bonsai trees
Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2006
by Pekemom on August 24, 2006 03:01 PM
Hi, Phil and congratulations! Will you be able to post up a picture of your new tree? In general, bonsai love humidity and indirect light. Mist daily. I only water sparingly, especially when adjusting to a new environment. Do a google search for your variety and you'll find lots of information. Five years old is a relatively young age. The tree can last forever. In Asia, bonsai are passed down from generation to generation! BTW, your tree is known as "The Tree of A Thousand Stars." Good luck!!
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by SpringFever on August 25, 2006 01:04 AM
Yep Pekemom is right a humidity tray will help alot too!! I have a Lugustrium(SP?) and it is about 10 years old now...
Nearly killed the poor thing did not realize it was an out door type.. Its creeping back to life though!!
Good luck with your tree Phil!!
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Nearly killed the poor thing did not realize it was an out door type.. Its creeping back to life though!!
Good luck with your tree Phil!!
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by Pekemom on August 25, 2006 01:41 AM
SpringFev,
I'd love to see a pic of your ligustrum. Can you post one up? Ten years old? That's awesome!!![[clappy]](im/graemlins/claps.gif)
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I'd love to see a pic of your ligustrum. Can you post one up? Ten years old? That's awesome!!
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by phil2 on August 25, 2006 01:58 AM
thanks
well how do i get a humidty tray
if mine is a outside tree then its no good becasue i have it in doors
i cant find much on google
do you have to give it rainwater or is any water good ?
heres a pic
well how do i get a humidty tray
if mine is a outside tree then its no good becasue i have it in doors
i cant find much on google
do you have to give it rainwater or is any water good ?
heres a pic
by Pekemom on August 25, 2006 02:46 AM
Phil,
Your tree is BEAUTIFUL!! Keep it indoors. The first thing I would do, is buy a little plastic mister. Mine is the size of a small milk carton, and I got it at the supermarket for $2.00 or something.
I put one or two drops only of liquid MiracleGro houseplant food in the mister. Mist every day.
Always keep it moist, never let it dry out completely. But Phil, DO NOT OVERWATER. The tiniest bit of water every few days is sufficient. Or use the mister to soak the top of the soil every third day or so. CAREFUL NOT TO OVERWATER.
Underneath the bonsai pot, you could place a humidity tray. That is a tray filled with gravel/grit and enough water in the bottom to keep gravel/grit wet. Make sure that the level of water is not too high, you do not want the bonsai pot to stand in the water. I don't find it necessary, but it will keep the humidity high for your plant and that's what bonsai like!
Only trim it lightly to keep a good shape, never prune it hard-back. I wouldn't trim it for a month or so.
Make sure it has a good light source, but not direct sunlight. Don't move it around alot. Decide where you want it, and leave it there to get used to its' new home.
Serrisa's can be finicky. You will most likely have to do more research on your bonsai to keep it healthy. Here's a helpful site dedicated to bonsai, but we still need you around here, too!
Bonsai Help
Good luck with your beautiful tree!
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Your tree is BEAUTIFUL!! Keep it indoors. The first thing I would do, is buy a little plastic mister. Mine is the size of a small milk carton, and I got it at the supermarket for $2.00 or something.
I put one or two drops only of liquid MiracleGro houseplant food in the mister. Mist every day.
Always keep it moist, never let it dry out completely. But Phil, DO NOT OVERWATER. The tiniest bit of water every few days is sufficient. Or use the mister to soak the top of the soil every third day or so. CAREFUL NOT TO OVERWATER.
Underneath the bonsai pot, you could place a humidity tray. That is a tray filled with gravel/grit and enough water in the bottom to keep gravel/grit wet. Make sure that the level of water is not too high, you do not want the bonsai pot to stand in the water. I don't find it necessary, but it will keep the humidity high for your plant and that's what bonsai like!
Only trim it lightly to keep a good shape, never prune it hard-back. I wouldn't trim it for a month or so.
Make sure it has a good light source, but not direct sunlight. Don't move it around alot. Decide where you want it, and leave it there to get used to its' new home.
Serrisa's can be finicky. You will most likely have to do more research on your bonsai to keep it healthy. Here's a helpful site dedicated to bonsai, but we still need you around here, too!
Bonsai Help
Good luck with your beautiful tree!
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by phil2 on August 25, 2006 02:57 AM
lol ill be posting a lot as i odont have a clue with bonsais but i will stay incase anything happens i have a mister
is baby bio good
it was £4.98 which is $9.43
thganks ill prob ask some more questions soon
do i need to feed it
and is baby bio ok
just mist it WITH NORMAL WATER?
is baby bio good
it was £4.98 which is $9.43
thganks ill prob ask some more questions soon
do i need to feed it
and is baby bio ok
just mist it WITH NORMAL WATER?
by Pekemom on August 25, 2006 03:10 AM
Phil,
Is this the baby bio you have? It's just like what I use. I like the liquid because I can measure out only a drop or two in the mister. Less is more, Phil. Small amounts of everything.
I use regular water. But I fill the mister and let it sit overnight. If you paid under $10 US for that plant, you STOLE IT!! You couldn't buy that plant commercially for less than $30 or $40 US here. Now, let's try to keep it healthy!! BTW, that bonsai link I gave you is from the UK.
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Is this the baby bio you have? It's just like what I use. I like the liquid because I can measure out only a drop or two in the mister. Less is more, Phil. Small amounts of everything.
I use regular water. But I fill the mister and let it sit overnight. If you paid under $10 US for that plant, you STOLE IT!! You couldn't buy that plant commercially for less than $30 or $40 US here. Now, let's try to keep it healthy!! BTW, that bonsai link I gave you is from the UK.
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by phil2 on August 25, 2006 06:27 AM
yes that is what i feed it,do ui just put water in a mister bottle and a bit of that and mist it.
no i never stole it,that was its price
no i never stole it,that was its price
by SpringFever on August 25, 2006 08:07 AM
Hmmm let me see if I can find one!!
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by SpringFever on August 25, 2006 08:10 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SpringFever:
Hmmm let me see if I can find one!!
Found it... I hav not taken a recent picture of it since its near death experiance!!
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by Pekemom on August 25, 2006 10:15 AM
Spring~
I don't know if I'm looking at this right - Is there a (hanging) plant BEHIND your bonsai...or are all the branches and leaves above the window sill, part of your bonsai?? If so, it's HUGE!!! How is it doing these days?
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I don't know if I'm looking at this right - Is there a (hanging) plant BEHIND your bonsai...or are all the branches and leaves above the window sill, part of your bonsai?? If so, it's HUGE!!! How is it doing these days?
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by SpringFever on August 25, 2006 12:19 PM
It is the same Tree ![[Big Grin]](im/biggrin.gif)
I did not know how to trim it at first I was afraid!! It is slowly getting back to its old self now I will try to get a picture and post it soon.. Perhaps you could give me some prunning advise
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I did not know how to trim it at first I was afraid!! It is slowly getting back to its old self now I will try to get a picture and post it soon.. Perhaps you could give me some prunning advise * * * *
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by Pekemom on August 26, 2006 04:36 AM
Pruning is the most fun part of caring for the bonsais, Springfever!! You get to buy teeny tiny little tools, and everything you do, is in miniature. It's alot of fun. And if and when you want to actually shape or form your bonsai (have it grow down or around) you learn how to wire it up for specific growth.
I can recommend a beginning bonsai book. Here are two of my fav's:
Indoor Bonsai
Guide To Bonsai
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I can recommend a beginning bonsai book. Here are two of my fav's:
Indoor Bonsai
Guide To Bonsai
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by phil2 on August 26, 2006 06:30 AM
is it the middle one
will it get that big
how do u trim?
will it get that big
how do u trim?
by SpringFever on August 26, 2006 10:51 AM
Here it is now Poor thing!!
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by Pekemom on August 26, 2006 01:29 PM
Actually, it looks very healthy to me, SpringFever!! The shape of the bark is awesome and perfect for a bonsai. Great job restoring your baby back to health. Not easy...I know!!
Using this photo as a guide, can you see the big differences between your ligustrum and their's?
Bonsai (bon means pot, sai means tree) is the art of growing miniature trees (the symbol of life) to look like their grown up counterparts. Beause of that, everything bonsai is in miniature - the bark, the branches, the leaves, the fruit/berries/blooms, even the roots, when they are exposed.
That being the case, we want to prune back the branches, and make the branches and the leaves smaller. The idea is to train the tree to mimick its' original form, keeping it natural, simple and assymetrical.
I'd begin by cutting back those side branches to bring the tree back into balance. Then, I'd work on removing (yes, actually pinching away) the biggest leaves, and continue that effort for the life of the tree.
I hope that helps!! Next time I'm in Boston, visiting my daughter (who from time to time works in Lawrence!!) we'll have to get together!
You're off to a great start, Spring..PLEASE let me know how you progress! And investing in one of those books (they're cheap on Amazon) is a good idea, too!
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Using this photo as a guide, can you see the big differences between your ligustrum and their's?
Bonsai (bon means pot, sai means tree) is the art of growing miniature trees (the symbol of life) to look like their grown up counterparts. Beause of that, everything bonsai is in miniature - the bark, the branches, the leaves, the fruit/berries/blooms, even the roots, when they are exposed.
That being the case, we want to prune back the branches, and make the branches and the leaves smaller. The idea is to train the tree to mimick its' original form, keeping it natural, simple and assymetrical.
I'd begin by cutting back those side branches to bring the tree back into balance. Then, I'd work on removing (yes, actually pinching away) the biggest leaves, and continue that effort for the life of the tree.
I hope that helps!! Next time I'm in Boston, visiting my daughter (who from time to time works in Lawrence!!) we'll have to get together!
You're off to a great start, Spring..PLEASE let me know how you progress! And investing in one of those books (they're cheap on Amazon) is a good idea, too!
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by SpringFever on August 26, 2006 10:28 PM
Thanks For the advice Pekemom! I was affraid after all the leaves fell off that I would put it into shock for good by trimming too soon..
I do have a book have to find it though..![[Roll Eyes]](im/rolleyes.gif)
The leaves on mine never seemed to stay little and I was not sure of what to do to keep them small... I did however Re-pot it this spring which Helped it out a super bunch!
I really do need to get out the trimmer on my poor tree!
It would be nice to meet you on your next adventure north!
Thanks Again!
Rita
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I do have a book have to find it though..
The leaves on mine never seemed to stay little and I was not sure of what to do to keep them small... I did however Re-pot it this spring which Helped it out a super bunch!
I really do need to get out the trimmer on my poor tree!
It would be nice to meet you on your next adventure north!
Thanks Again!
Rita
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Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album
by phil2 on August 27, 2006 12:47 AM
CAN SOMEONE ANSWER MY QUESTIONS
by Pekemom on August 27, 2006 01:42 AM
Phil,
Yes. SpringFever's bonsai was the middle plant in the picture. A "big" bonsai, is one that is large, but still in proportion. You should be able to "squint" a little, and see a full sized tree in miniature!
Trimming is an art that you learn by doing. Training the tree to grow a certain way, by trimming and wiring, is what bonsai is all about. To keep the leaves small, you must pinch off the larger leaves. Over time, the tree will have all tiny (or at least smaller) leaves.
Please try to get the books I mentioned, Phil. They will help alot. Also, Kew Gardens is in the London area with a bonsai collection. The link I sent you is strictly for bonsai help.
And try Google for a bonsai group or exhibit near Liverpool! And let us know your progress. We love pictures!
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quote:Yes. I put tap water in a mister bottle and let it sit overnight. I mist frequently and water sparingly, maybe every third day or so.
do u just put water in a mister bottle
Yes. SpringFever's bonsai was the middle plant in the picture. A "big" bonsai, is one that is large, but still in proportion. You should be able to "squint" a little, and see a full sized tree in miniature!
Trimming is an art that you learn by doing. Training the tree to grow a certain way, by trimming and wiring, is what bonsai is all about. To keep the leaves small, you must pinch off the larger leaves. Over time, the tree will have all tiny (or at least smaller) leaves.
Please try to get the books I mentioned, Phil. They will help alot. Also, Kew Gardens is in the London area with a bonsai collection. The link I sent you is strictly for bonsai help.
And try Google for a bonsai group or exhibit near Liverpool! And let us know your progress. We love pictures!
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by phil2 on August 27, 2006 06:53 AM
ok but im not getting books
thanks
do u have to wire it
thanks
do u have to wire it
by Pekemom on August 27, 2006 11:34 AM
No. You don't have to wire the bonsai if you're happy with the shape it already has. And yours is a beauty, so you don't have to worry about wiring anything. Just trim it so it keeps its' shape and looks balanced. And similar to serrisas you find on the internet that are professionally cared for. You may need to pinch off larger leaves if they look out of proportion to the rest of the tree. Good Luck, Phil!
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by SpringFever on August 27, 2006 12:38 PM
Pekemom I do have a question .. I have been to the help forum in the past... The info I have received is that I have an outdoor Tree... I am in zone 6... the tree is zone 7... how am I to over winter without it freezing or Killing the poor thing?? ![[dunno]](im/graemlins/dunno.gif)
I heard I was suppose to put it in a rubbermaid box...and leave it out side..
that it is suppose to loose its leaves and have the full cycle of seasons
Thank you for all your teriffic information!
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I heard I was suppose to put it in a rubbermaid box...and leave it out side..
that it is suppose to loose its leaves and have the full cycle of seasons
Thank you for all your teriffic information!
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Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album
by phil2 on August 28, 2006 12:30 AM
oh so u just keep it a shape not leaves hangin everywere.
by Pekemom on August 28, 2006 03:56 AM
Spring,
I just looked up your variety in the bonsai guide. It specifically states that the tree must be "under glass" in the winter ie, BRING THE BABY IN THE HOUSE IN THE WINTER!! The description says it does adapt well to indoor life. So I would take it inside for the winter. Mist it regularly. You might even get pleasantly surprised with some flowering this year!
Your bonsai has a beautifully shaped bark. I look for those all the time. I can rarely find them, or when I do, they're too expensive!
Prune the branches in, to keep the tree in visual balance. Pinch off the bigger leaves. And keep us up to date with pictures. We're excited to see a beautiful bonsai tree emerge!
~Nikki
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I just looked up your variety in the bonsai guide. It specifically states that the tree must be "under glass" in the winter ie, BRING THE BABY IN THE HOUSE IN THE WINTER!! The description says it does adapt well to indoor life. So I would take it inside for the winter. Mist it regularly. You might even get pleasantly surprised with some flowering this year!
Your bonsai has a beautifully shaped bark. I look for those all the time. I can rarely find them, or when I do, they're too expensive!
Prune the branches in, to keep the tree in visual balance. Pinch off the bigger leaves. And keep us up to date with pictures. We're excited to see a beautiful bonsai tree emerge!
~Nikki
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by SpringFever on August 28, 2006 06:12 AM
Thanks Nikki!! I thank you for all your help!! It is nice to have you among us to help us with our Bonsai trees ![[kissies]](im/graemlins/kissies.gif)
Hi by the way I am Rita!!![[wavey]](im/graemlins/wavey.gif)
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Hi by the way I am Rita!!
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by phil2 on August 29, 2006 06:08 AM
oh so u just keep it a shape not leaves hangin everywere.
by Pekemom on August 29, 2006 08:54 AM
Yes!! Yours has such a nice shape, Phil. I would just "give it a little haircut" every month or so, keeping the shape it already has. You'll see when leaves or branches grow outside the nice shape of the tree. Trim those off. Also any leaves that grow too big, and look out of proportion to the tree.."Pinch" those big leaves off, and they'll be replaced by smaller ones.
Did you find any bonsai exhibits near Liverpool? Have you checked out the Southport Flower Show this summer? Do a google search for bonsai exhibits near you!
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Did you find any bonsai exhibits near Liverpool? Have you checked out the Southport Flower Show this summer? Do a google search for bonsai exhibits near you!
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by phil2 on August 30, 2006 12:49 AM
oh ok,no couldnt find much
some of my leaves turned a yellowe colour
this ok
some of my leaves turned a yellowe colour
this ok
by Pekemom on August 30, 2006 03:00 AM
quote:Phil, you may be overwatering. Just go to misting only for a couple of weeks, no dumping water into the bowl. Serrisas, as I said, can be finicky. It may also just be going through an acclimation (getting used to) period in your home. Phil, if the tree is getting indirect light, don't move it around alot. Keep it in one place.
some of my leaves turned a yellowe colour
For more specific advice, join the bonsai help forum I linked you to. Here it is again. Bonsai Help They are true bonsai experts. And the forum comes from the UK. You may find some bonsai lovers right in your neighborhood!
Beginner bonsais I recommend are juniper and fukien tea. They are more hearty and a bit easier to care for.
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by phil2 on September 01, 2006 03:11 AM
i wud get the beginner ones but too late i have this
his leaves r turning yellow but hes bone dry so i did water it
ive joined that forum
his leaves r turning yellow but hes bone dry so i did water it
ive joined that forum
by Pekemom on September 03, 2006 04:39 PM
Good, Phil. I think that forum will have alot of bonsai expertise there.
How's your Serrisa doing? My Fukien tea had a few yellow leaves, too. So I cut back on the watering and even the misting. It's looking better. Not easy to care for a bonsai. I think we all have the problem of hovering over it too much, and "killing it with kindness..."
Are you using a mister at all?
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How's your Serrisa doing? My Fukien tea had a few yellow leaves, too. So I cut back on the watering and even the misting. It's looking better. Not easy to care for a bonsai. I think we all have the problem of hovering over it too much, and "killing it with kindness..."
Are you using a mister at all?
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by phil2 on September 08, 2006 01:47 AM
yes
hes ok
hes ok
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i really want to look after them i think there cool
please help m out
it also says bonsai assorted
p.s it says age 4-5 years is that how old it is or how long it will live
and how long will it live?