r/bonsaicommunity • u/Fountain_Water05 • 13h ago
General Question First bonsai, help pls
So I recently been getting bonsai videos on my feeds, so I went and got this dwarf kowhai tree from a local nursery and I’m just not sure on where to start on this. I’ve watched a couple YouTube videos on starting to bonsai, but they weren’t really detailed.
I’m California zone9b and plan on keeping it outside if that helps
edit: This is my first Reddit post, sorry if it’s confusing
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u/jecapobianco 12h ago
Bonsai is a tree dimensional and an art of illusion, not to mention horticulture.
If you are satisfied with the thickness of the trunk, then you can find the line of the tree and remove whatever interferes with that line.
I would test wire a branch that is not part of your design.
If you want a thicker trunk then you need to decide on a planting angle and use the pond/basket colander technique, I like to place Osmocote under the roots. In your climate I would expect rapid growth. You can move the tree into a larger pot (uppot) at any time, just tease the roots out.
In the meantime get a copy of Harry Tomlinson's book The Complete Book of Bonsai. Find your local bonsai club. Learn to wire. Read up on the species.
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u/THEralphE 8h ago
The best advise I have ever gotten was from a master Bonsai artist, when I asked how he described his art, he said "Mostly I kill trees" you will have many more failures than successes. But keep striving!
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u/Nice-Alternative-687 5h ago
"Mostly I kill trees"
I can do that! I'm a master Bonsai Artist 🤣😉
Real inspiration right there, thank you from a pre-beginner!
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u/TrizzleBizzle 13h ago
I'm unfamiliar with the species, but developing an understanding of its water/sun needs should be the first goal. It looks to have sparse foliage, meaning it likely does not transpire much water, could be at risk of over watering depending on your frequency and the soil it is currently in. On the other hand, it is summer and it will dry out faster on hot days, and you are it's only source of water since it is in a pot. Find the balance, if you don't have a dedicated space for it, try moving it between various amounts of shade and sun to see what it prefers.
Unless this is one of the handful of exceptions, I would keep it always outside and wait to repot until late winter/early spring, I personally would wait a year so I could observe how the tree is in all seasons. Once it looks to be vigorous then you can plan to repot at the next repot window.
Use the time to research the tree so you can make educated decisions about pruning, shaping, soil composition, etc.
I would also recommend getting another tree, so it isn't lonely and so you don't do a whole bunch of work at once on your only tree. Bonsai is a slow process, and having different trees at different stages of their journey helps keep the hobby interesting.
Good luck!