rstodd

Hello,

I am really excited of becoming a new bonsai tree owner. I received it as a gift, and I would like to know how to change some things. The pot my bonsai tree came in is relatively big compared to the ones I see online. The ones I see online are much more pleasant looking because of this.

I believe I have a Juniper judging by its evergreen-like features. I have attached a picture of the pot.

Can someone point me into the right direction for another appropriate pot I could use that isn't as bulky?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Most Respectfully,

Shane T.

Attached Images

IMAG0020.jpg (95.5 KB, 24 views)

JLDoggett

Hi Shane, First get your tree through the winter and alive. This is the wrong time of year to repot your tree.

__________________
"Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and wrong....because sometime in your life you will have been all of these"

And I further resolve to click on an ad, each time I visit, to help support the site and to be welcoming to lurking guests when you join! After all, you're already here.

treebeard55

Welcome to the forum, Shane!

Yes, you have a juniper; looks like a Juniperus procumbens nana from the picture.

Also from the picture, and I really hate to say this, it looks as if it's dying. Let me repeat: this is from the picture, and pictures can be deceiving. So don't throw it out unless/until you're sure. But I would get it to an experienced bonsai grower or experienced nurseryman as soon as you can for an "eyes-on" assessment.

Meanwhile, you can do a scratch test: use your thumbnail or something similar and scratch down into the bark. You don't have to scratch off much: just enough to see the color of what lies below. If you get down to the wood without seeing any green, you can be sure that part of the tree, at least, is dead. We hope you'll see green, of course.

It looks as if the stones on top of the soil may be glued on. That is one of the worst things merchants can do to a plant! (Because it blocks water.) If they are glued on, get them off ASAP! You can break up the glue and put the stones -- loose now -- back on if you want; that won't hurt because the water can now flow between them.

Finally, if it should turn out to be dead, don't give up! Bonsai is a very enjoyable hobby. Don't let the loss of a tree stop you. For whatever it's worth, most of us lose our first trees due to ignorance (ours or someone else's) or inexperience. Think of it as part of the tuition!

__________________
Treebeard 55
Steve Moore
http://hoosierbonsai.blogspot.com

The most important bonsai tool is your brain.

FrankP999

You have gotten some great advice from Treebeard. One other point - junipers should be kept outdoors. If you keep it inside, it will die. Welcome and good luck !

Frank

Phil

Yes, I'd also be interested to hear how healthy that tree is. Junipers are very popular bonsai tree's that merchants sell to unwary customers as they stay green long after they are dead. It does look rather "crispy" or dry from the photo as Treebeard pointed out but hopefully it's still alive. Also as pointed out, it must be kept outside.

Other than that, welcome to the site.

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

rstodd

I have listened to Treebeard, and I am afraid that there is no green when I chip away the bark. Is there anyway to save it? sad that my first one is going to die when I have not done anything but followed regular water procedures and lighting.

If it completely dies, do you gentlemen/ladies have a recommendation on the type along with where to purchase it from? There are no local nurseries around me that I have been able to find.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Phil

I wouldn't feel at all guilty as more likely than not it was dead when you purchased it. There are some great online bonsai nurseries by just doing a simple Google search. I've dealt with Brussels quite a lot in the past and their quality is very good albeit some are on the expensive side. I'd definitely stay away from Bonsaiboy and I'm sure there are some others and perhaps other members can possibly suggest those that they have had good dealings with and those to stay away from. Also check out the Bonsai Nursery Feedback forum here for some input on various bonsai nurseries.

In the long run you'll at least know that you are receiving some good stock and not what I call a "shopping mall bonsai" which are shipped with no regards to the health of the tree and sold to people who think that they are cute and buy one on impulse only to be shortly disappointed with a dead twig.

Don't feel bad as it's happened to all of us. Also, do some reading on the care of various bonsai trees before you make a decision.

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

rstodd

I have done much reading on the caring for the bonsai tree. However, like I said, I did not purchase this myself. Therefore, I could not judge whether the Juniper was alive or dead. Even when I was face to face with the tree I couldn't tell whether it was. It looked healthy to me. When I think of a dead tree, I see brown and decrepit. I will learn from this mistake.

I just do not know which nurseries to trust and which ones not to trust. I have done many google searches, reviews, etc. I was just wondering whether anyone has had an experience with a particular nursery and whether they would recommend it or not. I have found Untitled Document. This organization seems very respectable, and they are near my area. They have "Beginner's kits" which I thought looked like a really good deal. However, they are out of stock.

I will look into Brussels since you have recommended it.

Thank you Phil for the responses. Any other help / recommendations / advice would be appreciated.

FrankP999

For tropical species, I really like WIGERT'S BONSAI www.wigertsbonsai.com Their trees are very good value and in great condition. I have several Ficus from them. If you can, take some classes from the learning center you found. Their classes look really good.

treebeard55

I can second the thumbs-up for Wigert's. Good stock, good service, decent prices. If you're looking for a tree you can enjoy during the winter -- one that doesn't need a winter dormancy -- then a tropical is the way to go.

__________________
Treebeard 55
Steve Moore
http://hoosierbonsai.blogspot.com

The most important bonsai tool is your brain.