Thanks for your response Shibui. I put it in basic garden soil mixed with some potting soil last Sunday. Should I put it in a more free draining bonsai mix. Some buds are just peeking through but haven’t even started swelling.
For future reference, DO NOT put it in basic garden mix and potting soil. Just PLAIN BONSAI SOIL. AT this point with new buds pushing, it's too late to do much. New buds signal new root growth, which are probably about the same size as the buds. You will have to watch this tree closely in the coming months to make sure it doesn't dry out or stay too wet -- which can be tough.
With newly collected trees, You want maximum drainage, along with the gas exchange that comes with it. Air is pulled into the soil at every watering with a freer draining mix. Roots require that exchange, particularly as they begin developing.
A heavy water retaining soil can prevent that air exchange and can smother new roots or rot them over time. Peat moss is an extremely bad thing to include in newly collected trees' soil. It remains far too wet, its fine particles clog drainage and can lead to anaerobic conditions. Plain deciduous mix bonsai soil with a bit or chunkier organic components like composted pine bark, or seedling orchid bark is perfect.
