AusBonsai

Hi guys,
I just signed in to the forum since I'm new to bonsais. A couple of days ago I bought my first bonsai and maybe you guys can help me identify it please? Also it would be really helpful if you could tell me what are its basic needs and cares this species requires (watering, lighting.....). I have to keep it indoors since I live in an apartment without a garden, although I could take it outside for a bit everyday...any tips would be really appreciated since I know nothing about bonsais
Thanks heaps guys

G,day mate, i live in a unit on the second floor and have i think over 30 out on the balcony, wind is my main problem but they all need sun, not sure what species you have there but we will call it a starter plant and it really needs to be outside with sun. Do some research on here and then some more to find plants that will do well where you can grow them outside as some can grow in part shade. Lots and lots of reading will help you with the basic care of bonsai once you know what you are growing. Good luck.
Mark

Hi stevermq,
It is going to be a bit more than tricky to keep bonsai inside. Most need fresh air and better light than anywhere inside. Even moving it outside for a few hours each day is not likely to be enough. If you need an indoor bonsai try getting a fig. They are rainforest plants and are tough enough to tolerate living inside.

Its a bit hard to identify your plant but I'd guess either Japanese quince -Chenomeles or Firethorn -Pyracantha. Not sure whether either will do really well in Townsville.

Its a pyracantha, (Firethorn).

Interested to here how it does up that way

Grant

Thanks heaps guys, will try and keep you posted on what happens.

Another question, should I remove the moss at the base of the trunk or is it fine?

That little bit of moss should not cause any issues so you can leave it or remove it. Gowing around the roots like that it should actually help the roots to improve because existing ones will thicken and new ones may grow in a moist environment.
If the moss starts to grow up the trunk its better to remove it from the trunk and branches because moss on the branches stops the light getting to the bark and inhibits buds trying to grow on the older wood.

First task will be to learn to keep it alive and healthy. Not so easy really and harder in a Unit.

You could trim back the larger shoot to the right about 1/2 and then that will promote back shooting. No need for wire yet.

Read up on the info in the wiki and you shodu end up with heaps of questions to ask

Ken

Thanks heaps guys!

I think it is a pyracantha and remeber not to try and keep the moss alive, you want to keep the tree alive so don't try and water a lot so the moss stays nice and green. Because u can always find new moss but a tree is harder to find again.