I bought this bonsai tree from a local plant store after unsuccessfully trying to plant bonsai seeds this past winter during the school semester. I've owned the tree for about a week and I just noticed there was what looked like mold growing from the bottom of the pot. I'm thinking I should get myself a bonsai pot and go about transplanting it in some different potting soil. I just wanted some guidance from people who know what they are doing.

Alex

Your post is off topic. This is not a bonsai.

Also, there is no such thing as bonsai seed. It does not exist.

Auk wrote:

Your post is off topic. This is not a bonsai

Yes, I agree it is not a bonsai yet. But Caliandras are sold as "pre bonsai" and can grow fast in the tropics, and can become a bonsai.
As for the mold, could be a fungus.

Clicio wrote:

Yes, I agree it is not a bonsai yet. But Caliandras are sold as "pre bonsai"

It is not a pre-bonsai either. It is an untrained plant without any bonsai (or pre-bonsai) characteristics (that may be suitable for bonsai).

As for the mold, could be a fungus.

Mold IS fungus

(probable cause: soil at the bottom staying too wet)

Haha sorry guys, that's not a great shot of it, and I haven't trimmed it back since I got it. I've been gone on a trip. You're right when you say that it doesn't have any of the traditional bonsai characteristics (as far as I know, I'm only a beginner), I'm not interested in the terminology however, only in the health of this little tree.

iamtheotherplanet wrote:

I'm not interested in the terminology however, only in the health of this little tree.

It is not really about the terminology. This forum is not about plants, it is about bonsai, which your plant is not.

I think the fungus is not a big problem. The plant looks healthy, the fungus (if I see it right) is only there at the drainage hole at the bottom?
It will probably not damage the plant. As it is at the bottom, soil there may stay too wet giving the fungus a chance. Repotting in a shallower container with a better draining substrate would help.

"The word “Bon-sai” (often misspelled as bonzai or banzai) is a Japanese term which, literally translated, means “planted in a container”. This art form is derived from an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, part of which was then redeveloped under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism."

Just to quote the actual definition of bonsai on the bonsai empire itself.

MajorGoob wrote:

"The word “Bon-sai” (often misspelled as bonzai or banzai) is a Japanese term which, literally translated, means “planted in a container”.

That is the literal translation that does not cover the real meaning of the word at all.
But let us not go in there again, this has been discussed over and over and over again. Your plant is currently not a bonsai.

Wether or not it's a bonsai, make sure you use a well draining soil and reg firtilizer should help it to, as for the pot find something that compliments the tree nicely

Not every plant needs to be in a shallow container with pebbles.

This plant is obviously happy. It is doing well in the current substrate. Do not change a thing. Less than 1% of the fungus out there are harmfull. The far majority lives in symbiosis with plants, and they are actually beneficial.

Monitor the health. I do not know the species. But as it is tropical, and looks lush I would guess it like heat, moisture and sublight more than annything. As soon as you see yellowing of leaves, browning of growing tips, or an overall loss of shine/luster, something is off. But for now, do not worry. The pant is fine. My ficus have yellow-white fungus masses growing out of the pots every other year too. They don't skip a beat.