Greetings! I am just getting into Bonsai. I got my first tree a few weeks ago. I went ahead and repotted it, using the same pot, because from the store it had a layer of glued-down rocks on top of the soil. Photo is from immediately after repotting.

I'm not sure what species this is. The label just said "Bonsai", which we all know isn't a species. I guess that's what happens when you buy from the local hardware store's garden department.

I did try the tree identification page: www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/bonsai-identification but I don't see anything that perfectly matches my tree. It has small but thick plasticky leaves with a deep green color and light colored speckles. I used a flash in this photo, because it was dark out at the time, so the bark appears lighter than it really is, but it's not a dark bark to begin with.

Any help identifying this tree so I can give it proper care during the upcoming fall and winter season is appreciated. I live in zone 6 (Missouri), so I'm trying to figure out if this is a bring-inside-for-winter plant or a keep-outside-during-the-frost plant. It's currently located outside on my deck so it can get plenty of daytime sun.

Also, like I said, I've only had this tree for a couple of weeks. With it being so late in the growing season, should I go ahead and start pruning and wiring, or should I wait for the spring?

jerwiles wrote: Greetings! I am just getting into Bonsai. I got my first tree a few weeks ago. I went ahead and repotted it, using the same pot, because from the store it had a layer of glued-down rocks on top of the soil. Photo is from immediately after repotting.

I'm not sure what species this is. The label just said "Bonsai", which we all know isn't a species. I guess that's what happens when you buy from the local hardware store's garden department.

Do not buy a 'bonsai' if you don't know what species it is, as you will not know what its requirements are. Also, do not buy 'bonsai'at a hardware store.
It's like buying fine art at Ikea.

You should have found it using the tree species guide, the specks are a good indication: it's a carmona (fukien tea).

Also, like I said, I've only had this tree for a couple of weeks. With it being so late in the growing season, should I go ahead and start pruning and wiring, or should I wait for the spring?

Your main concern for the coming weeks/months is keeping it alive. During these months, start studying when/why/how to wire and prune your plant.

Thanks for the prompt reply, Auk! I appreciate it.

And.... yep, you're right Carmonia Fukian Tea it is! I just googled it and it's like I'm looking at my own tree. Awesome. Thank you. Now I can look into proper care for it, and my foremost question is answered; yes, I need to bring it indoors for the winter.

In the few weeks since I bought this plant, I've seen a lot of new growth show up, and those thin leafless branches in the picture I posted have since grown leaves. I may be new to bonsai, but this is not the first plant in my garden by any means. Yes, my first priority with this tree, as with all my plants, is making sure it not only survives, but thrives.

I will continue to research this species. Thank you so much!

This should be a good guide - www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Carmona.html