ABADDON

Hello everybody, I'm completely new to this. I just bought my very first bonsai tree today, but here's the deal, I got no idea of what kind of bonsai this is, I mean, what species is this? Also, I would really appreciate ideas and directions on how I should take care of it, and even some ideas of things I could do with it if possible. I'm posting some photos I took of it below. Thank you.

Ml_work

Welcome to the site Abaddon, the tree is a juniper. Looks like it maybe Shimpaku? I say that because the way I see the foliage falling it looks like mine. The junipers I own have been pretty trouble free. Which is good for me as a beginner. Check out the links listed in the other post to the new comer for some good information.
A second look after the pics opened, the soil look strange? You need to get it in some good bonsai soil.
Have a Great Day!
Michael

ABADDON

Hello Michael, thank you for the help, you're right, it's a Shimpaku. The soil was a bit strange cause there was a small amount of a different soil above, but I already fixed that. I wanted it to be different, more upwards, so I did this...







Can I leave it like this? Is it going to work? Or should I let it be the way it was before? Thanks.

Ml_work

Abaddon, I am still learning all of this myself so don't take any of my advice as the "correct" or "only" way to do things. So now that I have my disclaimer out of the way back to your tree. It appeared that it has been grown in the lying down position for a wind sweep look. If you just pulled it up straight and tied it off, this could be a problem as it would damage the roots. If you remove the tree and all soil from the pot you should find that it is wired to the pot. You could then wire it back in the upright position and would not have to use the rope. All the rope will get in the way when you need to move it for water or trimming. I have seen trees anchored to the pot its self. I don't know what time of the year (temperature wise) it is in Rio, but it is best to do potting / re-potting in the spring. With a juniper it may be OK to re pot in fall as well. check out the site www.bonsai4me.com it has many good "how to" articles.
Keep LOOkin Up!
Michael

treebeard55

Welcome to the site, Abbadon.

Yes, you have a shimpaku. That's a good first choice, because they always have the soft adult foliage. Spiky juvenile foliage is only thrown when the tree is stressed. They're also pretty tough, and tolerant of mistakes.

But they're not bullet-proof! I would not advise any more disturbance of the roots right now, unless you can get an experienced local bonsaiist to help you, hands-on. If you can't, I would cover the exposed roots with something porous, so they won't dry out. Then let the tree recover for at least 6 months.

Shimpakus are temperate-climate trees, and Rio is in the tropics, I believe. You may find you need to find a way to give it a cold annual dormancy period. But for now, cover the surface roots, keep your tree out of afternoon sun while it recovers, and enjoy it!

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

The most important bonsai tool is your brain.