New to Bonsai, Hello!

[sparklenmn88]

Hello, I have been reading for a bit on here and decided to participate. The sheer amount of information is thrilling! I live in Zone 4, Central Minnesota. Because I do not have a garage or a cellar, I did not think I could grow Juniper, Tamarack, because nowhere would be temperate enough for them to overwinter. I purchased online at a seemingly reputable Bonsai dealer a Fukien Tea, about a foot high, and also a Premna, Shohin.

I have some questions about light and humidity level, the safest way if I need to repot it before summer due to bugs in the soil, so I will read on and glean from all of you.

 

[Dogestoevsky]

Welcome! Juniper and tamarack are actually perfect for your climate — nothing to worry about leaving them outside all winter on the ground. Natives tends to be easier for us beginners. The Fukien tea and premna will be indoors at least half the year up in Minnesota. Not impossible, but not easy!

Humidity and proper watering are critical for indoor plants. Watch for pests, and good luck!

If you want to try hardy species in the future they’ll do quite well for you!

 

[sparklenmn88]

Welcome! Juniper and tamarack are actually perfect for your climate — nothing to worry about leaving them outside all winter on the ground. Natives tends to be easier for us beginners. The Fukien tea and premna will be indoors at least half the year up in Minnesota. Not impossible, but not easy!

Humidity and proper watering are critical for indoor plants. Watch for pests, and good luck!

If you want to try hardy species in the future they’ll do quite well for you!

Thanks! I didn't know they could be left out year round, because I guess when I think of Bonsai, I think of small, flat pots and it seems like they would freeze to death or get flooded during rainy times. There are some workshops in my area and you can choose Juniper or Ficus. One of those might be really good.

 

[Dogestoevsky]

Sure, juniper and ficus are great trees to start with. Starting anywhere is good! A workshop sounds like a great idea if you’re just getting into the hobby. If you can find a local bonsai club or group, hands on practice / instruction / collaboration is the best teacher. Folks are nice enough on the forums, but there’s nothing better than getting together and talking trees with a few friends (with drinks!).

In the meantime, use the search function on the main toolbar to look up appropriate species for your area and overwintering strategies. A shed or unheated garage is nice, but by no means necessary to safely protect hardy trees. Check out YouTube if you want video inspiration!

 

[nuttiest]

Welcome sparkle!

 

[rockm]

Thanks! I didn't know they could be left out year round, because I guess when I think of Bonsai, I think of small, flat pots and it seems like they would freeze to death or get flooded during rainy times. There are some workshops in my area and you can choose Juniper or Ficus. One of those might be really good.

Welcome!

The misconception that bonsai are fragile, hothouse plants is common for those just getting into bonsai. They are not. "Indoor" bonsai are a concept that sprung up in the West. In Japan, there really are no "indoor" bonsai. The vast majority of bonsai there are species that are hardy to outdoor weather. They were created from trees collected from the mountains and gardens. In the U.S., there is a huge market for indoor bonsai because of those misconceptions. Indoor bonsai are not as easy to keep as outdoor bonsai, FWIW, as they typically require supplemental lighting and humidifiers to keep them healthy.

Flooding for outdoor bonsai is not a concern if you're using correct porous soil and pots with drainage holes.

Bonsai can be made from any woody stemmed tree or bush, or even plants with persistent growth, such as chrysanthemums.

That means local native species, or species that grow in the same climate zone as yours in other areas of the world will be outdoor hardy in your area with only a few protective practices in winter. Larch, pine, juniper are all outdoor hardy trees in your area. I'd also guess deciduous species like Siberian elm and others are too.