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Bonsai Ident & Newbie Help

17 years ago

Got my sweetheart this bonsai for Valentines as she has always wanted to love and care for one. I being the complete novice purchased this bonsai and brought it home not knowing what kind I even bought. I am attaching some pictures so that you kind folks if ya have the time can give us an identification & perhaps some care tips for this type of bonsai tree.

Any input at all will be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Glenn & Cindy

current space: Georgia

Rapidly moving to....: Alabama

{{gwi:5086}}

{{gwi:5087}}

Hope they turn out ok.

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Comments (7)

gnome_in_pa
17 years ago
Glenn & Cindy

I believe that your tree is a species of Zanthoxylum, commonly known as Chinese Pepper. Here are a few links to aid in the identification.

http://www.robsviolet.com/zanthoxylum.htm

http://aquiya.skr.jp/zukan/Zanthoxylum_beecheyanum_var_alatum%20.jpg

If those pebbles are glued on please remove them. They were used as an aid to shipping and they serve no useful purpose now, indeed there are distinct disadvantages to leaving them

Norm
heygene3
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks so much for your quick response & reply! I believe you are right as I have now browsed the net for chinese pepper tree pics and low and behold they all look just like ours!!!

Have also found a few care tips but any you folks want to toss in will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Glenn & Cindy
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gnome_in_pa
17 years ago
Glenn & Cindy,

Please consider my comments regarding the pebbles. If I am correct and you do remove them you will probably need to add a bit of new soil to make up for the missing material.

Check the soil for moisture daily and only water when the soil is beginning to dry out. Do not keep it constantly wet but do not let it become totally dry either. When you do water do so thoroughly allowing water to run freely from the drainage holes. Wait 5-10 minutes and repeat, this ensures that you are wetting the entire root mass. A little water often is the wrong approach.

Get the tree into the best light you are able, if this is a problem consider the use of supplemental lighting. I think your trunk shows potential although trees with compound leaves can be challenging to style into credible bonsai. Below is a link to probably the best specimen of this species that I have seen.

Norm

Here is a link that might be useful: Chinese Pepper
heygene3
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks again and we are already in the process of removing those glued on rocks. Should we just add more soil? moss? unglued rocks of the same type? Any suggestions and should we WAIT to repot?

Glenn
lucy
17 years ago
Wait to repot, don't add moss, top up soil only if white roots are exposed and definitely don't add any more rocks.
hooks
17 years ago
Glued on rocks are a problem but if you like the look small gravel can be used. If you do decide to use gravel you have to have some way of checking the soil for moisture. The best way to do this is with a wooden chopstick. Just put the chopstick down into the soil and pull out daily to check the moisture. Don't let the soil dry completely, however you don't want to water untill the soil is left just barely damp. Moss can also be an attractive look but usually requires differnt conditions than the tree. I would suggest getting used to the tree before adding any further organic material. Good luck with your new tree.
heygene3
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you all for your suggestions. Ya'll are great!

Glenn

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