My first Bonsai

NewToBonsai · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:41 pm Post subject: My first Bonsai

Hello everyone,
Been researching and researching (especially with help from people on this forum Smile

and eventually I have got my Bonsai's (3 to be exact).
Bought one from the internet which is a Cotoneaster Microphyllis (about 1 - 2 years, I think have put that outside) I have repotted it and it's looking good I think, will post some pics of them all later today, and maybe you guys can give me some advice on what to do next Smile

Right now I know I shouldn't have but I went to Clay's garden centre the other day and saw two very young Bonsai's just sitting there (the older bonsai's were looking very sorry for them selves, clearly had not been looked after) and I decided to buy them.
The first on is a Serissa Foetida and the other is a Japanese Myrtle.
I have repotted them into a training pot and they are on my bedroom windowsill, they have alot of light but have kept them away from direct sun.
Repotted them on Sunday and they are looking very good, now any advice would be brilliant. Now in the night I am scared incase it is too cold for them, so I was going to by a heated mat for them, can anyone tell me where to buy one.

I have found these on ebay, are they any good?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130098983873& amp;fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:uk

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagen ame=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170102382498&rd=1& rd=1

Look forward to all your kind advice Smile

Amanda

jimothy · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

Not sure why you want a heat mat - the trees you have only need protection from frosts, nothing more, so as long as you're keeping them indoors they'll be fine.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures of your bonsais (note lack of apostrophe).

Stymie · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

Amanda. You mention help from people on this forum who surely must have advised against buying a Serissa but....

NewToBonsai · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

People from this forum did help me with advise on various things, no one never told me not to get a serissa, I am happy with my choice and just needed a little advice thats all.

yamadorinige · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:28 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

The best advice I can give is to follow what our esteemed moderator Stymie has written in the sticky post in this forum:
http://www.bonsaihelp.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=3447

BonsaiGuru · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:52 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

Serissas arnt thought well of here. I want one, but I have never had one. so don't expect many positive responses about serissas. Anyways, I'm NewToBonsai! Razz

Jabba The G · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:31 am Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

It's not that they arn't thought of positivly here its just that they are REALLY hard to take care of. They are probably some of the pickiest plants you will deal with and are not good starter plant.s Thats all everyone has been trying to say.

andycarter · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:21 pm Post subject: relax

you have to have owned a serissa to learn not to buy one. "new to bonsai" may do well with the serissa. if not, lessons have been learnt. much of bonsai is trial and error to begin with.

andy

TB420 · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

Heat mats are for propagation of seeds and cuttings, as well as grafts. They are very effective and speed germination but are a waste of money if you do not need one. Some cuttings and seeds really need bottom heat. And when it comes to your Serissa if it is happy where you put it then try not to move it, and when you move it in inside in autumn have a place with lots of light and good humidity. If you are prepared your tree will have a much better chance. Be proactive.

Tom

NewToBonsai · Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject: Re: My first Bonsai

Hi all,
Just thought i'd let ya know that my Serissa is doing great, it's in my bedroom on my windowsill. Been there for a week now and have bought a humidity tray and keep misting it with rain water everyday. Havn't fed it yet as I repotted it. It is growing new leaves and I can count two buds on it that are getting bigger everyday, so everything is looking good so far Smile

Amanda x