Identification Required

Pman0

Hello All...

I'm very, very new with respect to bonsai. I had no idea how interested I'd quickly become. I recently purchased my first bonsai tree from a local big box store here in Canada. I'm hoping that someone can identify the species for me - after seeing how interesting some bonsai can be, I think mine is a little bit boring.

Any suggestions on how to make mine look a little better? Please keep in mind that I have yet to do anything - I don't know any of the techniques used, besides what I've read on screen over the last few days. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Attached Images

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Larry

looks like a schefflera to me, but how did you get it to branch-mine refuses to!

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Pman0

Larry - thanks for the quick response! I bought the little bonsai about 3 days ago, exactly as you see it here! By branch, I'm assuming you mean the portion on the left hand side? Not sure how someone got it to do that...

Thanks for the possible Ident...

Paul

Alasdair

schefflera? is that 'umbrella tree'? i'm not familiar with the latin name, but the picture looks like it. If it is, all the instructions on keeping it alive can be found in a good houseplant book, as that is what most 'umbrella trees' are sold as.

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pootsie

Paul:

I concur with what has been set forth by my esteemed bretheren: schefflera, and it seems a healthy one. I don't have one, but I know they like lotsa light, and don't drown it with water.

welcome to a wonderful obsession -- glad you're here!

pootsie

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Pill_Man

Here's a start for you on the Schefflera / umbrella:

http://bonsai-bci.com/species/schefflera.html
http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Schefflera.html

Hope it helps a bit.

Larry

not a species i would naturally associae with bonsai as its quite slow growing and refuses to branch out-well, my variegated one does anyway!
my bent shefflera

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Attila

Not so fast Pootsie.

They actually don't like too much direct sun. It's one of the species that can get by with less light, so they are well suited for indoor conditions.

Ideal candidate for a nice "office bonsai" if you ever plan to have one.

Attila

Edit: My schefflera turns yellow-ish under direct sun but thrives in indirect light and partial shade.

Pman0

I've searched the net and looked at pictures of the plant that people have proposed - Shefflera. I'm going to have to take a zoomed in picture of the leaves of my plant and post it later when I get home. My leaves appear to be a 'dual' leave fused at the centre line, with a small tip extending from the point where they join at the furthest point. Are there several species of Shefflera? Otherwise, I don't think that is the type it is?!?!?

If someone can zoom in on the existing picture and have a look...

I'll post a new picture later from home.

Paul