seedlings. You can also wait till spring.

Note that pretty muich all plants love to spend time outside. The pines MUST grow outside. The other two need to be protected from frost and thus live inside at least during the winter months.

Loads of youtube channels, websites but also this forum. I can recoommend searching your question on this forum and you might find most have been discussed.

Thank you so much I'll let my pines outside for winter and I'll repot during the spring just in case. Now, disscussion on the overwintering process, since I live in a second floor apartment, I plan on asking my landlord if I can do a window flowerpot, if not, I'm sure I can construct some sort of window cold frame thingy. I'll probably use another pot to help insulate the pines. Ohio weather is hellish for the people living here, the extra protection will help protect the lodgepole from freezing. They say to water if the soil is dry 1-2 inches deep, so I'll try and do that. I even have an outdoor thermometer to help since Rocky Mountian Pines can only hold up until 10°F. Lemme know what else I need to touch-up on and thank you again

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

Sorry, it has a lot of names, ive only heard Rocky Mountian Pine and Lodgewood Pine.

So perhaps you are referring to the Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta).

Most people on this forum are going to encourage you to spend some money on a tree that is further along in its development/growth to practice and learn on but, growing from seed is a good learning experience in and of itself.

You may want to research “Developing Bonsai in the Ground”. As @leatherback indicated, there is a lot of helpful information on this site and on YouTube.

Consider joining a local bonsai club if you can find one in your area. You’ll find that many of the members (if not all) will want to help you progress.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Id definitely try to transition these to outside for rest of summer/early fall. The tropicals will need to be brought in for winter.

I also would not give any away until you know you wont kill them all. A few spares may be in your interest.

Research each specific species care as they will require diffrrent techniques and timing for work. Focus on watering right now and getting them as much light as ypu can.

 

[leatherback]

if I can do a window flowerpot, if not, I'm sure I can construct some sort of window cold frame thingy. I'll probably use another pot to help insulate the pines.

ehm.. A pot hanging on first/second/third floor out of a window will 99% certain dessicate and be killed before christmas.
Also.. Insulation does not work if you do not have an heating element inside. ELse it might slow cooling down but just marginally, like your house just freezes up when the heater is bust.

Best would be to have a sheltered spot downstairs where you can put the pot our of wind and sun for winter.

 

[Wulfskaar]

Welcome!

I started with a similar seed kit in 2020, and have grown from seeds each spring since then.

1. Put them outside in sun, fresh air, day/night cycle, and seasons. They might not look great soon after, but will adjust and grow much stronger.
2. Keep all the seedlings for now, as some will likely die off.
3. Repot into 4-6" pots in early spring. Do very little root work, if any. You can trim a bit of the taproot if there are plenty of roots above. Choose soil wisely. After the first year, I repot into bonsai soil. I've been using TinyRoots deciduous mix for my Jacarandas and other deciduous trees and they LOVE it. It has smaller grains than standard bonsai soil, but they are growing very well. I've used this for multiple years now. As bristlecone pine, you might consider standard bonsai soil with organic elements added.
4. At this point, they just need to grow a 3-4 years before doing much else.
5. A cold frame sounds like a good idea for winter, especially to protect from cold winter winds.
6. At this point, fertilize only very lightly, if at all.