Long time gardener new to this world

[7hatguy]

bonsai has always been intimidating to me but im at a point in my life where i finally have the time and drive to jump in. Ive been growing things(not trees) for almost 2 decades both indoors and out. I have a couple of local bonsai clubs in my area that i am going to look into joining. I live in central Indiana.

I am most interested in flowering trees like azalea and cherry blossom. I also really like Japanese maples. I do have a couple of mature japanese maples on my property they are such beautiful trees.

What finally pushed me to make the decision to dive into this hobby was seeing the bonsai collection at Disney World in the Japan area in Epcot. They have some really beautiful specimens there.

I know this hobby is a test of patience and i will likely be dead and kill things before i have a chance of creating something of that caliber.

I did buy a small cherry blossom (I know not the best choice and can be difficult) also bought a juniper, i will be going to the nursery soon and picking out 2-3 Japanese maples, i am also going to find some chinese elms. Most of what i am reading says to get several when starting. There is so much info out there between this forum and the r/bonsai subreddit its a bit hard to digest and organize in my head.

The main reason for this post was to introduce myself, my plans and to ask a question about this little cherry i purchased. The city i live in has a collection of cherry blossom trees planted at a park and i also read that they are appropriate for my zone 6a. I was thinking of building grow boxes for my trees. Specifically for the cherry blossom ive been reading it needs to be slip potted at this point is this correct? And soil for this little guy needs to be 50% Akadama, 25% grit or lava rock, and 25% of some water retentive organic material(peat moss) since i also read they like acidic soils.

Well this post is getting long. Ive included a picture of this little cherry blossom. Look forward to chatting with everyone.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Nice intro. Welcome to the best bonsai forum online! It seems like your in a similar situation as i was a year ago. I've been growing plants for ±30 years in various capacities. Bonsai has always appealed to me, but only in the last 5 years have I committed any study to this craft. And only in the past year have I fully jumped into it. I have so much to learn! This is an entirely different science.
Juniper and elm are two really good choices. They are tough trees that can tolerate some beginner mistakes. Trust me on this. I can't grow Japanese maple here. I even kill them in the ground. I don't have experience with cherry, either. One thing I've learned: box store "bonsai" are not worth the price.
When you ask a question about substrate, you're going to get a dozen completely different right answers, most of which will include "it depends." You'll get the best answers and advice from people in your area, so joining a club is definitely a great idea.
You can add your location and USDA zone to your profile so you don't have to repeat it all the time.

 

[Paradox]

Welcome
Yes at this point only slip potting with little to no disturbing the roots as it's already leafed out.

A 50% akadama with 50% lava or pumice (or 50% combo of both) would work well. If only choosing one of either pumice or lava, I'd go with pumice. Avoid peat moss, it will stay too wet and cause root issue.

The other question is what is it currently in? Slip potting into something very different from what it is in can cause problems due to difference in water flow and retention between different soil types.

Honestly it would be fine to wait until next spring to do a proper repot.

Also put your location on your profile so we don't have to repeatedly ask you where you are. A lot of bonsai advice can depend on climate and location so it will help us help you better

 

[rockm]

You don’t say how old you are but im not young. So take my advice for what you paid for it:

Skip all the stuff that need s major development. If your retired you probably haven’t got 30 years to develop the trees you posted ( and it will take decades to get much enjoy from them as actual bonsai).

If were to begin bonsai at this point in my life I’d look at more developed trees. Older chines elm stock. Etc you can find that kind of stock if you (and it will be made easier if you join a bonsai club even if you’re not close to where it meets)

 

[dbonsaiw]

Welcome aboard.

Azaleas and cherry blossoms are great choices if you’re looking for flowers. Crepe Myrtle are great for flowers later in season.

 

[KateM]

Welcome to the forum. It's great.
Listen to the smart people's posts above.
I just have a comment about the tree you posted. It does not look like a flowering cherry tree.
What does the label says exactly?

 

[Cajunrider]

bonsai has always been intimidating to me but im at a point in my life where i finally have the time and drive to jump in. Ive been growing things(not trees) for almost 2 decades both indoors and out. I have a couple of local bonsai clubs in my area that i am going to look into joining. I live in central Indiana.

I am most interested in flowering trees like azalea and cherry blossom. I also really like Japanese maples. I do have a couple of mature japanese maples on my property they are such beautiful trees.

What finally pushed me to make the decision to dive into this hobby was seeing the bonsai collection at Disney World in the Japan area in Epcot. They have some really beautiful specimens there.

I know this hobby is a test of patience and i will likely be dead and kill things before i have a chance of creating something of that caliber.

I did buy a small cherry blossom (I know not the best choice and can be difficult) also bought a juniper, i will be going to the nursery soon and picking out 2-3 Japanese maples, i am also going to find some chinese elms. Most of what i am reading says to get several when starting. There is so much info out there between this forum and the r/bonsai subreddit its a bit hard to digest and organize in my head.

The main reason for this post was to introduce myself, my plans and to ask a question about this little cherry i purchased. The city i live in has a collection of cherry blossom trees planted at a park and i also read that they are appropriate for my zone 6a. I was thinking of building grow boxes for my trees. Specifically for the cherry blossom ive been reading it needs to be slip potted at this point is this correct? And soil for this little guy needs to be 50% Akadama, 25% grit or lava rock, and 25% of some water retentive organic material(peat moss) since i also read they like acidic soils.

Well this post is getting long. Ive included a picture of this little cherry blossom. Look forward to chatting with everyone. View attachment 597183

Welcome to the nut house.

 

[7hatguy]

You don’t say how old you are but im not young. So take my advice for what you paid for it:

Skip all the stuff that need s major development. If your retired you probably haven’t got 30 years to develop the trees you posted ( and it will take decades to get much enjoy from them as actual bonsai).

If were to begin bonsai at this point in my life I’d look at more developed trees. Older chines elm stock. Etc you can find that kind of stock if you (and it will be made easier if you join a bonsai club even if you’re not close to where it meets)

I am 40 no spring chicken but feel i have a bit of time left, that said one never knows .

Welcome
Yes at this point only slip potting with little to no disturbing the roots as it's already leafed out.

A 50% akadama with 50% lava or pumice (or 50% combo of both) would work well. If only choosing one of either pumice or lava, I'd go with pumice. Avoid peat moss, it will stay too wet and cause root issue.

The other question is what is it currently in? Slip potting into something very different from what it is in can cause problems due to difference in water flow and retention between different soil types.

Honestly it would be fine to wait until next spring to do a proper repot.

Also put your location on your profile so we don't have to repeatedly ask you where you are. A lot of bonsai advice can depend on climate and location so it will help us help you better

Its in a little rectangular ceramic pot. Has some drainage holes in the bottom of it. With these trees liking acidity would i provide that with the water? Making sure ph of water is what it likes? I did go in and add my location to my profile.

Welcome to the forum. It's great.
Listen to the smart people's posts above.
I just have a comment about the tree you posted. It does not look like a flowering cherry tree.
What does the label says exactly?

The label says Cherry Blossom 6inch,

 

[Paradox]

Its in a little rectangular ceramic pot. Has some drainage holes in the bottom of it. With these trees liking acidity would i provide that with the water? Making sure ph of water is what it likes?

The size, shape and type of pot doesnt tell my what kind of soil its in which is what I meant. Sorry the question was not clear, I hadnt had my coffee yet.
Yes you can feed it with fertilizers that are for acid loving plants. Also as an FYI, akadama is also slightly acidic

 

[rockm]

I am 40 no spring chicken but feel i have a bit of time left, that said one never knows .

Its in a little rectangular ceramic pot. Has some drainage holes in the bottom of it. With these trees liking acidity would i provide that with the water? Making sure ph of water is what it likes? I did go in and add my location to my profile.


The label says Cherry Blossom 6inch,

40? That is a spring chicken.

My advice stands though. Get a couple of years under your belt with stock like. The aim at your stage is to keep the tree alive for a few years. That is basic training for bonsai. It’s not easy. Most people lose their first few trees through the errors in watering overcare and just plain learning
Once you learn the basics of watering overwintering and overall care for your tree move on to better more expensive stock as quickly as you can. The next leap is one of learning how to make an actual bonsai. One of the best things I did when I was a few years in was to get a developed tree and learn how to care for it. It lead to acquiring more advanced material that required a lot of development but in a more detailed way

In other words if you want to learn bonsai push yourself a little as you pass each milestone

 

[7hatguy]

The size, shape and type of pot doesnt tell my what kind of soil its in which is what I meant. Sorry the question was not clear, I hadnt had my coffee yet.
Yes you can feed it with fertilizers that are for acid loving plants. Also as an FYI, akadama is also slightly acidic

Lol, i was wondering… it looks like some kind of bark mix with sand.

40? That is a spring chicken.

My advice stands though. Get a couple of years under your belt with stock like. The aim at your stage is to keep the tree alive for a few years. That is basic training for bonsai. It’s not easy. Most people lose their first few trees through the errors in watering overcare and just plain learning
Once you learn the basics of watering overwintering and overall care for your tree move on to better more expensive stock as quickly as you can. The next leap is one of learning how to make an actual bonsai. One of the best things I did when I was a few years in was to get a developed tree and learn how to care for it. It lead to acquiring more advanced material that required a lot of development but in a more detailed way

In other words if you want to learn bonsai push yourself a little as you pass each milestone

Haha, i certainly dont feel like no spring chicken on some days. Appreciate the advice!

 

[Paradox]

Lol, i was wondering… it looks like some kind of bark mix with sand. View attachment 597207

yea that looks like regular nursery potting mix.
I would wait til next spring to repot for the reasons I stated a few posts above.
I would keep the moss off the top of it as well because it will keep the soil wet

I also agree with what Rockm stated. Learn to keep them alive now as a first priority and expand as you gain more experience and confidence
Get out to shows and demos if you can, read and watch videos from reputable sources.

 

[7hatguy]

yea that looks like regular nursery potting mix.
I would wait til next spring to repot for the reasons I stated a few posts above.
I would keep the moss off the top of it as well because it will keep the soil wet

I also agree with what Rockm stated. Learn to keep them alive now as a first priority and expand as you gain more experience and confidence
Get out to shows and demos if you can, read and watch videos from reputable sources.

I have been watching a lot the stuff recommended by r/bonsai. Im seeing there is a lot of conflicting information as with anything i guess.

Other than basically leaving this little alone should i prune it or wait till next year?

 

[rockm]

I have been watching a lot the stuff recommended by r/bonsai. Im seeing there is a lot of conflicting information as with anything i guess.

Other than basically leaving this little alone should i prune it or wait till next year?

Friendly word of advice. Stay off of Reddit. From personal observation Reddit is full bonsai morons who have no idea wtf they’re doing. There are better places to learn. Online. A few are referenced on this forum from time to time. Bonsai Empire, Bonsai-U and Bonsai Mirai. Some offer online pay to learn courses

Of course the ABSOLUTE BEST way to learn about bonsai is to join a club and go to meetings. If you ask members will probably let you help repot etc. you will learn more than in 1,000 hours of reading dimwitted and wrong Reddit postings

 

[7hatguy]

Friendly word of advice. Stay off of Reddit. From personal observation Reddit is full bonsai morons who have no idea wtf they’re doing. There are better places to learn. Online. A few are referenced on this forum from time to time. Bonsai Empire, Bonsai-U and Bonsai Mirai. Some offer online pay to learn courses

Of course the ABSOLUTE BEST way to learn about bonsai is to join a club and go to meetings. If you ask members will probably let you help repot etc. you will learn more than in 1,000 hours of reading dimwitted and wrong Reddit postings

Well i totally agree with the statement about reddit the vast majority of the time. Although I have found a couple communities involving different hobbies that are decent unfortunately when you’re new, you don’t know what’s trash and what’s good so that’s very helpful that you informed me of that one reason why I like to look at multiple resources and I’ve always enjoyed forums. They have never done me wrong in any of my hobbies.

I am looking forward to checking out the couple groups that are in my area because I 100% am a hands-on learner.

I will for sure check out what you mentioned!

 

[7hatguy]

Well, i have ben trying to find out as much information about this tree as i can. Im starting to think it is a bush cherry that was labeled as a cherry blossom. Can anyone confirm this is or isn't a cherry blossom?

 

[KateM]

It looks very similar to the beach cherry I have, but it's hard to tell.
Eugenia reinwardtiana

 

[SFDrake]

Welcome from a fellow beginner. You are already getting some great advice from experienced members on here so I am just going to add a couple things that helped me so far....
You said something about having more than one tree and I agree with you. I have already over-cared for a couple trees, and have killed a couple. My problem now is keeping my wife from killing me every time I come home with a new tree.
I can't afford specimen or even slightly expensive trees right now. I'm lucky to have a couple of bonsai nurseries near me (one that I barter roof work for plants) that I get pre bonsai material that is alot better than the box store stuff. I am planning on joining my local club as soon as I get caught up with work. So have fun, ask a ton of questions, try to join a club like the others said, and buy trees that do well in your zone. Hardest part of this for me right now is knowing all my plants quirks and keeping them all healthy. Photo is to show just a small part of my collection after 1 year....I'm running out of room...good luck!

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

The label says Cherry Blossom 6inch

I think KateM is on to something. I was gonna say it looks like my Australian Brush Cherries but, Beach Cherry might be the correct guess.

The leaves appear to be too glossy and lack the serrated margins to be a true cherry.

The two species we suspect them to be are nowhere near as hardy as a flowing cherry and they would never survive your winters outdoors (even if sheltered).

 

[7hatguy]

It looks very similar to the beach cherry I have, but it's hard to tell.
Eugenia reinwardtiana

Well thats gonna suck because i wont be able to keep it outside. I have the ability to keep plants indoor and planning on doing some Chinese elms so i could add it in with those in the winter time. Kind of pisses me off to be honest….

I think KateM is on to something. I was gonna say it looks like my Australian Brush Cherries but, Beach Cherry might be the correct guess.

I saw you replied as i was typing wanted to acknowledge you.


I am going to start about 20 Japanese maple cuttings. Not sure how hard they are to propagate by cutting but ive done many plants this way. I grow super hot peppers and have propagated many good genetic pepper plants this way. Ive been planning on doing it before i decided to jump into this hobby.