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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43430

  • jamesrb17
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Hi Everyone!

So I've finally joined this forum to gain more knowledge in all things Bonsai! I was given a Fukein Tea Bonsai as a present and have made it my absolute priority to make sure I care for it the best I can, even with no experience.


I'm not sure how old the Tree is but it seems to be growing well. I re-potted the Tree after the first 6 months of ownership (again all trial and error for me but it take seem to take well to it). I've used a partial mix of Shohin Akadama for the bottom layer and normal Bonsai soil for the rest. I water by soaking the entire pot in water for around 2 minuets and then mist to keep the leaves healthy. I have a few questions and have attached pictures so I'm hoping someone can help;

- Is my Tree definatly a Fukein Tea and how old does it look?
- Does it look healthy?
- Does it look out of shape?
- The white Flowers only seem to last 24 hours before dying, is this normal? If so should i get rid of the dead ones or leave them to fall on their own?
- How can I shape the tree? Is it difficult?

I think that's all for now, however I am looking forward to being a part of this community!

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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43431

  • Clicio
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Yes, your tree is a Carmona (Fukien Tea Tree).
Yes, the flowers last almost nothing.
No, your soil looks overly wet.
No, learn how to water your trees from above, not drench and drown them.
Welcome!
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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43433

  • jamesrb17
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Hi, Thanks so much for your comments.

I've been told to submerge the pot in that way, but there are obviously a lot of varying advice out there. The pictures were taken just after watering, it was bone dry before.

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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43436

  • Felidae
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If you don’t mist the flowers, they’ll stay a wee longer :)
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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43437

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What about wiring? Would this tree cope well and where would I start?

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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43439

  • Felidae
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What about wiring? Would this tree cope well and where would I start?

As a newbie for the other newbie... I truly think Clicio is right, and you should learn some good watering practice, before you try to get any design out from your plant. Those people, who’s sells these mass produced trees, and spreading the submerging technique as watering, are not against that if it slowly decline. Maybe month, maybe some years, but it’ll be a dry stick, and you’ll buy an other from those sellers, cause you don’t know what caused the first’s death.

Here some threads in the submerging subject:
www.bonsaiempire.com/forum/help-me/10859...or-not-to-soak#38193
www.bonsaiempire.com/forum/advanced-tech...-or-drown-it-depends

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Last edit: Post by Felidae.

General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43442

  • m5eaygeoff
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why would you wire it? Wiring is done on trees where there is no altrnative, this young plant does not need it.

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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43450

  • jamesrb17
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I think for a newbie all the comments here are fairly negative which is a shame. I wanted to try and make some of the higher branches stat growing outwards, but it's fine. I will learn and do this myself because that's the best way. Plus, I'm never going to get through advice anyway.

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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43451

  • leatherback
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I think for a newbie all the comments here are fairly negative which is a shame. I wanted to try and make some of the higher branches stat growing outwards, but it's fine. I will learn and do this myself because that's the best way. Plus, I'm never going to get through advice anyway.


I think you are taking a very negative stance here.
All the advice given is correct, to the point and based on your questions.
FIRST learn how to keep the plant alive. That is NOT an easy thing to do, especially with this species. Only after that, start messing with the plant. Otherwise you will never be able to conclude what cause the demise of a plant.
As for not getting true advice here.. That is just insulting the people that offer their help.

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General Advice wanted - First time owner 5 years 7 months ago #43454

  • jamesrb17
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Hi,

I didn't mean to be negative, however the tree IS currently alive, and has been for well over a year since I got it. So although I understand your comments, if all I need to do is make sure the tree is alive, then I've pretty much become a pro instantly.

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