Hopefully sometime this week, I'm going to go shopping for a juniper. I'm ordering my tool kit and soil also.

thebonsaiguy wrote: It doesn't explain what size pot to use or how to choose a tree either. :dry:

Didn't I post a link with what to look for in a tree? Also I recommended to use a local species.
Google for 'Florida 'Native trees for Bonsai'.

Or:
Look for 'florida native juniper'
You'll find: www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/junipers.html
There you see: Parson's Juniper
Next look up: "Parson's Juniper bonsai" to see if others use it for bonsai and you'll find:

ofbonsai.org/species-specific/coniferous/junipers-part-two

where you'll find some info about this species, but also: "Since we are in Florida, it is only fitting that we start with the juniper that is native to our state, Juniperus virginiana"

Just a few minutes of Googling... next, of course, you'll use Google Images for 'Juniperus Virgiana' pictures, and Google for 'Juniperus Virgiana care guidelines'

Auk wrote: Google... Googling... Google Images... Google

If all else fails, Google it.

Well, thanks, but my main problem was the rest of the post :lol:

thebonsaiguy wrote: ...when you are supposed to start wiring or plant it in a bonsai pot. It implies that you are supposed to prune, wire, and repot all at once. It doesn't explain what size pot to use...

I feel like I'm slightly coming off as rude and I just want to state that I'm merely trying to get some help and need to clarify myself frequesntly making me seem rude.

When it's done growing out, put it in a training pot. When it's done with most of the training, put it in a Bonsai pot.
Don't worry about seeming rude, we all do at one time or another.

Ed

Oh, that's simple enough. This would also be the point where bonsai soil would be used, right? My assumption is that wiring and pruning should be done when the plant has reach sufficient size, is this correct?

Thanks a ton

most of the wiring and structural pruning will be once the tree has reached a sufficient size, as well as having a dense canopy (loads a' branches). Maintenance pruning takes place from then on, pretty much.

www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/styling/pruning

Ed

I would wire young plants too. Give the main tunk domr interesting shape before it gets too thick. Branches the same. But that is just me of course.

leatherback wrote: I would wire young plants too.

That's why I said 'Most of the wiring...'

Ed

Auk wrote:
You asked what you should look for - and this is one of the frequently asked questions (but this forum doesn't have a FAQ )
Rather than repeating the same reply, I'd like to point you to a site that lists the characteristics that you are looking for. There are more sites about this subject, try Googling '

What to Look For . . .

I found this link helpful, I had the same question. Thanks!