Bonsai Trees

Mp4 · 27 May 2009 at 23:37

Well i purchased a Ilex Crenata bonsai tree today. I've been wating to get one for ages!

I was given a Hyssop cut from my gf's bro , but it's not a true bonsai.

Anyone else have any good hints tips etc?

Anyone else have one?

I've been looking at http://www.bonsaidirect.co.uk/ for some time! a good site!

greywolf · 27 May 2009 at 23:48

Dam, now you have tempted me to get one. Would look great on the desk.

Mp4 · 27 May 2009 at 23:51

^ Well worth it imo

Raymond Lin · 27 May 2009 at 23:52

I've killed 2....

Microwave · 27 May 2009 at 23:56

I had mine for about a month when I started uni..... then it died

I think I over-watered it because I really wanted it to live!

IcE-ColD · 28 May 2009 at 00:01

Mine died within 2 months gotta get another one soon.

GreatAuk · 28 May 2009 at 00:26

used to have one, but died really quickly even though instructions were followed to the letter. I have seen some excellent bonsai pine trees at the local horticultural show, so can understand the attraction.

benjo · 28 May 2009 at 00:29

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw8JoviHm8g

Raymond Lin · 28 May 2009 at 00:34

My sister has one, it just sits in the front room and she never gives it feed except water it. It' still alive after like 9 months...

Sometimes less caring is actually better for the plant !

J.B · 28 May 2009 at 00:41

Raymond Lin said:
I've killed 2....

Thats all well and good but how are you at looking after bonsai trees?

tibbsey · 28 May 2009 at 00:41

benjo said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw8JoviHm8g

Hehe.

Lol at his BBQ one:

"Remember: if you don't barbecue your meat, your meat's gonna ****ing suck."

H0ax! · 28 May 2009 at 01:05

my advice is gonna be... don't get over excited with the scissors : (

Mp4 · 29 May 2009 at 10:34

Hi all,

Well ive given it a trim but not gone over excited with the scissors.

As the bonsai is already well on its way (bought from a shop etc) i wanted to cut some of its branches to make it less congested

Is that alright to do?

Kona* · 29 May 2009 at 10:44

I keep a couple of bonsai trees and I'd highly recommend Green Dragon Bonsai (http://www.greendragonbonsai.co.uk/) - Horrid website but the owner is a great guy and will help with anything.

The most common mistake people make with bonsai trees is over watering them and keeping them indoors, there is no such thing as an indoor bonsai. Most bonsai websites sell "indoor bonsai" as they will live inside, but they won't thrive - your best bet is to get a cheap mini greenhouse and keep them in there. I have one on the balcony and it does the job

Also, bonsai trees require quite a bit more effort than normal house plants so be prepared to spend some time keeping it pruned and watered (but not too much!) and they need re-potting every year in to new soil/medium.

Last but not least, if your looking at buying a Bonsai or already have one I'd recommend heading over to Bonsai Help (http://www.bonsaihelp.co.uk/) and do some reading

platypus · 29 May 2009 at 10:48

Would love a bonsai.

Mp4 · 29 May 2009 at 10:50

Cheers for the information there Kona.

As i bought it from a shop in a ceramic pot already but with no humidity tray i'm tempted to re pot it but im scared that it might kill it

From the ticket that came with the bonsai tree that i bought it says;

Ilex DQ 15 (?)

"Slowly growing and compact shrub. Evergreen. Very tolerant of pruning. Small dark green leaves. Inconspicuous flowers,small black berries in fall.
Sun & Shade"

So ive had to guess that its

Ilex Crenata??

& i have one of those plastic (green coverd) greenhouse things, so shall i keep it in there?

Kona* · 29 May 2009 at 10:57

Mp4 said:
Cheers for the information there Kona.

As i bought it from a shop in a ceramic pot already but with no humidity tray i'm tempted to re pot it but im scared that it might kill it

From the ticket that came with the bonsai tree that i bought it says;

Ilex DQ 15 (?)

"Slowly growing and compact shrub. Evergreen. Very tolerant of pruning. Small dark green leaves. Inconspicuous flowers,small black berries in fall.
Sun & Shade"

So ive had to guess that its

Ilex Crenata??

No need to re-pot it just for the sake of a humidity tray - you only need one if your keeping it indoors and if you want one they are only £1.95 from the popular auction site or you can get glazed ceramic ones for under £10. If your keeping it outdoors in a greenhouse then just keep a small tray/bowl of water at the bottom of the greenhouse

Edit: You will get better results using the greenhouse - at this time of year you can keep the cover off it, it's only really needed if your living in a flat where you get high winds (like me) or when night time temps get below 10 degrees

Le_Petit_Lapin · 29 May 2009 at 10:59

I need to trim mine, its growing all over the place at the minute.

I don't know how you are managing to kill them, I've forgot to water mine many times, its had shrivelled up leaves and all, just poured a pint of water on it before work, came back home and the hardy wee bugger is all full and green again.

Adsta · 29 May 2009 at 11:10

I think I might invest in a bonsai...

You say they are better in a greenhouse. Would it be poss to have one in say an office ?

I'm thinking of getting one for my desk at work. Dont wanna kill the lil bugger tho

Kona* · 29 May 2009 at 11:13

Adsta said:
I think I might invest in a bonsai...

You say they are better in a greenhouse. Would it be poss to have one in say an office ?

I'm thinking of getting one for my desk at work. Dont wanna kill the lil bugger tho

It depends on the type of tree, a Chinese Elm will live indoors just fine so long as it gets plenty of indirect sunlight, just don't expect the small flowers to come out in the summer months if it's indoors.