Fukien Tea - Clueless Owner

VtecVixin

Hello. I just recieved a Fukien Tree (9 year old, 3 years in training) *yesterday as a gift from my boyfriend. I have no idea what I am doing! I looked at the "newbie" boards and noticed they are not too highly traveled (Reason for my post here) Can anyone recommend a good Bonsai book that can start me off, or does any member here have a Fukien Tree and can offer some tips? I have absolutly no idea how to care for this little tree, and all the information I have found off the internet seems to be the very opposit of what the store told us. *Feel free to post here, or email me directly at VtecVixin@aol.com. *Thanks in advance *

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TreeBay

Greetings,

1) It's a Fukien Tea.

2) You can find some care info over at

BCI Species Index *the species name will be listed as
Carmona microphylla or Ehretia microphylla

3) There are some book suggestions in the ***books*** folder. *Many people began with the SUNSET bonsai book and it offers a good overview.

4) Since you didn't tell us what the store told you or what the info you found on the internet was, all I can do is nod and say "I see."

Believe it or not, the Ask Dr. Bonsai robot on the home page knew the answers to all these questions, except for #4, which I don't even understand completely. You might give him a try in the future.

Regards,

Matt

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erubeck

Hi:

I have a Fukien Tea that is thriving. I am just a beginner so DO follow Matt's advice and check out the literature.

What works for me is:

1. Never let the roots dry out completely. They like to be moist but not sitting in water.

2. It thrives in shade but with bright light. i.e. mine is on a deck on the north side of the house. No direct sun but plenty of light.

3. Fukien Teas are sensative to strong chemicals. I spray mine every other week with Neem Oil and there have been no insect or fungus problems. Neem oil is available at nurseries and I have even seen it at Wal Mart under the Schultz brand. There is more information on it in the diseases section of the forum. Just search for "neem oil".

4. This is what works for me but I am no expert so consider this informattion in that light.

Good luck.

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Regards,

Ed

VtecVixin

Thank you Matt and Nipper.

I went to Nobels and picked up a few books... that should start me out nicely.

The watering was my biggest concern. The store told me to soak the entire pot up to the trunk for 5-7 minutes on a daily basis, but everyone else says NOT to do that, so I am taking the advise of books/online over the wacky store owner.

Now my largest concern tends to be pruning and pinching. I will read up on it of course, however I am still afraid I will mess it up when the time comes.

I have also read alot about people having issues with fungus and insects. I will pick up some of that Neem Oil and hope it works as well for me as it had for Nipper.

The tree is sitting in my window that has a dormer on the outside, it gets a lot of light however the dormer prevents it from hitting the tree directly. I was told to keep the tree out of the light completely by the store owner, although again everyone else says light is ok if I am careful not to over expose/burn the tree.

I have read that the tree also need a humidity tray. Right now I just have a plate under it that allows the pot to drain without sitting in its own water. Is this ok for now, or should I get one of these trays sooner than planned?

Thanks for the advise.

denny

hi vtec vixin,
does the tree have gravel glued to the soil?they usualy tell you to soak thoses.if it does,remove the gravel,otherwise the water will never get thru the glue.
can you put the tree outside?that would be preferable to a window,then if you do put it outside,watering daily would probably be needed.
no ONE method of care will work for everyone,you`ll have to feel it out and find what works for you.
good luck with your tree.maybe you`ll get lucky and become a bonsai addict!

__________________
Denny
Still Growing in zone 9
So.Cal.

I have to contradict the statement about no full sun. I have two Fukien Teas and they are both in Western exposure full sun here in Houston TX with temps in the mid-90s. They are growing like mad and are showing no signs of leaf burn.

VtecVixin

Thanks everyone for the advise.

Denny:
* I do have gravel on top of the soil, however the water seems to drain out very well, and the gravel is only in one corner of the pot anyhow. I think it is more of a decoration thing. *
* I can put the Tree outside on my enclosed porch, however it is sweltering out there! Will it be ok regardless of tempature, as long as I keep it watered? I am guessing it breaks 100 degrees out there, but the tree would get nice light. *
* And yes I think becoming an addict is already happening. *I come home, say hi to the dog, and run to check on the tree, lol. *My boyfriend who bought me this one on Sunday noticed how much I am researching on it and mentioned getting me a few other bonsai to keep my Fukien Tea company, lol.

Again, thank you everyone for your help!! *

Jay

Hi Vixen, I'm not sure about the porch thing. If it is closed to the air, and the tree is getting its lite through glass or plastic, it is still inside.... just in a brighter and hotter area. I do not have any F.T. trees but would guess it is going to be way to hot in that porch. The gravel, no matter how little, should be removed. This is ONLY if it is glued down. If it is loose it is part of the soil mix and fine to leave. If you are going to move the tree to an outside area, do it slowly... an hour today maybe two hours tomorrow etc. I do not know if it has been mentioned to you, but find a Bonsai Club in your area. That would be the best support group possible!!!

Best of luck with the new guy (or guys as the case may be)

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VtecVixin

Thanks Jay for the info!

I decided the porch was just way to hot, if the dog and I can't handle it, I figured the Tree can't either. lol. I placed it out side today in the sun for about 30 minutes, I too thought best to maybe break it in slowly. I have read that the Fukien Tea HATES to be moved around alot, anyone know if this is true? Should I find a spot and keep it there, or is it ok in my window while working and then move it into the sun for a while before I go to bed? If it hates to be moved, I dont want to shift it around too much.

I also checked the gravel, they are not glued down, I could move them easily and they look to be part of the soil mix indeed. So, looks like they will stay put.

As for a Bonsai club in my area... there isn't too much in my area in general, lol. Poughkeespie, NY. About 70 miles south of NYC. Anyone here between the Syracuse - NYC range? (my most highly traveled radius) I will do some searches however and see what I can dig up.

Also, how important is a humidity tray? Right now it is on a small dinner plate that allows it to drain without sitting in its own water. Will that due for now, or should I run out and get one of these trays?

Thanks a lot everyone, you all have been ever most helpful.

~ Christine