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| Hello!
I am new to bonsai care and could use some help! I purchased one of the cheap pseudo-bonsai from my local store so if I kill it (which is highly likely) it won't be as upsetting as killing a mature and expensive tree. I didn't notice until I got home that the one I have had those hideous glued on rocks (which I have already removed - soaking the whole base in water made removal very simple) and I believe from pictures I've seen on this website it might be a Brush Cherry(??). It seems healthy so far, there is new growth and some of the leaves looked spotted but it was all grime and easily wiped clean. (See Some Pictures Below)
So now I need help with the next part. I suppose I have to check for root rot, but I'm not going to remove it tonight without another pot or soil to put it in. I have so many questions after realizing the peril of those dumb glued rocks! I already knew I was buying an inexpensive plant, but I still want it to live! If I could have any help to any of my questions I will be grateful...I will just list them below: *Do I transplant the tree into a different container or re-pot it with new soil into the one it came with? *What is the best way of removing the tree from it's current pot since it's really packed in there? *What size pot is usually needed?(the tree is 8 inches tall, the pot is 3in x 3in x 4.5in) *Will it survive in just regular old potting soil? *How do I recognize root rot? Assuming it is a Brush Cherry I can look up other care guides such as watering/temperature/sunlight/fertilizing but if someone is currently raising one I wouldn't mind hearing about personal preferences! :) I plan on reading up more on how to care for my new plant but any advice/tips thrown my way would be great! Thanks! Caroline |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| While reading about the Brush Cherry it mentioned feeding every two weeks during "peak growing season" When is peak growing season? The webpage where I found this information: http://www.bonsaigardener.org/brush-cherry-bonsai.html |
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- Posted by blue_tortoise 7 (My Page) on Sun, Jun 21, 09 at 13:36
| I'm a beginner to this stuff also, so take my word with a grain of salt... but I think I can address a couple of your questions. First off, if the pot has good drainage, I don't see the harm in continuing to use it. I'd assume peak growing season is spring to early summer, when it is throwing new shoots left and right. I believe regular potting soil is a bit too dense for bonsai... perhaps mixing in some clean sand or peat would help. And... to remove tight plants, I loosen the soil from the edges of the pot with a dinner knife (gently, careful of the roots) then pull the tree up from the base of its trunk. I don't know much about root rot yet (yikes!) ... Best of luck! Tortoise |
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- Posted by head_cutter Vietnam (My Page) on Mon, Jun 22, 09 at 22:51
| There really isn't a burning reason to re-pot or worry about root-rot at this point. Most tropicals will go through some 'shock' just being moved to a new environment so don't panic if it drops a few leaves. What I would do is water it up hard a few times...from the top...and make sure it's draining well. Water running out the drain hole in the bottom. Root rot happens when the pot holds water and the roots sit in it for a time. If the pot is draining no problem. What you have is a large cutting in a pot at this point. It would look better in a shallow rectangle or (better) oval pot which works with a sort of 'broom' style which yours will work as. |
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| Thanks for all the tips! I have re-potted in a shallow rectangle pot which I really do like better. It was messy, but well worth it! Head Cutter- I do like the broom style you mentioned and it is probably one of more simple styles to follow as a newbie, so thanks for the idea! :) Pics of my newly potted tree: |
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