Hi all, new to the site and to Bonsai!

Shane1

Hi everybody new guy in Phoenix, AZ! Just found the site after about two months of web searching for Bonsai stuff in general. I bought a tree from a road side stand about two months ago and the tree has really taken off since we brought it home. It was sold to me as a 1.5 year old Fukien Tea. But the pics I see of other Fukien Tea have different style leaves than what mine has. Hopefully someone can verify for me? Anyway looking to learn lots of new stuff and enjoy another new hobbie!

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treebeard55

Hi, Shane,

Welcome to the forum!

From what I can see in the pic, your tree appears to have an interesting trunk line, which is something you want. But it ain't a Fukien tea. From the leaves and bark I'd say you have either a zelkova or some kind of elm.

It also (at least in the pics) looks fairly leggy, which means it hasn't been getting enough light.

Where are you keeping it, and what's your local climate like?

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Treebeard 55

"... the Lord God made all kinds of trees ... trees that were pleasing to the eye ..." (Genesis 2:9, NIV.)

Shane1

Thanks for the welcome and reply. Did some searching for the Zelkova and it looks like you are spot on! I live in Arizona and our temps this time of year are mid 40's in the am with highs in the 60's. I've been keeping the tree indoors on an east facing window sill. Gets full sun in the early mornings.
Here is a better pic of the trunk.

bonsaimeister

Shane,

Welcome to the forum and the art of bonsai! There are a lot of great people on this site, and also many experienced ones as well to be thankful for. I am 99.9% sure that this is a chinese elm, ulmus parvifolia, which is related to the zelkova and commonly confused with it. It can be grown outdoors here in Seattle and as well as indoors. I am not familiar with the climate in your area, but here is a good link on how to care for an elm. http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ulmus.html

Good luck with this tree and your new hobby!

Bonsaimeister

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"On its root I firmly commit
In its trunk I keep my soul
Through its leaves, I reflect my vision..."

- Robert Steven

Shane1

Chinese Elm it is! From what I've read this will be a great outdoor tree here in Arizona. I'm a bit worried about the extreme heat we get in summer. It's easily over 110*F durring the day. Will shading it be enough or should it be brought in for the summer months.
Thanks for the replies!

ripsgreentree

I agree with the ID Chinese Elm. If I were trying to keep Bonsai in your climate I would probably be thinking wind block and shade structure for the summer months. I have also proven to myself that exelent and well draning soil will help to extend the range of heat that a plant will tollerate. In central California we will hit 110 degrees but not for nearly the number of consectuive days that you will. Find your local Bonsai club for advice on proper soil mixtures in your aria. Also listen more closely to the advice of the person who has kept trees alive for more than 10 years in your climate.
I wish you the best horticultural knowlege to keep your trees healthy and vigerous.
Glenn

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ripsgreentree

It requires an open hand to give and to recieve.

chunkytrunk

Hey Shane, welcome. I am new to bonsai myself, I started in late summer last year. I was planning on moving to Phoenix and was asking some questions in the chat one time.
One guy I was talking to who lived in Phoenix (SlapSlapSlappy I believe is his name is on here) said that in the summer he leaves his trees in the shade from
10 am - 6 pm during the summer. He only lets his trees get full sunlight in the early morning.
Another thing that would probably help during summer in Phoenix is to get large humidity trays to help keep some kind of moisture around the tree.
I hope this helps you out some. This is the best place to come to for bonsai info, I have learned a ton already! All of the people are really nice and very informative and do not mind answering any questions you may have.

Here's a link to the Phoenix Bonsai Society's site:

http://www.phoenixbonsai.com/PhxBSWing.html

I was looking around on there trying to learn as much as I can before I moved in an attempt to keep as many of my trees as I could. I live in humid old Louisiana and a move to supa-dry Arizona would more than likely end my tree's lives.
Good luck with your new tree and your new hobby which may soon become an obsession!

mike108

I agree about protecting the tree in the summer months in Arizona the sun can be hostile. I use shadecloth to protect my trees from the sun here in Southern California and it works quite well. But if you do use very free draining soil be ever mindfull of it that it not dry out because if so can be leathal to your tree.

Mike

PatArizona

G'day Shane...

Looks like you've got the message already, but, I used to tell my students in Tucson that during hot weather, mornin ends about 10:00 am.

Paqt

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THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.