Need some help

[Hank hill999]

I’m new to all this. I have a Japanese Pagoda bonsai ( locust tree (sophora japonica)) or that’s what the little pamphlet says. I planted it maybe 5 weeks ago it sprouted maybe 4 weeks ago? It’s getting pretty tall and it’s leaning pretty hard. I cut up a straw and put it around the top part to straight it out but not sure what I should do as a permanent fix. I don’t want to accidentally damage it or kill it. I’m pretty much looking for any tips on how to keep it alive and healthy and how to fix the leaning if that’s even a problem. I appreciate it!

 

[Wulfskaar]

Welcome!

You can put a stake (small stick) in the soil next to it and loosely tie the tree to the stake. That should keep it upright.

I'd remove the straw too.

 

[Hank hill999]

Welcome!

You can put a stake (small stick) in the soil next to it and loosely tie the tree to the stake. That should keep it upright.

I'd remove the straw too.

Sweet thank you i appreciate it I’ll do that right now!

 

[Wulfskaar]

You can kinda see in this pic from 3 years ago how I just used a chopstick to hold up a seedling. I overdid it with the wire, but I kept it super loose just to guide the tree. All you need is to loosely attach the trunk to the stick.

 

[Shibui]

I’m pretty much looking for any tips on how to keep it alive and healthy and how to fix the leaning if that’s even a problem. I appreciate it!

First step is to know what part of the world you are. So much of what we do is based on seasons. Without knowing where we have no idea what season you are in or whether the tree can live outdoors or only indoors. Add a location to your personal profile so it comes up each time you post. Saves remembering and typing it every time.

Second step. Some photos so we can see what you really have. We may be able to spot problems or solutions you have not even considered just from seeing the tree and the background.

My guess is you are growing the seedling indoors. That's not a natural habitat for any tree so things frequently go wrong. Seedings naturally grow toward light so any seedling growing near a window will lean over to get close to the light. It may be possible to straighten it temporarily but any new growth will still go to the window. Outdoors is much easier to manage.

Leaning is not always a problem for bonsai. In fact, I purposely plant most seedlings at an angle because many straight up trunks look boring in bonsai. Much more interesting to see a tree trunk with bends and character. Letting it lean at this stage could be a bonus. It all depends what shape you want your future bonsai to be.

Keeping your tree alive and healthy:
Outside is almost always better than indoors.
Enough water to maintain slightly damp soil. Constant wet soil will kill the roots and the tree. Too dry will kill the tree.
Fertiliser to provide nutrient to fuel growth. Every month or so indoors, every 2-3 weeks outdoors because we water more outdoors.
Plenty of light. Trees are normally outdoors so get lots of sun. Indoors is not enough sun so growth can be weak and leggy and may even kill the tree. Some species love full sun (depending on what part of the world). Some species prefer a little more shade from hotter afternoon sun, again, depending on your local climate.

 

[Hank hill999]

First step is to know what part of the world you are. So much of what we do is based on seasons. Without knowing where we have no idea what season you are in or whether the tree can live outdoors or only indoors. Add a location to your personal profile so it comes up each time you post. Saves remembering and typing it every time.

Second step. Some photos so we can see what you really have. We may be able to spot problems or solutions you have not even considered just from seeing the tree and the background.

My guess is you are growing the seedling indoors. That's not a natural habitat for any tree so things frequently go wrong. Seedings naturally grow toward light so any seedling growing near a window will lean over to get close to the light. It may be possible to straighten it temporarily but any new growth will still go to the window. Outdoors is much easier to manage.

Leaning is not always a problem for bonsai. In fact, I purposely plant most seedlings at an angle because many straight up trunks look boring in bonsai. Much more interesting to see a tree trunk with bends and character. Letting it lean at this stage could be a bonus. It all depends what shape you want your future bonsai to be.

Keeping your tree alive and healthy:
Outside is almost always better than indoors.
Enough water to maintain slightly damp soil. Constant wet soil will kill the roots and the tree. Too dry will kill the tree.
Fertiliser to provide nutrient to fuel growth. Every month or so indoors, every 2-3 weeks outdoors because we water more outdoors.
Plenty of light. Trees are normally outdoors so get lots of sun. Indoors is not enough sun so growth can be weak and leggy and may even kill the tree. Some species love full sun (depending on what part of the world). Some species prefer a little more shade from hotter afternoon sun, again, depending on your local climate.

 

[Hank hill999]

First step is to know what part of the world you are. So much of what we do is based on seasons. Without knowing where we have no idea what season you are in or whether the tree can live outdoors or only indoors. Add a location to your personal profile so it comes up each time you post. Saves remembering and typing it every time.

Second step. Some photos so we can see what you really have. We may be able to spot problems or solutions you have not even considered just from seeing the tree and the background.

My guess is you are growing the seedling indoors. That's not a natural habitat for any tree so things frequently go wrong. Seedings naturally grow toward light so any seedling growing near a window will lean over to get close to the light. It may be possible to straighten it temporarily but any new growth will still go to the window. Outdoors is much easier to manage.

Leaning is not always a problem for bonsai. In fact, I purposely plant most seedlings at an angle because many straight up trunks look boring in bonsai. Much more interesting to see a tree trunk with bends and character. Letting it lean at this stage could be a bonus. It all depends what shape you want your future bonsai to be.

Keeping your tree alive and healthy:
Outside is almost always better than indoors.
Enough water to maintain slightly damp soil. Constant wet soil will kill the roots and the tree. Too dry will kill the tree.
Fertiliser to provide nutrient to fuel growth. Every month or so indoors, every 2-3 weeks outdoors because we water more outdoors.
Plenty of light. Trees are normally outdoors so get lots of sun. Indoors is not enough sun so growth can be weak and leggy and may even kill the tree. Some species love full sun (depending on what part of the world). Some species prefer a little more shade from hotter afternoon sun, again, depending on your local climate.

I sent some pics and put my location on my profile I’m really wondering when I should put them in a new pot. The first one is a Japanese paronga tree (locust tree) I think you can see what kind is it I told the other guy what I had and I also added another it’s called a black pine according to the instructions I have. Thank you for the advice!!

 

[Hank hill999]

You can kinda see in this pic from 3 years ago how I just used a chopstick to hold up a seedling. I overdid it with the wire, but I kept it super loose just to guide the tree. All you need is to loosely attach the trunk to the stick.

So with the top leaning like that is that okay?

 

[Wulfskaar]

So with the top leaning like that is that okay?

For this one, yes.

It grew to about 6 feet tall after that pic was taken. When I repotted this spring, it was way too top heavy and kept wanting to fall over, pulling itself out of the pot, so I chopped it all down. All that upper growth is gone now. It has responded with an explosion of lower growth!

 

[Hank hill999]

For this one, yes.

It grew to about 6 feet tall after that pic was taken. When I repotted this spring, it was way too top heavy and kept wanting to fall over, pulling itself out of the pot, so I chopped it all down. All that upper growth is gone now. It has responded with an explosion of lower growth!

Awe that’s awesome lol I took your advice and did the stick and string thing it definitely helped so thanks for that. When do you think I should repot? I posted some pics up there^

 

[Wulfskaar]

Awe that’s awesome lol I took your advice and did the stick and string thing it definitely helped so thanks for that. When do you think I should repot? I posted some pics up there^

We generally repot in early spring. They are very small, so they can wait until then.

Remember to put them outside where they need to be.

 

[Hank hill999]

We generally repot in early spring. They are very small, so they can wait until then.

Remember to put them outside where they need to be.

We generally repot in early spring. They are very small, so they can wait until then.

Remember to put them outside where they need to be.

It’s already past early spring in Missouri? Is that bad since I haven’t repotted them yet?? Also when should I put them outside? The new one is a black pine. Sorry I’m sure these are all very basic questions for you but these are the first plants I’ve ever had and no one around me seems to know anything about taking care of them. So thanks for all the advice you’ve already given

 

[Wulfskaar]

It’s already past early spring in Missouri? Is that bad since I haven’t repotted them yet?? Also when should I put them outside? The new one is a black pine. Sorry I’m sure these are all very basic questions for you but these are the first plants I’ve ever had and no one around me seems to know anything about taking care of them. So thanks for all the advice you’ve already given

I'm no pro, but I have been through the exact thing as you. Check out my post on my first batch of seeds: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/damping-off.46132/

I basically had them in the garage under a weak grow light. I was advised to get them outside ASAP, which I did, and they went from dying to living, and I still have most of them almost 5 years later!

Trees evolved over millions of years outside. They can handle it, as long as you protect them from scorching heat, violent wind, and bitter cold. Since they are in pots and not exactly where they evolved, you do have to think about protecting them in extreme weather, especially when they are tiny seedlings.

I would advise you to go ahead and put them outside as long as the weather isn't extreme right now. Mostly shade for a week might be smart before moving into direct sun.

As far as repotting, I would wait until early spring 2026, although you could slip pot them without issues, I'm sure. I just don't think they need it yet.

Where in MO are you? I used to live in KC.

 

[Shibui]

When do you think I should repot?

You can transplant those tiny pines any time you like. No need to stick with the 'Spring' repotting time for small seedlings, only for older plants. I usually prick seedlings into individual pots when they are around similar stage as your pine seedlings. If you are feeling brave you can even chop the root. I routinely cut 3/4 of the root off of pine seedlings at first transplant so they grow more lateral roots instead of a single deep root.
I guess the other tree is Japanese pagoda tree - Styphnolobium (previously Sophora).
I have very little experience with those. It's a bit bigger. Might still be OK to repot now but I'd probably take the safe option and leave it alone for this summer. Is the bag natural fibre (jute?) or synthetic? If you can find a pot similar in size to the bag just slide the bag into the pot. Or try a bigger pot with some potting soil in the bottom, put the bag in and fill around with more potting soil. Roots should grow through the bag to access the surrounding soil.

Note we rarely move very young seedlings into bonsai pots. Growing in a bonsai pot will severely reduce growth rate so your seedling will still be a skinny stick in 10 or 15 years. Most of us start with larger pots to allow plenty of growth and development then prune to shape when the trunk has developed into something worth looking at.

I note your location still not showing up on your posts so something not right there but I gather you are somewhere in Missouri and therefore late Spring season.

 

[Hank hill999]

You can transplant those tiny pines any time you like. No need to stick with the 'Spring' repotting time for small seedlings, only for older plants. I usually prick seedlings into individual pots when they are around similar stage as your pine seedlings. If you are feeling brave you can even chop the root. I routinely cut 3/4 of the root off of pine seedlings at first transplant so they grow more lateral roots instead of a single deep root.
I guess the other tree is Japanese pagoda tree - Styphnolobium (previously Sophora).
I have very little experience with those. It's a bit bigger. Might still be OK to repot now but I'd probably take the safe option and leave it alone for this summer. Is the bag natural fibre (jute?) or synthetic? If you can find a pot similar in size to the bag just slide the bag into the pot. Or try a bigger pot with some potting soil in the bottom, put the bag in and fill around with more potting soil. Roots should grow through the bag to access the surrounding soil.

Note we rarely move very young seedlings into bonsai pots. Growing in a bonsai pot will severely reduce growth rate so your seedling will still be a skinny stick in 10 or 15 years. Most of us start with larger pots to allow plenty of growth and development then prune to shape when the trunk has developed into something worth looking at.

I note your location still not showing up on your posts so something not right there but I gather you are somewhere in Missouri and therefore late Spring season.

You can transplant those tiny pines any time you like. No need to stick with the 'Spring' repotting time for small seedlings, only for older plants. I usually prick seedlings into individual pots when they are around similar stage as your pine seedlings. If you are feeling brave you can even chop the root. I routinely cut 3/4 of the root off of pine seedlings at first transplant so they grow more lateral roots instead of a single deep root.
I guess the other tree is Japanese pagoda tree - Styphnolobium (previously Sophora).
I have very little experience with those. It's a bit bigger. Might still be OK to repot now but I'd probably take the safe option and leave it alone for this summer. Is the bag natural fibre (jute?) or synthetic? If you can find a pot similar in size to the bag just slide the bag into the pot. Or try a bigger pot with some potting soil in the bottom, put the bag in and fill around with more potting soil. Roots should grow through the bag to access the surrounding soil.

Note we rarely move very young seedlings into bonsai pots. Growing in a bonsai pot will severely reduce growth rate so your seedling will still be a skinny stick in 10 or 15 years. Most of us start with larger pots to allow plenty of growth and development then prune to shape when the trunk has developed into something worth looking at.

I note your location still not showing up on your posts so something not right there but I gather you are somewhere in Missouri and therefore late Spring season.

I swear I put my location on my profile maybe it didn’t save idk I’ll try to fix it. But I’m in southeast Missouri we get every season and we get every type of severe weather besides hurricanes ig bc we’re in the middle lmao. About the bags they’re in right now the pamphlet says it’s a jute bag but it has plastic liner on the inside w a hole at the bottom for drainage. This is a lot of info it’s very intimidating I want a badass cool tree but also a live healthy tree I wanna do this all the right way but it’s my first time growing anything. So I could repot the pines now. Does the size of the pot matter for those guys? What type of soil and fertilizer would I use? As for the bigger fella you think I should keep it in that little jute bag until next spring then put it in a bigger pot? I don’t want to overwhelm you with questions but i have like a million so feel free to ignore me lol I appreciate all the advice you’ve already given.

 

[Hank hill999]

I'm no pro, but I have been through the exact thing as you. Check out my post on my first batch of seeds: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/damping-off.46132/

I basically had them in the garage under a weak grow light. I was advised to get them outside ASAP, which I did, and they went from dying to living, and I still have most of them almost 5 years later!

Trees evolved over millions of years outside. They can handle it, as long as you protect them from scorching heat, violent wind, and bitter cold. Since they are in pots and not exactly where they evolved, you do have to think about protecting them in extreme weather, especially when they are tiny seedlings.

I would advise you to go ahead and put them outside as long as the weather isn't extreme right now. Mostly shade for a week might be smart before moving into direct sun.

As far as repotting, I would wait until early spring 2026, although you could slip pot them without issues, I'm sure. I just don't think they need it yet.

Where in MO are you? I used to live in KC.

I’ll check it out. I just put them outside lol should I just leave them outside? And I’m in southern mo near the bootheel

 

[Wulfskaar]

I’ll check it out. I just put them outside lol should I just leave them outside? And I’m in southern mo near the bootheel

Yeah, I'd leave them out unless you're expecting extreme weather.

Cool, my Mom is between you can St. Louis. It's a beautiful place.

 

[Shibui]

This is a lot of info it’s very intimidating I want a badass cool tree but also a live healthy tree I wanna do this all the right way but it’s my first time growing anything.

Good (or maybe bad?) news is it will take many years to grow these little guys into anything remotely like a badass cool tree so you have plenty of time to practice just keeping them alive while you wait.

So I could repot the pines now. Does the size of the pot matter for those guys? What type of soil and fertilizer would I use?

The pines will grow faster and better in their own pots but they will also stay alive if you keep them together in the current pot for an year or so.
Pot size is a bit flexible. Needs to be big enough to allow some root space and big enough so it won't dry out before lunchtime but not really huge which can cause another set of problems. I usually transplant small seedlings into 4 inch diameter pots for a start. Should be OK up to around 6" pots.
Pines are plants so any plant fertiliser will be OK for them. You can pay extra special 'bonsai' fertiliser but it's just the same as regular fertiliser, just more expensive. Liquid, pellets or controlled release fert all have nutrients so all work with bonsai. Just try to follow the instructions. Fertiliser is one of those things where more is NOT better.
Soil is always controversial topic for bonsai growers. Everyone has a favourite mix and all think theirs is better than any other. That just means that lots of different soils work provided you manage watering and care to suit the tree in soil in the pot.
For just a couple of trees in grow pots I'd recommend a good quality commercial potting soil mix rather than trying to source all the ingredients and trying to mix your own but if you want a challenge feel free to find the stuff and make your own mix. Search this site for different views and recipes for soil mixes but try not to get too confused with all the different variations and ingredients.

The plastic liners will protect the current containers so your trees will be Ok in the current containers for this year if repotting sounds too frightening this early in your bonsai career. Just monitor soil moisture and manage watering so the soil does not stay wet all the time. Ideally, it should get close to dry before adding more water. Depending on time of year, size of the tree and weather you may need to water every day or once every 3-5 days. No way of telling unless you can feel the soil and watering frequency will change through the year and sometimes daily so learn to check each day.