New bonsai mother

Carol D · White Belt Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

I have just purchased a ligustrum tree and I'm not sure how to prune it. All the leaves seem to be on one side and there are some bare branches with no leaves on them. They almost look like dead branches on a large outside tree which I would trim off . I have only had my tree about a month and there are some new leaves on it but what do I do about the dead branches? Also could you recommend some books.

Thanks Carol D

yamadorinige · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:43 pm Post subject: Re: New bonsai mother

Hi Carol, welcome to bonsai help!
It is hard to advise without seeing the tree in question, could you take a photo(with a plain background) and post it to a free web host such as www.photobucket.com then copy and paste the web address here so that we can't download it.
Could you also tell us whereabouts in the world you are as this will have a bearing on any advice.
And finally can you let us know if it is located indoors or outdoors.

yamadorinige · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject: Re: New bonsai mother

Thanks for the message Carol.
Your Ligustrum should really be outside where mother nature intended trees to be, I would only bring it inside if your where expecting a frost( and I would imagine that is a rarity in Florida). It will survive inside but will never flourish.
As for the branches, dead or weak ones can be cut out and sealed with a bonsai wound sealant or if you don't have any petroleum jelly will do the job. If you are only cutting back to a leaf rather than removing a whole branch, cut back to a leaf that is pointing in the direction you want the branch to grow.
I am not a great reader of books so I am unable to help there, but I'm sure someone else will be able to advise.

P.s. Could you fill in your location on your profile so that other members can see where abouts in the world you are, you don't need too specific but it will help greatly, and save you time and effort

Carol D · White Belt Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for your reply When I bought my tree from dealer I was told that it was an inside tree and it was a tree that a new comer could handle I am also planning on getting a jade and fukien what do you know about them

Carol

emorrin · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:02 am Post subject: Re: New bonsai mother

I would advise against the fukien tea or Carmona microphylla, its scientific name. It is what I would call an "intermediate" experience type of species. You need to have very stable humid, temp, and light requirements to successfully keep these healthy. The jade or Crassula Ovata on the other hand is a good beginner choice. They basically need good light and temperatures within the household indoor range. They are very tolerant about watering, actually like to be watered less, and are predictable when pruning is done.

If you are thinking about any other indoors species, a ficus is also a good choice.

freezingcold · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:07 am Post subject: Re: New bonsai mother

I would not hesitate to buy a carmona.
my first tree was and still is one of these.
I have it in the living room on a table not in direct light and it is flowering again third time this year.
It grows well and does not mind being pruned.
I also have 3 olives indoors which seem to be OK.
the small leaved portucarla afra is nice indoor if you can find one.
it is called elephant plant as well.