Page 1 of 1

reunited with my bonsai.. now what?

Posted: February 11th, 2015, 9:27 pm
by Justjess31
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum :tu: I've recently moved back to Canberra from Darwin and have collected my bonsai back from my parents who kindly baby sat while I was away.
Now, unfortunately as it has only been watered for the last 2 years and nothing else, I think it is severely overdue for a repot and could use trimming.
I've attached a photo of it and would appreciate any advice with regards to:
repotting
soil
rocks
fertiliser
best places to purchase from

please keep in mind that its still in the original pot I bought it in... at least its still alive! :hooray:

Re: reunited with my bonsai.. now what?

Posted: February 12th, 2015, 6:28 am
by kcpoole
Cut it back really hard and then fertilise with Liquid fert. (charlie carp)

Ken

Re: reunited with my bonsai.. now what?

Posted: February 12th, 2015, 8:12 pm
by Justjess31
Great thanks Ken! will give it a go this weekend

Cheers,
Jess

Re: reunited with my bonsai.. now what?

Posted: February 12th, 2015, 8:23 pm
by shibui
Repotting: Best to repot these subtropicals in summer - might still be enough warm weather left, even in Canberra.
Fertiliser: Feed with any fertiliser every 3-4 weeks although as an indoor plant you probably don't water very much so maybe cut that back to every 4-6 weeks.
Repotting: You won't need much potting mix for just this one. You can buy bonsai mix at most nurseries which should be ok for this one. I have used Debco 'Terracotta and Tub' mix and it is good too.
Rocks:????


Best bet for you would be to get some local knowledge. Get down to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection at the Arboretum and ask whoever is on duty where to get supplies in Canberra. Grant Bowie now runs a bonsai service in Canberra but is probably not open just now.
Canberra bonsai club gets in potting mix and components for members once or twice a year and members will be happy to offer advice.