Another Bonsai noob

Ancalagon

Hi everyone,

I recently acquired an interest in bonsai, so I bought a tree from a mail order service (please suppress groans!).

I thought I'd buy an established bonsai so that there is less chance of it dying due to my inexperience. I bought a Chinese Elm, which I plan on keeping indoors (near a window though).

Anyway, I thought I'd buy this one so I can learn about maintaining a bonsai before I start growing and training one myself.

So far I've just pruned a few excess leaves, as well as leaves that had been cut in half during an early pruning (not by me, must have been the shopowner).

My question is about pruning. I can see that the trunk has been pruned. Is this normal? The wound looks to be at least a few weeks old, it hasnt really been covered over. Its about 1.5cms (just over half an inch) wide, and looks kinda unsightly. Is there a good reason for trunk pruning? Is it done to keep the tree from getting too tall for its pot/roots?

I'm going to keep reading some more info about bonsai (maybe buy a book or two?), but I was wondering how aggressive I should be with pruning now? I read somewhere that substantial pruning is done in mid spring, is this a good idea?

(Oh and in future I'll stay away from mailsai)

Thanks guys!

Advertisement

Mcspeed

Leaving it alone for the time being while you learn about it's horticultural needs, and some bonsai basics will IMHO give the tree a better chance at thriving vs. living thru prunings, pottings,and other styling efforts when they shouldn't be done. I applaud you for the restraint you chose due to lack of knowledge about your subject, check out our beginners section, the articles, and this website - http://www.bonsaitalk.com/lug/link_...hp?link=11&c=59 , for how to's and FAQ's regarding watering, soils, styling etc., then you will have a bunch of questions for us, then the fun begins.


Welcome to the insanity.

__________________
If at first you don't succeed -- skydiving is not for you.


Always remember that you're unique -- just like everyone else

Enjoy this day.
Bill

Ancalagon

Thanks for the reply.

I've started reading a lot of those articles, thanks they are a big help!

I think I'll leave it alone (except for water of course) for a while until I know more.