I have a chinese elm and a juniper. The care section for a chinese elm says it needs some morning sunshine, but I dont have a place where it can recieve any direct sunlight. With the juniper it says it needs direct sunlight for most of the day, but again there isn't a place around my house that recieves direct sunlight as all the sunlight is blocked by large pine trees or by other houses. I have put them both on the side of my house where they are the closest to recieving direct sunlight. How important is it that I have direct sunlight, because right now all I have is shade. Any suggestions or anything?

And I know the trees are doing poorly, I had just "commandeered" them from my dad, who left them both inside 24/7, rarely watered them, and never trimmed them.

And I'm a beginner... obviously.

Also I started taking care of them about a week ago.

Basically, trees need direct sunlight.

Do you have any suggestion as what to do?

Thought I am clear. Sorry.

Welcome to the empire, and congrats on getting your toes wet in bonsai.

Unfortunately, pretty much all trees need some sunlight to thrive. If you do not have a spot that does have direct sunlight, you can do two things:

- Remove the trees & houses that block the light
- Use the best spot available, and hope it is enough

Naturally, there are huge differences between countries and their sun intensity. So what shade is in one country, is anothers sunny day..Give it a go and keep in mind it is not ideal

Yes, I will buy my neighbor's houses and then demolish them just for my beginner bonsai trees lol. But thanks, really.