Hi all,

Very new to Bonsai. I started out with a Hinoki Cypress in March (which very unfortunately got killed by Aphids in the background without me noticing).
I stayed off Bonsai for awhile and tended to my house indoor plants.

I found this in my backyard yesterday. My parents said it's a bonsai but they have no idea what it is and have never given any particular care to it besides normal watering.

I've done some research and found it to be a Wrightia Religiosa / Water Jasmine. I'm now contemplating the next steps to reviving it. As of now, all I've done is put some Organic Fertilizer (very sparingly) and given it a good water down. Some things I've noticed:

- Moss growing on one side of the soil only, and on some of the trunk
- Very slow draining soil, water sat on top of the soil for about 3-4 minutes before draining through.
- Overgrowing branches and roots
- Sparse foilage
- Slight crack in pot - in my opinion, it looks like it is outgrowing the pot.

This is what I was planning to do, not sure if they are the correct steps:
- Loosen some soil and add in organic matter
- Possibly? Repot the plant into a larger pot with new soil (mixture of akadama etc.)
- Shift it to a brighter spot with more sunlight
- Do some heavy pruning to shape the tree nicely
- Do some wiring to correct branches growing in the wrong direction
- Remove all moss, and use a toothbrush to brush off the moss on the trunk


I am not sure if these are the correct steps, and as said am completely new to Bonsai (having only started with my first in March 2020). Please correct me and let me know what you think!

While it could use some wou, this is not the right time in the northern hemisphere because summer is everywhere. For now, water it and keep it in the sun where it has gotten accustomed. Depending on local weather, you may water it once a week to three times a day. Check the soil and water when it is dryer than damp.
Between now and early spring read up in How-To here on how to mix soil, root prune, etc., and get ready for when spring arrives locally. You have plenty of time.
If you are southern hemisphere read How-To right now and get to work.

Thanks for the reply! My country actually doesn't go through the seasons and is sunny all year round with high humidity, and around 30 degrees temperature.
I'll check out the How-To - thanks very much!