Hi,

I have recently bought my first bonsai, it was from my local garden centres discount/reduced to clear section. Normally before buying a new plant I like to do research on care and whether or not I can care for it in the way it deserves but I felt so bad for it sat there alone I’ve come into this blind. The pot it was in is not a typical bonsai pot and how it’s streched to me seems like it needs something wider. The newer leaves growing are also pale and some are yellowing which is normally, a sign of an unhappy plant. Any help is appreciated, does it need a repot? What sort of pot is best? I’m not too concerned about making sure it stays super small as long as it’s happy. But I think bonsais like to be trimmed back? How do I do this?

I know this is a lot to ask so really anything would be helpful

SevenofNine wrote:

I have recently bought my first bonsai

If you are referring to that what's on the photo: no, you bought a houseplant. They label it as bonsai, but it really isn't.

Look up care guidelines for Ficus. Yes, seems it should be repotted.

Is this not a ficus microcarpa(ginseng) Which according to every guide online including on the one on this website is a very popular type for bonsai especially for beginners
- www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/ficus
If this is not that type of tree which is it? And why is that not suitable for bonsai

SevenofNine wrote:

Is this not a ficus microcarpa(ginseng)

It is, but bonsai is not a tree species, it is the art create miniaturized trees, resembling trees in nature.

Which according to every guide online including on the one on this website is a very popular type for bonsai especially for beginners
- www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/ficus

Look at the link you supplied and you will see a huge difference.

And why is that not suitable for bonsai

The species is suitable.Your plant was not created using bonsai techniques. It is no longer suitable for bonsai.