New Bonsai Care

[cmsheehan]

Happy Saturday everyone! I just received this new bonsai from my family as a birthday gift, obviously one of those straight from the garden center that’s aimed at beginners (myself) or people who probably aren’t going to do much with the tree. The top layer of rocks are all glued together, which I have separated. Should I just leave it alone for the first year or is it okay to put it in a larger container? Also, I live in Massachusetts, so Zones 6 ish, is it okay to keep it outside immediately or should I give it a little time before bringing it out in the cold? Thanks in advance!

 

[SeanS]

Can you remove the rocks all together?

 

[yashu]

I would avoid letting it freeze but getting it outside when the temps are more moderate would be good. As mentioned, ditch the rocks. The pot it’s in is definitely large enough so no need to replace. That said I’m guessing the soil might be iffy. Post photos of what’s under the rocks after you remove them.

Check out Bonsai West in Littleton https://bonsaiwest.com/ and New England Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham https://www.nebonsai.com/

Both places have good material for purchase (plants and supplies) and offer classes if you decide this is a hobby that interests you. Also there is a club, Northeast Bonsai Association (NEBA) based in Topsfield that you could consider joining as well. They have a facebook page where you should be able to find information on joining.

Have fun with your tree!!!

 

[Jrmcmich]

Just wondering if rocks are glued you are sure it’s a real tree right? I know they do sell fake ones to look like with no care needed. Just asking since odd with rocks glued

 

[cmsheehan]

Just wondering if rocks are glued you are sure it’s a real tree right? I know they do sell fake ones to look like with no care needed. Just asking since odd with rocks glued

Oh yes it’s a real tree, the big, generic garden stores often will “ship” or sell these with the top layer glued down to avoid things spilling or movement during shipping. It’s typically a water soluble glue that will easily dissolve.
I agree, it is odd. But it’s a “cost” savings solution for the company doing the selling, so in that sense it’s understandable.

 

[cmsheehan]

I would avoid letting it freeze but getting it outside when the temps are more moderate would be good. As mentioned, ditch the rocks. The pot it’s in is definitely large enough so no need to replace. That said I’m guessing the soil might be iffy. Post photos of what’s under the rocks after you remove them.

Check out Bonsai West in Littleton https://bonsaiwest.com/ and New England Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham https://www.nebonsai.com/

Both places have good material for purchase (plants and supplies) and offer classes if you decide this is a hobby that interests you. Also there is a club, Northeast Bonsai Association (NEBA) based in Topsfield that you could consider joining as well. They have a facebook page where you should be able to find information on joining.

Have fun with your tree!!!

Thank you for your reply. Bonsai West is awesome, I have not yet been to the New England Bonsai Gardens. I will check out the NEBA page, thanks for the suggestion.
The reason I mentioned putting it into a larger pot is because I would like to see the trunk grow a little thicker, I can’t put it in the ground. I do have Akadama to change out the soil.