HELP

jjdepaep · White Belt Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 2

Hello, my name is JJ and I need some help. I have just recently bought a bonsai kit, and I am unsure of the bonsai species. However, the kit is doing well, my main concern are my 4 chinese elm seedlings. They are about a week old, and doing well, but I am worried about a few things. To give you some background, I live in texas, near houston, and both bonsai are in a window, (INDOOR). Both pots are the same, approx 3 inches deep and 2-3 inches wide, (square). I crack the window for humidity for about 2 hours every day, and water to keep the soil moist. I am not currently feeding either plant anything, should I be? I am confused about a few things, first, when should I cut back my seedlings? second, for both bonsai, how, and when do they need to go into a dormant period? Third, if, and when do I need to wire my bonsai? Thank you so very much for all of your help, it is much appreciated.

PS: I have pictures of both plants if it can help, thanks again.

Sincerely JJ,

John P · Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: HELP

Hello JJ,
Good to know you.

Can you place the Chinese elms outside in a shady area? They will be a lot happier there. There are a few members from Texas here, who I',m sure will be very happy to share their knowledge of keeping elms in your climate.
We would need to see a photograph of the other trees to identify them and offer training advice. You could post a link to the photographs if you can upload them to the Web somewhere. If you become a full member here, you will be able to post photos. That would be preferable.
Best wishes.
John.

DimmaDan · White Belt Joined: 09 Jul 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Sunny UK

I am no expert but from the countless books i have read, they do not recommend that you cut back the plants for a good 6 months.

You need to allow the root structure to form before disturbing them.

I have had mine growing for 6 months and have just carried out my first pot change (to the next size). They are also on a window sills with the window open to allow for a more even temperature.

Just be careful that the plants don't get too damp as they will die in the space of a few days. I have lost about 10 from damping off! Sad

All the books say to leave them 1 - 1 1/2 years before attempting to cut back (They need a strong trunk)

jjdepaep · White Belt Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 2

Thank you both for your help, however, I have arrived at another crossroads. How, and what, and when do I fertilize? Are there any fertilizers I can get off of the shelf at a Home Depot or something? Also, My other seed has just germinated and is about a half an inch tall, this one is a Japanese Black Pine, any suggestions? Thanks so much guys!!!

Sincerely JJ,

Dick · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: HELP

Pine don't accept fertilizer as other trees do. That's why it is best to fertilize pines in the spring and then they don't need it any more for the season. Your trees should have enough nutrients in the fresh soil in which you potted them to last them this year.

Stymie · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: HELP

JJ. I would start to feed your Elms after at least a month, better still six weeks after emergence. A balanced liquid feed with equal proportions of N.P.K. would be ideal but dilute it to about a third of the manufacturer's recommended strength. This could be administered in place of your regular watering at intervals of fourteen days. The black pine sounds exciting, do you know what else is likely to appear?