I received a Bonsai for Fathers Day and I know nothing about
them. I
have read on the web that the first thing you should do when
starting
out to care for a Bonsai is to find out what kind of plant you
have.
I'm looking for help in this. I have put a photo of my Bonsai
on the
web. Can anybody tell me what kind of Bonsai this is? Also I
would
like any advice you may have for me in the care of this Bonsai.

http://www.funatcurves.com/bonsai/

That looks to me like an aralia to me. Maybe someone with a bit
more indoor experience than I have can discuss the tree in some
detail.

First, however, you need to check to see if those rocks on your
soil have been glued in place. This usually is done to keep from
losing soil when the tree is shipped to the dealer. If they are,
you need to carefully remove them and fill in the resulting
hole(s) with good potting soil. You can replace any moss on top
of the soil (as well as the larger rocks, if you want).

If possible, the tree should be kept outside in warm weather. It
can come indoors in fall, winter and early spring. Water when
the soil begins to feel dry. Soggy soil kills bonsai. Test with
your finger or with a stick you keep jammed in the soil. Pull it
every day and feel the dirty end. If it is damp (cool), do not
water. Fertilize with any indoor plant food avert 2 weeks,
following directions on the label.

Google for "indoor bonsai" and see what comes up. We have
limited info on indoor bonsai at our site
(www.internetbonsaiclub.org). Check the FAQ and the Knowledge
Base. There are excellent general bonsai articles at
www.evergreengardenworks.com but I don't recall seeing much on
tropicals or indoor trees.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of bonsai.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Bonsaiests
are like genealogists: We know our roots!

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