new buddahs belly

polly210_2 · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 10:19 am Post subject: new buddahs belly

Hi,I am new to the forum and would like to say hello to all the members.I have never joined a forum or disscussion group on the net before, please advise me when I make mistakes.I have only recently taken bonsai as a hobby, my second tree is a buddahs belly, bought from a reputable souce. when it arrived the post had not been gentle with it.I have had it just over a week,It is in good light next to the chinese elm which is fine.The leaves are turning yellow,I have watered it once, and it is moist.I live in blackburn, and the temprature in the house is around a constant 70c. It is a dry house,the lounge takes 1/2 a pint of water per day.It is still in the medium that it was bought in, and i have not fed or fiddled with it. Polly

Dick · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 1:08 pm Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

You didn't say but I assume that the trees are indoors for now. They need to be outdoors, especially the chinese elm. Where you are living, that is a tree that can live outdoors year round and I suspect it is suffering as a result of not being outdoors.

As for the Buddha's Belly, I assume that it is a variety of bamboo known by that name (bambusa ventricosa - botanic name in Latin). It too needs to be outdoors. It will develop the swellings along the stems when it is kept a little dryer than usual.

As for the watering that you are doing, it's not unusual at all. Since bonsai grow in very porous soil, it is a necessity to water frequent;y. In the heat of summer that might mean twice a day if they are outdoors and in near full sun locations.

polly210_2 · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

Hi and thank you for your reply.I am suprised as I live high up and the garden Is exsposed,the wind whistles through, also when it rains it is heavy also.The plants in the garden are all hardy perenials and shrubs.I am concerned also with security so for the time being i will have to bring them in at night.Please advise of what i could put them in please.I bought these as inside bonsai although I knew It would do them good to be out In good weather.Also advise on where I can buy good quality tools In this country. thanks polly

Stymie · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

I second Dick on the outdoors advice. It isn't natural to try to grow trees inside. Central heating is particularly lethal. A couple of days inside to show them off to visitors is possible but not recommended. Hope that you enjoy them.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Thu May 26, 2005 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

Hello Polly,

Nice to meet you. As the senior members of the site have already said, it's only tropical and sub-tropical trees that are kept indoors and then some of them need special conditions, indoor lighting, etc.

No doubt, someone will be along to answer your question about when to put the trees outside.

Wsbonsai.co.uk have an advert here, and if you are a paid up member of BonsaiHelp you are able to get discounts there. They are mail-order - also do a search using Google and you will find many such businesses.

Good luck.

Penny Smile

steve · Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 1:04 am Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

Many are heart broken when they find out their trees need to be outside. Those who don't believe us usually end up more heart broken when their trees die. We are trying to help you and the trees if you have to cchain and lock them to something for security then do so but they need to be outside.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 8:07 am Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

An unscrupulous dealer, or a shop, isn't going to worry about a tree living - they just want your money and for you to go back for another. How many "experts" on bonsai serve in shops? Not very many, I expect.

Penny

polly210_2 · Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

Hi,Thank you all for your help and advise and It has been taken. Where I live I am unable to buy anything but a tree, and that Is one type.So I am forced to buy off the web, I prefer to see what I am buying, as I cannot tell quality from a picture and as It has been said shops are only there to sell and make a profit.I need to read more off this site,I bet most of what I need to know Is already here.thanks a lot Polly.

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The best fast food Is a Jam Butt.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 10:27 pm Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

Hello Polly,

Enjoy your self here and good luck with buying a tree. I've bought trees on line and had no problems. If you use eBay, always choose a seller with 100 per cent positive reports. They don't want to have negative feedback and are usually extremely helpful.

I believe Andrew, the owner of this site sells on eBay. Have a chat with him.

Also, if you can find a Bonsai Club within reach of you, there are always members with trees to sell and swap. To search for one using Google, put in something like "bonsai clubs in......", putting your town or area where the dots are. Smile

Penny.

polly210_2 · Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 7:54 am Post subject: Re: new buddahs belly

Once again thanks for the help.Polly