Black spruce transplant

Hi,

Around 12 years ago I started a bog in a large buried bucket (maybe 20 gallons in size) with wild collected sphagnum moss. A year later a black spruce emerged and ever since I've let it grow with the long term goal eventually training as a bonsai. Over the years I've removed candles and a few branches. It is now approximately 9" tall with maybe a 3/8" trunk at it's thickest.

So what is suggested for me to transplant this tree to a pot and bring indoors? Since it's been outside and growing in a very large bucket would I approach it more like a wild sapling? And what size pot? And should I start with a commercial bonsai soil? Should I wait until next spring to do this?

I've attached a picture but it's very hard to photograph due to the profusion of plant life around it.

Thank you!

DO NOT bring this indoors thats just a great way to kill a tree. i would wait till spring and a well draining soil should work.

Hi,

Thank you. Do you mean not to bring it inside and kill it by preventing a required winter dormancy? Or not to bring inside at all? But yes I realize that my question was more about transferring it to a pot not necessarily bringing it inside permanently. I do realize that this tree will require a winter dormancy.

And it sounds like I don't necessarily need a 'bonsai soil' then... so perhaps a sphagnum mix?

do not bring it inside at all, trees die inside, period.
Soil is discussed abundantly, but all pines prefer a well draining soil, (with some organic material in it). Sphagnum moss alone will not work.

edit: i hope you are not planning on placing it in a bonsai pot yet, that is years too soon for this tree

Better leave it in that bog. No reason to put it in a pot.