Page 1 of 1

Beginner - Grape Ivy Bonsai

Posted: May 30th, 2011, 12:58 pm
by sjpiper145
Hi All!

A mate of mine was cleaning out her old things in preparation to move and in her pile of things to be thrown out, I discovered a neglected bonsai tree. I have attached some photos below. Upon research, I discovered that it was a 'Cissus Ellen Danica' - A Grape Ivy.
I have no experience in bonsai care, but I have always wanted to learn.

Would you experts on here have any advice for where to begin? Upon a general inspection (and after clearing away the cobwebs), there are many dead branches, and it probably needs a larger pot. Would you recommend that I would prune and re-pot it now, or wait until spring? Any other advice on which fertiliser to use, and anything I need to know, specifically about the species and how to care for it?

Any advice or word of help is much appreciated!

Thanks again.

Steph

Re: Beginner - Grave Ivy Bonsai

Posted: May 30th, 2011, 1:07 pm
by kcpoole
I like it and think it will clean up nicely

Seasol to help the tree recover, then after showing positive growth, Mild Liquid fert, charlie carp is what I use
I would cut back the dead bits, and then one positive growth established, trim back to get the backbudding happening

Repot when you see new growth. If it is warm where you are in QLD, you should see some soon. Pot does not need to be bigger unless you want to grow on and make it much larger

Ken

Re: Beginner - Grape Ivy Bonsai

Posted: May 30th, 2011, 6:25 pm
by sjpiper145
Thanks Ken!

It looks better already with all the dead bits removed - See picture.

Thanks again for your advice :)

Re: Beginner - Grape Ivy Bonsai

Posted: May 30th, 2011, 9:28 pm
by Handy Mick
Hi sjpiper145, isnt it funny how we come into doing things like bonsai.
if i were you i would join a local club, the people there can help you much more as they live in your area, and they are like minded.
just a thought

Mick

Re: Beginner - Grape Ivy Bonsai

Posted: May 30th, 2011, 10:31 pm
by kcpoole
Cool
Feed up and let show signs of positive growth and health, then you can cut back hard

Ken