First bonsai - Golden Larch

[Mamber]

Hi All,

New member here based in the UK. My partner bought me a seed bonsai kit for my birthday a few months back and it sparked a serious interest. I picked up this golden larch from a local garden centre recently. To me it looks a little scruffy, the needles are big, its in the wrong soil and generally badly potted (the root ball rocks in the centre of the pot). I've read a lot about when I can repot, prune, wire etc, but a question I can't seem to answer is - what can I do mid summer that won't harm the tree? Can I tidy the tree?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

If it produces any new growth, then yes, you could keep that tidy and in check; let it grow until it produces a tiny green bud and you can cut back to there. Other than that, no. Summer is the off season for conifers. With just some minor pruning at the right time.
Winter too, for that matter.. It's a matter of wiring and waiting in that season for me.

Deciduous trees however, those can be a hand full in summer so if you feel like doing a lot of work, get an elm.

 

[rockm]

Not an easy species for a beginner. Its species name is pseudolarix. It’s related to larch but isn’t a larch. Here’s a pretty reliable source for care- it’s the “not winter hardy” in the lede paragraph. Frost and freezes may hurt it and it will need winter protection. Note there are three species of pseudolarix. Some are apparently more winter hardy than others. You may have to determine exactly which you have if you winter this outside. I’d ask the nursery it came from what they do for overwintering. Fwiw, keeping it inside will be even more work for less return than keeping it outside. Inside presents its own substantial challenges

Btw, fight the urge to “do something” to it just to do something. It’s a bad urge and will do more harm than good. Simply learn what the tree requires in daily care for the next year. Cool it for a while on pruning thinning etc.

Care guide for the Larch and Golden larch Bonsai tree (Larix) - Bonsai Empire

Larch Bonsai Care guidelines Placement The Larch and the Golden larch grow best in full sun, preferably semi-shaded in summer during the hottest hours. Larix tr...

www.bonsaiempire.com

 

[Mamber]

Thank you for the replies!

There is new growth coming so I'll keep an eye out, though some of it is quite long now.

I have seen a video where a guy had two and he wasn't sure exactly what species they were, though he did describe subtle differences to look for.

I definitely understand what you mean about the urge! I'll certainly stick to just keeping it healthy for now.

Will it be ok in that soil? It doesn't seem to drain very well.

On the deciduous front, I do have plans for this oak but not for while yet. Just going to let it grow for now.