Mcspeed

Nope, skip the heat, it's just not needed. You should be able to put it out during the day, then cover it at night for some protection, until it settles into frozen, then keep it that way til spring.

Soil is always a debate, you will need to find what works best for you in your micro climate, but a general bonsai soil is what you want to use. No the potting soil isn't what you want, read up on soils it's not what you expect. General mix would be large sand, bark mulch, and what we call turface, there are a ton of variations, and a ton of what I call suspect alternatives , use a general mix at first, experiance will guide you after that. Look for tachigi's posts and click on his link to Shady Side Bonsai( sounds "shady" but he does a good job keeping customers happy), he has a good all around mix, and he's one of ours, so I always say to support our friends in bonsai.

Good Luck.

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