Bonsai - how to look after?

[Mobile Chicane]

Help!

I've been 'given' a bonsai tree by a friend who's had to go back home due to a family crisis.

I know nothing about bonsai - anyone know what species this is, moreover how to keep it alive and care for it?

[Babu 01]

Some general advice in the link below, afraid I can't identify that tree though so can't be more specific.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Not sure if Flintstone still posts here, if so he can probably help more.

[dickymint]

Japanese Fire Tree. Once a month you need to give it a going over with a blow-torch.

[Simpo Two]

Are you any good with normal houseplants? That would be a start.

[Mobile Chicane]

Babu 01 said:

Some general advice in the link below, afraid I can't identify that tree though so can't be more specific.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Not sure if Flintstone still posts here, if so he can probably help more.

Thanks for the link.

Seems it is some kind of Microcarpus (I'd thought it might be a Buxus), in which case putting it outside was entirely the wrong thing to do as it needs a minimum of 15C.

No wonder it's dropping leaves. Although apparently it's a tough old thing and should re-leaf in a few weeks. I hope so...

[Simpo Two]

Well done - administered the fatal blow even before he posted!

Can't your friend e-mail you the care instructions?

[Rude-boy]

Babu 01 said:

Not sure if Flintstone still posts here, if so he can probably help more.

Wonder what happened to him, dropped off a cliff about the time of the RAF crash in August.

[NotKenBlock]

Looks suspiciously like a supermarket / homebase special to me.

Simply water it and give it a bit of sunlight as per most indoor plants

[Simpo Two]

But not over-water it - I'm not sure that container has any drainage and it's November, when plant growth slows/stops and they use much less water. Leaving the roots in a puddle will kill it for sure.

[jeff m2]

Simpo Two said:

But not over-water it - I'm not sure that container has any drainage and it's November, when plant growth slows/stops and they use much less water. Leaving the roots in a puddle will kill it for sure.

Yep, Bonsai normally grown in pots with no drainage.

I would start shopping for a replacement before your friend returns

[Johnnytheboy]

Can you be more specific about the species as I can't be sure from the pic? If it's Ficus Microcarpa/Microcarpus then they are a breeze to care for.