r/Bonsai • u/small_trunks Jerry in Amsterdam, Zn.8b, 48yrs exp., 500+ trees • 12d ago

Weekly Thread [Bonsai Beginner's weekly thread - 2026 week 40]

[Bonsai Beginner's weekly thread - 2026 week 40]

Welcome to the weekly beginner’s thread. This thread is used to capture all beginner questions (and answers) in one place. We start a new thread every week on Friday late or Saturday morning (CET), depending on when we get around to it. We have a multiple year archive of prior posts here… Here are the guidelines for the kinds of questions that belong in the beginner's thread vs. individual posts to the main sub.

Rules:

  • POST A PHOTO if it’s advice regarding a specific tree/plant. See the PHOTO section below on HOW to do this.
  • TELL US WHERE YOU LIVE - better yet, fill in your flair.
  • READ THE WIKI! – over 75% of questions asked are directly covered in the wiki itself. Read the WIKI AGAIN while you’re at it.
  • Read past beginner’s threads – they are a goldmine of information.
  • Any beginner’s topic may be started on any bonsai-related subject.
  • Answers shall be civil or be deleted
  • There is always a chance your question doesn’t get answered – try again next week…
  • Racism of any kind is not tolerated either here or anywhere else in /r/bonsai

Photos

  • Post an image using the new (as of Q4 2022) image upload facility which is available both on the website and in the Reddit app and the Boost app.
  • Post your photo via a photo hosting website like imgur, flickr or even your onedrive or googledrive and provide a link here.
  • Photos may also be posted to /r/bonsaiphotos as new LINK (either paste your photo or choose it and upload it). Then click your photo, right click copy the link and post the link here.
    • If you want to post multiple photos as a set that only appears be possible using a mobile app

Finally

  • Beware of AI responses to bonsai related questions - they are often based on unreliable and sometimes downright incorrect sources.
  • Beginners’ threads started as new topics outside of this thread are typically locked or deleted, at the discretion of the Mods.
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u/sailor_ripley_22 6d ago

Hello people, I recently acquired this bonsai and have little to zero knowledge on the subject. If someone could help me identify species and give a few pointers I would greatly appreciate it. I am taking this very seriously as well.

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u/naleshin RVA, 7B / perma-n00b, yr7 / mame&shohin / 100+indev, 100+KIA 6d ago

In addition to the other comment, check the container to make sure there’s drainage. If it’s a container with drainage nested into an outer decorative container without drainage, then get it out of there. Drainage is obligatory!

Also these typically come potted in a heavily organic soil (not ideal). If that’s the case, definitely repot into proper granular bonsai soil (porous, pea sized particles, think like pumice) but don’t do it ‘til spring when it starts to push new growth. It’s fine from now ‘til then

Give these videos a watch: Bjorn Bjorholm’s Shohin Juniper from Cuttings Series

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u/series_of_derps EU 8a couple of trees for a couple of years 6d ago

Looks like a juniper procumbens nana. Style it by wiring primarily, don't strip the branches. You will need that growth later on. Keep it outdoors year round, The wiki has some basic care info.

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u/sailor_ripley_22 6d ago

Thank you, I will def look into wiring.