please help! beginner, trying to save Bonsai

Tamster325

hello there, I am from Central NY, and I have been interested in Bonsai for a while, but have very limited experience with the plants....while at a retail store today, I spotted a not-so-healthy looking Bonsai tree....from pictures I could find, I believe it to be some sort of Japanese Ficus...but I could be wrong....anyway...the plant was extremely dry when I got it, the bottom branches of the tree have lost all their leaves and it looks like the bottom branches may be dead or dying...... and some of the top ones have also lost their leaves....there are leaves on the very tops of the top branches, but the plant looks like it may be overgrown (hasn't been pruned in a while) and I'm really unsure as to how much to cut off, if any....if anyone can offer some advice, I would really appreciate it!! I can send a picture of the tree if that would help? thanks!!
Tammy

StaceyR

A picture would help for ID purposes and to give you the best help. At least you di let us know where you are! Wink

Dick

Tammy,

I'm located in western NY state. Where are you exactly. I might be able to point you to some places that could help you directly.

Tamster325 · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:57 am Post subject: thanks!

thanks for the prompt replies! I am located in Syracuse, NY. I will attempt to get a picture of the tree asap and get to you.....thanks again for any info! Tammy

Dick

Hi Tammy,

I'd like to recommend that if it is possible, you might consider linking up with a bonsai club right in Syracuse. In addition, there are some bonsai retailers located within 1 1/2 hour drive from your location. Here's some information on the bonsai club:

Bonsai Kai of Central New York
6 Bevell Lane
North Syracuse, NY 13212
Phone 315-461-9226
E-mail: iriscohen@aol.com

…Monthly meetings…
Third Wednesday, 7:30 PM
September through November
March through May

Pitcher Hill Community Church
North Syracuse

Also, in Rochester (Henrietta, NY) area, there is International Bonsai which is a wonderful bonsai resource. Bill Valvanais is the owner/operator and is world known in bonsai circles. He also has a website to browse at: http://www.internationalbonsai.com

Good luck and come back with any questions you may have.

Stymie

Dicks on the ball. Well done.

Tamster325 · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 4:05 am Post subject: update.....

hello again everyone, just wanted to let you know how the tree is doing, (and get some more advice!)....well, most of the top branches that did not have leaves already are now sprouting! Can anyone tell me if this tree should get direct or indirect sunlight? I have been keeping it in indirect sunlight until I could find out....unfortunately, it looks like all the lower branches are definitely dead....I also wanted to let you in on the size of the tree.....it is about 16 inches tall, from the top of the soil, to the top of the tallest branch, and the trunk is about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter....the pot that it is in is about 7 inches in diameter (circular) and about 3 inches tall....should the tree be repotted? what does anyone think? thanks for any feedback!!
Tammy

DMicheleR

From what I've read, I think it may be a little late to re-pot (unless it is an emergency), but since I'm also new to bonsai it would be best to hear what the more experienced members say. Welcome to the forum and good luck with your bonsai. Very Happy

Stymie

Good news Tammy about the new sprouts. You must be doing something right. We're still not sure of what you've got so I'll assume that its a fig. I favour a bright window location facing East or West for these. They continue to grow, if slowly, during the darker months but that is the best time to dispense with any obviously dead branches. Meanwhile, give them a little longer in case they will still be viable. When new growth has been seen for a full month, it will be okay to feed with a half strength fertilizer. A water soluble one would be fine but only administer it to the already moist planting medium.
Re-potting can be done at almost any time of year into free draining medium but as recovery seems to be coming slowly, the best time would be in early spring. Keep it just moist at the roots.

Dick

It's good to hear about your "good news," Tammy! Very Happy