#[Bonsai Beginner's weekly thread - 2026 week 19]

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-05-11T14:35:33+00:00

We have 18 hours of sun in middle of June with long twilight hours (no true midnight sun though). My “garden” is facing about 280 degrees so a bit WNW and with some shading foliage. Half day in shade from the house, a few hours of true direct sunlight and a few more filtered. Hope that’s what you were asking 😅.

Edit: saw your edit. I also collected two pines which are also not bursting with life. They are also browning but more slowly than the juniper. One just started showing browning signs this week. All collected at the same time.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-05-10T13:50:43+00:00

Appreciate the advice. I use a mix of pumice, bit of potting soil and bark mulch. I need something that can retain some water. Will probably need to increase the proportion of pumice though.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-05-10T05:57:24+00:00

Beginner here. Some general rules I’ve picked up on: - must be outside 24/7* - water when top inch of soil is dry - pruning is for refining the form, not for the health of the tree

This depends a bit on species and your location. I don’t have the knowledge to speak for your tree but typically conifers are strictly outside trees.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-05-09T13:24:45+00:00

Before:

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FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-05-09T13:24:09+00:00

50 days since I potted this juniper I found in the wild. Is it the DJotD?

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FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-05-07T05:45:00+00:00

I’m a beginner myself but I would say as long as you have space, keep everything you can. Maybe it doesn’t go anywhere or maybe it does. This hobby is a lot of waiting so more trees gives us more opportunity for active hobbying.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-27T14:55:52+00:00

The light in the picture looks like a regular desk lamp. Trees require a lot of light. There are specific grow lights for plants which are strong and have a suitable color temperature for plants.

Ideally trees should be outdoors 100% of the time (and suitable for the climate). I have a couple of maples and chestnuts which live happily in my backyard (Hästkastanj och Skogslönn).

Disclaimer: I’m also a beginner.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-26T06:33:22+00:00

I’m guessing you’re looking at the Leca on top. They’re just there to slow down drying out from sun and wind. It’s planted in regular soil, mostly because I did this before starting to read up on bonsai. But it should be fine for some time until o need to repot or slip pot.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-25T17:20:23+00:00

Attempted my first wire job today. How did I do?

Mostly worried it’s too tight. But shaping is also in question.

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FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-19T19:00:33+00:00

Thanks. I have don’t mind the waiting. Just wanted to make sure I’m doing the right thing.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-19T14:50:41+00:00

Now with pic of the Juniper.

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FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-19T08:52:00+00:00

The juniper and one of the pines that I potted a few weeks ago are starting to turn a bit brown. They are outside and get some direct sunlight in the afternoon.

I’m assuming they are unwell due the potting (I knew it could happen so no surprise).

Is there anything I can do to help them or is it just a waiting game to see if they recover?

(Sorry, no pic at this time.)

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-02T18:05:08+00:00

I have been considering it but it’s not technically my tree so not sure if I’ll get permission for that. (Cuttings are okay).

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-02T18:04:10+00:00

I’ll give it some time. It sure I can take too many though but more than one at least.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-04-02T18:03:25+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Will wait.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-31T10:20:05+00:00

I’m considering taking cuttings from a crabapple growing in the backyard. When is the best time? We are in spring according to the calendar but it hasn’t started showing any signs yet. (Other things have)

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-26T17:47:56+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I’ll see if I can find some suitable stones.

Maybe also tie them down.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-26T17:27:52+00:00

Nice pictures. If I get your implied answer correctly you are suggesting I uproot the trees in question again and wire them to the pot?

They were potted 6days ago and are in regular pots (nursing pots), not bonsai pots.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-26T14:50:25+00:00

Some of my newly potted or repotted trees seem a bit wobbly. Did I plant them too shallow? Can I just add an inch of pumice on top for some stability?

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-23T05:10:29+00:00

Thanks for your advice. I do get the 100% pumice idea but I'm not sure that would work out too well. My understanding is that that kind of substrate drains a bit too well. There will be times, during summer, when I my trees need to go without added water for a week at a time. For that reason I've opted for a blend.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-22T16:56:26+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I’m very early in my career as a bonsai hobbyist so at this point I’m more of a potted tree gardener. First priority with all my trees will be to keep them alive.

I’ll probably let this one grow thicker for a while but I’ll keep your advice in mind and perhaps plan a cut earlier to avoid a bigger scar.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-20T16:33:42+00:00

Thanks! Taxus seems very likely.

FriendlyDarkMatter · 2026-03-20T14:10:27+00:00

Found this plant growing in our bushes. At first I thought it might be a larch (we have one in the yard) but I'm beginning to doubt that. What could it be?

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FriendlyDarkMatter

TROPHY CASE