AusBonsai

i'm going to just jump right in and ask for as much help as people want to give!

I have been reading as much as possible books and online.
When this was given to me the leaves had dried out so I defoliated it [hope this was ok].

Now I'm not really sure what to do. It's starting to bud back a little, with 2 leaves popping through.

I am also in need of some direction

Following all the basics, in regards to sun, water, and wind [barriers].
When would be ideal to fertilise this?
Wiring?
Root prune?
Repot?

etc.

Sorry to be such a noob
I just want my first plants to be a success
Thanks a bunch!

-addosh

Please help!!!

While your waiting a good place to start is here https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... hould_I%3F (Deciduous)

The tree was most likely dormant when you bought it,
It is now starting to leaf out for spring,

I would just put it into a 250mm pot or the ground with some good soil for 12mths and let it grow some stronger roots,

Craig wrote:The tree was most likely dormant when you bought it,
It is now starting to leaf out for spring,

I would just put it into a 250mm pot or the ground with some good soil for 12mths and let it grow some stronger roots,

Hi Addosh,

Welcome to the forum. There are 2 things you can do to grow a bonsai when you have a small young tree like yours. You can grow it from the ground up, which means you will start styling your tree and let time do the rest.( you can't create a thick an aged trunk over night.) You have to make sure your tree is growing well at all times to speed up the process. The other is like Graig mentioned put it in the ground for a couple of years. The visible roots arn't really looking attractive at the moment. You can only hope for some better roots to devellop over time. So grow your thick trunk fist and then start working backwards to style your tree. I hope it make sense. If not come to our nursery.We are always there to help with any questions. We also have a Refresher course on the 23rd October and a free workshop on 20 November 2011.

Cheers,

Chris

Hi addosh.

Nice link drifta, Addosh that "When to" link shodu help you with most of you questions, and I would like to add specifically this one
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... ai_healthy

I fertilise most of my trees year round, gust reduce the frequency in winter.

and this one because the links at the bottom will help you with all you questions too
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index.php?title=Bonsai

Ken

addosh wrote: When this was given to me the leaves had dried out so I defoliated it [hope this was ok].

<snip>
Following all the basics, in regards to sun, water, and wind [barriers].

My experience is in mediterranean climates (PER, ADL, etc) and keeping the Japanese. maples out of the hot wind is very important in these areas. YMMV in BNE or SYD

But I'm no expert - I've just lost another batch of cuttings: one warm day (30c) and they're all toes-up. Again. (Any advice on propagation from the cognoscenti?)