Absolute Newbie with a Serissa

[Southbound]

Hi guys!

I'm am absolutley, 100%, never touched a plant in my life new to the wonderful world of bonsai. I picked up a plant for my girlfriend from Ru Te Pty Ltd if that's a name anyone knows that came with some basic instructions, a signature and the fact I'd just bought a juniper I'm already very fond of. Also, sorry if this is in the wrong place as I couldn't fine a newbie.

Anyway, this is what I've bought!





It looks nice and healthy to me, well kept and sold under a name that was willing to give my a phone number and offers a re-potting service (though I'm sure I'll be doing that myself in time)

As you can see in the bottom of the 2nd image at the base of what I can presume will be the trunk there's some moss I'd like to cultivate.
-So, few questions really, will this define itself into one obvious tree or will that take shaping?
-Will I have to do anything to the moss other than keep it moist?
-There's a pool to the left there I've filled with water, will that work in place of a humidity tray?
- How moist should the ground be, I know it should be kept damp but I'm worried about over-watering?
- Pruning, what's up with that... man I've got a lot to learn but any tips in regards to this particular plant at least would be awesome.

I look forward to becoming an active part of this great community!

[Sno]

G'day southbound I don't think your bonsai is a juniper . Nice flower on it though and the fisherman looks cool .most trees and plants like to live outside and can only handle a short time inside .welcome to a interesting journey,have fun. Craig

[LLK]

Hello sb,

Indeed, this isn't a juniper, but a flowering plant called "Serissa foetida" or Serissa for short. It should do well at the Gold Coast, as it likes warmth and humidity. But as regards your inexperience and your questions, the best thing you can do is read up on bonsai. Read all you can, starting with this website: http://www.bonsai4me.com/ Under Species Guide it also has a section on Serissa. And check the WIKI, right here, top of the page! Until you know more, concentrate on keeping your plant alive. Semi shade, don't overwater, just keep it moist. Moss likes shade, humidity and cool temps.

If you really feel like tackling bonsai seriously, you can do no better than to join a club. It's fun and you make progress very quickly. See http://www.goldcoastbonsai.com/ and http://www.calyx.com.au/bonsai_gctbc.html
Best wishes,

Lisa

[kcpoole]

Definitely Serissa and they take to being wired well, but the existing branches are stiff and very prone to breaking if you try to bend too much. Many Serissa are styled by "clip and grow" method.

You cut back and select a shoot in the right direction and keep that one.
It is a Pity you are not earlier here, as the Gold Coast club had there annual show at Robina a few weeks ago, Would have been a great opportunity for you to see some great trees.
Look them up on our Wiki and you will get to some great info and see some wonderful trees

Have a read of our Wiki here ( in my Sig), for some great info even sooner

Ken

[Southbound]

Thanks LLK, we'll most liekly be heading down the the Gold Coast club this weekend, jsut so you know the first club link you provided is Gold Coast, Florida Thanks for the links.

Thanks for the tips KC, can't wait to start getting into it!