Dirtt_Diver

i got this bonsai from a friend who cant look after it, just wondering if anybody knows the species so i know its needs. as you can see it's not in the best shape!

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/40/sg104963.jpg
http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/2642/sg104967.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/82/sg104968.jpg
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9346/sg104973.jpg

M.B.

I'm not really sure since the plant is in such poor shape. Was it in this shape when you got it, or declined since you've had it. Are there any similar trees in the neighborhood (I think it was dug up from someone's yard maybe). Also, how long has it been in that pot?
Mary B.

Dirtt_Diver

no it was bought in a store, and it was fine when he got it, he just didnt look after it, so i said i would, but im not sure if its a shade tree or a sunshine tree! Id imagine its a shade one, as i live in Ireland and we dont get much sun so there is not many sunshine trees for sale! all i can do is wait and see really! im just waiting for any sign of new growth to be honest, once i see some green ill be happy!

M.B.

Bought in a store? Wow, it sure looks like something dug up from somebodies yard and squished into a pot. The soil doesn't even cover the roots. How long did your friend have the plant?
Mary B.

Dirtt_Diver

My girlfriend bought me a Fukien for Christmas (last) and her brother this species, so he has had it since December, mine is perfectly healthy and thriving although i should buy new pots for both for as you said the roots are protruding.

Michel

Hi,

Hardly worth calling it a bonsai;

Right now,
it's just a poor plant that is (litterally) dying
for some TLC.
It shows some characteristics of a strong grower,
though;

Cut back branches to the bare essentials
and seal wounds with cut paste if needed,
prune and thoroughly clean out the roots,
plant it in a coarse, good quality draining soil,
water it abundantly the first time (Add HB-101)
and let it recover from its ordeal in a nice,
windsheltered, semi-shaded part of Your garden.

As soon as recovery truly sets in,
there will be plenty of time to define the species
and to think up of a training campaign plan.

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

artyanimal

It's very hard to tell for sure from the pics but, I think it is a Chinese sweet plum. The curve in the trunk and the first few main branches do suggest it has been "styled" in a fashion similar to many, many such imports. So you could try a search for same to compare and to get and some tips.

If it is a csp it really prefers warm weather and lots of sun. In other words it is probably not ideal for Dublin's conditions but, if you can find a way to meet those two reqirements the good news is that this plant does bounce back fairly quickly. If it does not appear overwatered by showing brown or black patches on leaf tips, you may want to leave the soil alone for now until it shows some signs of recovery. Eventually however, a fast draining soil will help it build up some healthy roots.

Good luck and cheers,

Arty

treebeard55

Welcome to the forum, DD!

From the bark, angularity of growth, and what I can see of the leaves, I'm pretty sure arty is right: Sageretia theezans, a.k.a. S. thea, common English name Chinese sweet plum.

Once it recovers, you'll want to find the warmest, sunniest spot you can for it.

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

The most important bonsai tool is your brain.