Okay, earlier today, I got a bonsai tree at some florist downtown. When I bought it, the lady working there told me they're very finicky and when you water them to water them with a mist. That's all. And now I've been reading, and I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing! I don't know anything about my tree! I don't even know what type of tree it is. The little tag it came with just said "Bonsai Tree". Very helpful. I think it's a juniper, but I don't know. Also, there's rock-like stuff over the soil. I don't know if it is the soil, or some kinda rocks, because there's one type on one side, and a different type on the other. And the rocks are stuck together. I don't know if I should pull them apart or leave it alone! Then there's bushy stuff on the bottom that's ugly, can I take it off? Oh, and how do I trim it? Do I cut the branches off on the bottom? What fertilizer do I use? When do I use it? Then they say to pinch off foilage, How do I know when to pinch it off? Details in a second
What does the foilage look like? I'm totally clueless! I live in Northern Maine, do I put it inside or out? And if I put it outside, the raccoons, field mice, groundhogs, neighborhood cats, etc. will all probably chew it to a nub! Just PLEASE tell me everything you know about Bonsai Trees! Give me serious answers ONLY!! Thanks!

Oh, here's pictures of it. My camera sucks so the pictures aren't that great.

www.matmice.com/home/esirois

I don't know if the sight will work, but whatever. Thanks again!
Sorry, spelt "site" wrong!

Very nice ,a Bonsai tree is much fun . I will tell you what I can
So the rocks could be decor or not they could be peat moss.
The bushy stuff could also be spanghum moss to invigor rooting .I would suggest letting it grow for a month or two while you research this further .keep it watered once a day with a spray bottle (fine mist) and set it in a window for light or somewhere where it gets at least somelight ,no ned to put it outside though.

As long as you keep it moist and provide light it'll be fine . Then this will give you time to learn how to raise your little tree.Have fun they are amazing if you've got the patience for them ,Enjoy

Hey! I saw the pic of your bonsai...very nice. I'm guessing yours is a Juniper from looking at the pics. They are most common type. I've had a couple in the past and they are very tricky to take care of.

They have many websites devoted to Bonsai care.

Here is a good one....
http://wiki.bonsaitalk.com/index.php/Main_Page#Starting_Out

But be warned!...and I quote:

"Many trees described as "imported bonsai" are in reality simply rooted cuttings potted in plastic containers decorated with glued on stones and a ceramic fisherman figurine.

Because we usually find these plants in a discount centers or malls, we affectionately call such atrocities 'Mallsai'"

Happy growing!


Cute pets btw