Newly Purchased Bonsai is dying

[rockm]

The way I see it, the seller undoubtedly knew the tree wasn’t worth that. It appears to be little more than a rooted cutting. While there was no fraud involved, as the tree promised was the same as the tree delivered, I think it was still unethical for the seller to stick an undeveloped tree in a pot, call it bonsai, and sell it for way more than it’s worth. Exploiting the ignorance of beginners isn’t cool. It may be legal, but that doesn’t make it acceptable.

Well, err um. Yeah...

All of that is true, but goes without saying.

We don't live in a perfect world. I don't play poker with guys named Slick and I don't spit into the wind. Dad warned me about that stuff, but still managed to buy a tree from a guy on the roadside a long time ago for a lot more that it was worth (as I'm sure most everyone here has). That kind of thing is never going to change. Caveat Emptor, etc. etc. etc.

as for being "acceptable" Again, goes without saying, but shit happens.

 

[vesper818]

Hi Sunny! Welcome to the Bonsai nuthouse! Waving from 30 mi north of you in Novato.
All of the above, mostly watch the wind. What direction does your balcony face? There's a nice little bonsai shop in the Japanese cultural center on Geary that can give you good advice what to grow in the city.
Also, please check out Eric Shraeder's website for care training, and healthy starter trees at a fraction of the cost.

Bonsaify | Buy Bonsai Trees | Bonsai Pots & Supplies

We make bonsai easy and fun! Beautiful bonsai trees, grown & styled by us. Unique bonsai pots, bonsai supplies, and easy-to-follow advice on bonsai tree care. Pre-bonsai, mame and shohin, mini-bonsai, bonsai starters, and bonsai courses.

www.bonsaify.com

He also has a wonderful YouTube channel under Bonsaify.

Please don't be heartbroken if your first tree doesn't make it. Bonsai are not decoration. They are living trees first, and require a gardeners care . Add a few more to learn your own training. I would also recommend Jonas Dupuich's book, the little bonsai book, and his blog Bonsai Tonight, as he is based in Alemeda.
Cheers
Carol2

 

[ItsAlwaysSunnyinSF]

Hey thanks to everyone for replying and the helpful insight. Just moved to SF and don't really know many people out here so its kind of nice having a couple of people online helping you out. Yeah ,I probably paid a little more than I should have. Just got married and moved and on our way was a bonsai tree seller on the side of the road. Older Japanese fellow with a beat up stand and truck. Seemed like a good guy and was probably his only hustle. Anyways Thanks again guys.

 

[ItsAlwaysSunnyinSF]

Hi Sunny! Welcome to the Bonsai nuthouse! Waving from 30 mi north of you in Novato.
All of the above, mostly watch the wind. What direction does your balcony face? There's a nice little bonsai shop in the Japanese cultural center on Geary that can give you good advice what to grow in the city.
Also, please check out Eric Shraeder's website for care training, and healthy starter trees at a fraction of the cost.

Bonsaify | Buy Bonsai Trees | Bonsai Pots & Supplies

We make bonsai easy and fun! Beautiful bonsai trees, grown & styled by us. Unique bonsai pots, bonsai supplies, and easy-to-follow advice on bonsai tree care. Pre-bonsai, mame and shohin, mini-bonsai, bonsai starters, and bonsai courses.

www.bonsaify.com

He also has a wonderful YouTube channel under Bonsaify.

Please don't be heartbroken if your first tree doesn't make it. Bonsai are not decoration. They are living trees first, and require a gardeners care . Add a few more to learn your own training. I would also recommend Jonas Dupuich's book, the little bonsai book, and his blog Bonsai Tonight, as he is based in Alemeda.
Cheers
Car

 

[ItsAlwaysSunnyinSF]

Oh perfect thats right by my worksite. Looked it up online I'll give that shop a visit. I'm facing north ish. Ill check out that channel. I'm curious as to how other people's bonsais look.

 

[pandacular]

SF is a great spot to be into bonsai. Lots of clubs, lots of big events ( you will not want to miss the Pacific Bonsai Expo in October), and lots of teachers and nurseries. Definitely recommend finding local advice and getting involved in the community there.

No shame in overpaying for a “mallsai”, countless people have done it. It’s the follow through that counts.

 

[RobGA]

$155 in San Francisco. Seems like a bargain to me.

 

[River's Edge]

Give it more time outside

The tree should be kept outside all the time.