What should this look like?

[KeithMedlock]

Hi all! This is my first and only bonsai I bought impulsively when I saw it for $6 at a nursery. I have the root over rock coming along to my liking and just did its first trim, but have no idea what my end goal may be. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Species: Portulacaria Afra Variegata
Date on Rock: 06JUN2024
Fertilizer: Biogold
Water: 6 pH Potable Tap
Substrate: Bonsai Jack Gritty
Lighting: 60000 lux Sunrise to Sunset
Temp: 50°F to 85°F
Humidity: 40% to 60%

 

[RoadManDenDron]

I don't have any answers for you, but would love more explanation of what's going on with its 'enclosure'

Where does the pipe in the side go? Is this for water/ fertiliser run off?

 

[SeanS]

Seems like you have some outdoor space on the other side of that window? If that’s true, to answer your question: it should look the same as it does now but outside and without the aquarium around it.

 

[KeithMedlock]

I don't have any answers for you, but would love more explanation of what's going on with its 'enclosure'

Where does the pipe in the side go? Is this for water/ fertiliser run off?

When I water it, I just pour 1.5gal of water in there. Then I let it sit for an hour. The hose has a valve on the end that I open to let drain.

 

[KeithMedlock]

Seems like you have some outdoor space on the other side of that window? If that’s true, to answer your question: it should look the same as it does now but outside and without the aquarium around it.

Honestly, I would love to. It’s too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. But more importantly, my dogs would eat it if I give them a chance.

It gets morning sun and the grow lamp keeps it happy the rest of the day. I have a light meter to make sure it gets the same lux of light as if it was outside.

 

[BrightsideB]

I think what you are doing is cool! As long as you like it that is what matters most. I think with time the setup will look better as the afra grows. Gives me the vivarium vibe due to the watering system you have. Pretty cool idea though for an indoor plant.

 

[KeithMedlock]

I think what you are doing is cool! As long as you like it that is what matters most. I think with time the setup will look better as the afra grows. Gives me the vivarium vibe due to the watering system you have. Pretty cool idea though for an indoor plant.

Thanks! That’s encouraging. Here’s what it looked like before the trim. I would rather not have the watering container, but it was just so heavy to put in the sink I knew it was only a matter of time before I dropped it!

 

[WIlliam_Butler_Yeets]

huh, that's kinda cool, i've never seen a root over rock afra before, that's a good deal for $6! honestly if it was my plant, i probably would not have trimmed that much of it, but afra grow fairly quickly so you can get a lot of foliage back