Novice Bonsai Enthusiast Needs Help

[matt.moriarty]

Hi there. Firstly i should introduce myself. My name is Matt and I live in Port Macquarie. I have had a little of experience with bonsais many years ago and have just decided to return to something I use to love but never really delved in fully. Well i have decided to now and went out and brought my first bonsai; a fifteen year old trident maple. Rather than just jump in I thought i would seek some adivce from people with experience and a similiar passion. Whilst in generally great condition I would love some advice...any advice please. I was told that it needs repotting. When is the best time to do this? There are a few brown and yellow leave but not many...should I prune these now or wait for the leaves to drop and how do i go about that? It appears also that it was rather left to the elements mostly so it appears underwatered and fertilised..where should i start there? I would really like to nourish it but not sure whether to wait till the leaves drop. I know that is alot of questions...and i have alot more..lol so any help would be warmly received and appreciated.

Kind Regards
Matt

[anttal63]

Hey Matt welcome mate. It is almost time for your tridy to go nina nana.(dorment) Not sure when that will happen for you up there but am sure that someone from up there will chime in. You should join a local bonsai club in yout district asap. They will always be able to help with specific local info.

Back to your tree; You can cut dying leaves off no prob. I would reccomend that you have some seasol handy and also some yates liquid tomatoe fert. Between now and when it drops its leaves alternate weekly, 1/4 strength mixes. this will put your tree in good stead for its dormancy, work to come and awakening in Spring again. As soon as it drops those leaves, then is the time to do any pruning, chopping and wiring. Repotting will need to be done as soon as you see buds swelling. My guess is that up there your dormancy has a smaller window of oppertunity and hence why i say to get in with the locals. If you are a keen gardner then this stuff is just logical common sense.

When the tree is naked you should put up a pic or two here for some styling advice perhaps. Stay cool, enjoy and stay in touch.

[ketutg]

welcome matt. read as much as you can and try and join a local bonsai club. the members there will surely provide you with a wealth of hands on information

[Jester]

Hi Matt, welcome to the forum. No such thing as a silly question here mate so go for it. You are now a member of the best Bonsai forum in the world.