Unknown Bonsai

brig · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 9:44 am Post subject: Unknown Bonsai

Dear all
I hope someone can help me identify my Bonsai. I bought him from our local garden centre,from the "buy before we bin them shelf" It wasn't much more then a stick in a pot but I liked the bark and the shape so I bought it. He seems to be doing OK on basic care but as I don't know what species he is, basic care is all hes been getting. He has lived on my kitchen windowsill for the past 4 months and has now begun to flower.
I live in the New Forest Hampshire and my Bonsai lives on a South East facing windowsill in my kitchen. All help and advice will be gratefully accepted. http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn203/brig1232008/tree005.jpg
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn203/brig1232008/tree006.jpg

Thanks Brig

elizabeth · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 10:50 am Post subject: Re: Unknown Bonsai

Hi
some one please correct me if i'm wrong but is it a carmona microphylla or ethreria buxifolia or common name fukien tea

emorrin · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: Unknown Bonsai

Yes, that is a Carmona or Fukien tea. It would be what I call an "intermediate" type plant to care for. It is not as easy as a Ficus or not as difficult as a Serissa. Once you get the right amount of light, humidity, watering needs down, it is relatively easy to care for. With the Carmona, I would suggest that you look into supplementary lighting if you do not have a bright, non-drafty place to put it. Fluorescent lighting is an ideal choice.

Here are a couple of links to go you going.

http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/FukienTea.html
http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/fukien.html
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/IndoorLight.html