Carmona Bonsai care (Fukien tea)

[@icymcspicy547]

Just bought my first bonsai tree and this what the one I got. I look forward to the challenge of my first bonsai.

[@bonsaiempire]

Good luck!

[@jamiehls]

A difficult choice for your first tree. Great if it thrives but don’t give up if it doesn’t. Try a jade or ficus if Carmona is too difficult.

[@cloudboy707]

I am now in your shoes and history has repeated itself, wish me luck!

[@ciscoplank8107]

just bought mine yesterday. how's youres doing?

[@colekretsinger9152]

Got mine today never had one now I'm thing well fuck

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

They like to freak out if you move them, but totally worth it. Usually im not one for flowers on my bonsai, but i actually enjoy these flowering.

[@shannonmarchat]

Bonjour from Paris! 🇫🇷🇫🇷 I'm a huge black thumb and received one of these as a gift last week. Really glad to find this video and wish me luck - I am always so afraid to overwater plants that I let them die of drought... I really want this one to stay alive (and fortunately, too, I have a bonsai store down the street who even babysits your plant when you are on vacation!)

[@bonsaiempire]

Nice, best of luck!!

[@feemarlen]

Thank you! I really needed this video right now. My tree is literally dying as we speak 😂 Update: It is thriving now. Full of new leaves and wont stop blooming 😍

[@bonsaiempire]

Ah nice - hope it will be on time. Placement and watering are the two things to focus on (lots of light, and never let it dry out!)

[@nunziobarone776]

What was the problem ? And how did you solve ?

[@feemarlen]

@@nunziobarone776 I hadn't fertilized it ever .. and it was also winter, so it was very dark all the time. I put the bonsai right next to the window and now I fertilize it every 2-3 weeks or so. Has been thriving since :)

[@nunziobarone776]

@@feemarlen thank you 🙂

[@vincentaugustine7683]

InstaBlaster...

[@carolficorilli9768]

I am new to Bonsai-am working with my first one, A Fukien. I have another one coming along with a ficus. I have taken your classes and it has really helped me alot.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks Carol, glad you are liking the courses!

[@Darbae7]

My boyfriend got me one for Christmas and it’s not doing so hot so your video really helped. Fingers crossed I can save the little buddy

[@bonsaiempire]

Best of luck! Placement (lots of light) and watering (never let it dry out) are most important :-)

[@NolimitWithNature]

Great starter bonsai’s I love mines and can’t wait to keep adding to my collection! ✨

[@rohitsinghgautam]

This tree never dies :) Three years in consecutive due water quality leaves blaken and all fall off. It reviewed again. Now I am using RO water. I am not sure why it is not taking fertilizer well. I use my aquarium water as fertilizer. All other plants are happy with that but this one blackens and all leaves fall off.

[@leonahauf1290]

I love this video very educational and beautiful to watch. Thank you.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks Leona

[@daro4560]

@@bonsaiempire hi, my house isn’t exposed to much sunlight during summer, due to it being almost completely under the shade of trees. Much less during the winter. Is there any specific lamp I can buy that can replace sunlight for the bonsai and allow it to grow healthy? I hope you can get back to me, and the video was very good. Thank you

[@craigbullard8163]

Won 2 bonsai in a competition. A Ficus Ginseng & a Fukien Tea. Thanks for this info for my new hobby

[@bonsaiempire]

Good luck!

[@Kai_pies]

Im getting my first bonsai tree this christmas so thanks for the vid!

[@henryj.2960]

Que bien, con traducción, muy bien explicado, saludos desde Málaga - Spain.

[@quemalcy]

Had mine for 5 years in Scotland. I have always taken them indoors if its going below 12 c.. "do not do what i do, i aint no expert". If i followed the rules it would be indoors more than outdoors as 16c is warm for scotland. Thanks for upload.

[@bonsaiartwork3378]

Beautiful hokiantea👍👍👍

[@SilverOrlov]

Finally, information from a professional about my tree. I thought, except for amateur videos and a couple of old articles about carmona, I wouldn't find anything anywhere. I collected and subscribed to the crumbs. Will there only be a more video with the possibilities of forming styles and care for this tree, or just this summary? Most of all I would like to know about the possible soils, which are suitable for the tree. P.S.: I live in a zone with "summer" from March to November +25 - 35C and "winter" December-February +15 - 20C, where instead of snow it rains and cloudy. I am afraid that the soil from the shop would be too dense due to moisture, and Akadama - slick airy and quickly lost moisture for the summer. Or would it be normal Akadama+Tufa+Pumice?

[@bonsaiempire]

Hi there, glad you like it! Definitely check our article on Carmona bonsai as well (www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/carmona) which is quite detailed. And for more on soil, this will hopefully help you: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/bonsai-soil

[@SilverOrlov]

@@bonsaiempire Thanks)

[@fossil009]

Thanks for the info... Pretty useful

[@bonsaiempire]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arrabelleshichi6795]

We have some plants like this in our backyard that sprouts everywhere but with orange flowers and i also have a cutting that has pink flowers.

[@ferrywijaya5862]

.. Nice Bonsai Tree .. We call it .. Hokkian - Tea .. 😁 Thank's

[@Amy-hm5xt]

where would you reccomend to buy a humidity tray from and what sort of gravel/stones are best to go in there?

[@zeljkostrbac9469]

Thanks for the educational video, very simple and informative. Just as it should be, Thanks 😊

[@bonsaiempire]

Glad you enjoyed it! We tried to keep it simple - but there is some more detailed information on our site: www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/carmona

[@zeljkostrbac9469]

Thanks for the response and for the link! With a three as sensitive as the carmona, all knowledge is more than welcome!

[@mikaelafox6106]

I wish I would’ve seen this video a few months ago. My Fukien didn’t make it. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it. Plenty of light, and I thought I watered it enough. At first I had over watered it, but it recovered, then maybe I didn’t water it enough. Are little gnats an issue? It had those. I was hoping this little bonsai would’ve made it. Definitely more difficult than I expected. I didn’t know it could be propagated. I would’ve taken a snipping!

[@leonardozummo4486]

In which season do you suggest to prune the Carmona? Thank you!

[@bonsaiempire]

Year round actually, as its a (sub)tropical tree.

[@deborajr]

My bonsai doesn’t look like when I first bought it anymore. The leaves are thinner and bigger and there are lots of dry branches 😞 I am definitely doing something wrong perhaps is the watering because it has proper light, soil and temperature !……by the way, is that your property???? It’s like paradise! Thank for the beautiful video!!

[@rangervapes571]

Thank you, not a lot of information about Fukien Tea Bonsai!

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks, glad it was useful. Not much videos around indeed. If you like to read more, her is some additional info: www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/carmona

[@kaholiachumi8737]

Very informative

[@jello2246]

Thank you, this was very useful. Can we keep it in our rooms? If so, is it ok to keep the light on? Or is does it harm it?

[@bonsaiempire]

Your normal lights wont have much, if any, effect on your tree. The tree needs lots of daylight, preferably a few hours of direct sunlight a day.

[@jello2246]

@@bonsaiempire Ok, thank you!

[@JayseGreene]

I just purchased a Fukien Tea tree and made a little humidity tray for her. I don't have luck with fertilizing as I almost killed my Snake Plant so any tips would be appreciated.

[@bonsaiempire]

The humidity tray is a good thing! And I'd recommend using a liquid fertilizer - and apply it as the package label states. You should be fine - but watering and lots of light are by far the most crucial elements!

[@Cri354]

This is my first bonsai and I have bought it and it is sadly twisted and not in proper shape. I would like to encourage a couple of strong branches with tiny ones growing on them, same as with yours. Do I just trim the hard branches that I do not like or how would be healthy for the tree?

[@bonsaiempire]

Perhaps post some photos on our forum at www.bonsaiempire.com/forum

[@asmasattar4682]

This video has been so helpful. My tree is loosing leaves and some branches are looking dried out. I've had it 2 years now and all of a sudden its not well. Its kept at a window with great light and watering when soil us looking a little dry. Any other recommendations to save my tree please.

[@bonsaiempire]

Hi Asma, glad it was helpful! If the tree gets LOTS of light and you NEVER let it dry out completely, it should be fine actually. Perhaps also check this page for more detailed information: www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/carmona

[@BrodysBettas]

I just bought one for my medaka pond, and a few bonsai groups told me Fukian Tea trees don't like water....it's bare root in my pond and blooming a month in so far! 😅

[@bonsaiempire]

I think you better plant it besides your pond :)

[@landermoens713]

How often should u do all this.

[@alexandrachivu146]

just bought mine yesterday, it's my first time taking care of a bonsai tree. But it has that poor soil and i was wondering if should repot it, giving the fact it's not early spring and the summer is around the corner. What advice would you give me? Was anyone in my shoes? i'm waiting for an opinion, please! (please note that i'm from Romania and it's not really that hot right now, today was 14 celsius degrees max for example)

[@bonsaiempire]

Id repot in early fall - or early spring next year - not right now in late spring.

[@MrMichaelDR]

Hello & thank you for the information. Does the type of water matter? I don't have acces to rain water in my apartment so I'm wondering if I should use tap water or boil it first or if I'm better of buying demineralised water from the store?

[@bonsaiempire]

Hi there - I use and recommend using normal tapwater.

[@sadoldgit313]

You can change the PH of tap water by using cider or wine vinegar. Only recommended if you have really severe hard water, otherwise most tap water hovers around neutral to slightly alkaline. Pines and Azaleas prefer slightly acidic water (rainwater) but most deciduous trees tolerate neutral. The biggest killer of bonsai is over or under watering. 3.5 - 4L of Tap Water (7.5 - 7.7 pH) with Vinegar (5% acetic acid) added: * 1 tbsp vinegar: 5.8 - 6.0 pH * 2 tbsp vinegar: 5.4 - 5.6 pH * 3 tbsp vinegar: 5.0 - 5.2 pH * 4 tbsp vinegar: 4.5 - 4.7 pH * 5 tbsp vinegar: 4.4 - 4.6 pH * 6 tbsp vinegar: 4.2 - 4.4 pH * 7 tbsp vinegar: 4.1 - 4.3 pH * 8 tbsp vinegar: 4.0 - 4.2 pH * 9 tbsp vinegar: 4.0 - 4.2 pH (actually 0.07 less)

[@supermario1177]

What type of liquid fertilizer do you need??

[@bonsaiempire]

It doesnt matter much, most plant fertilizers will be just fine

[@nasovlamingi]

My Carmona has basically not grown at all since I got it 2021 what am I doing wrong any advice for over wintering ?

[@bonsaiempire]

Carmona need warm winters. Regarding the growth of you trees, focus on 2 things: Placement (lot and LOTS of sun) and proper Watering.

[@nasovlamingi]

@@bonsaiempire it’s in a south facing window with heaps of sun there has been little to no growth since I’ve got it i bought at a garden centre so I wonder is it in bad soil 🤔

[@elijahhoon6558]

How do I propagate it from seeds which appear brown and dry

[@davidcowton1070]

I have a Fukien tea tree, i bought a soil moisture indicator to tell me when the soil is drying out first question, Are these reliable indicators? My method of watering is to put the plant and pot in a dish or bucket (clean) and fill the bucket with water until the surface of the soil is just under water and leave for 5 to 10 minutes watching for air bubbles all the time and lift it out when they stop, indicating the soil is saturated. Is this method ok or too severe? Thank you so much for your videos!

[@bonsaiempire]

I have no experience with moisture indicator, sorry! I'd stick to watering (not submerging), for some more info see: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/watering

[@safepancake7551]

does a led light work? I've had one from Home Depot for about 3 months now and it's still growing new leaves faster than the leaves get weak and fall off, but its flower buds keep on wilting before they open, but I'm pretty sure it still tries to grow new buds, but they keep dying. its currently on my desk in the basement with a bright led light, i might buy an actual grow light though,

[@bonsaiempire]

You need a growth light as a normal light wont help - but the best you can do is place your tree right in front of a sunny window!

[@nicholasgarza951]

Any advice for shaping this sort of tree?

[@traviss.792]

This was great information, is the Fukien tea tree bonsai toxic to dogs or parrots? i have not been able to find information, is this bonsai toxic to people? When i bought our tree i read somewhere that we could eat the fruit and save the leaves for tea. Just curious i cannot find that now. Thank you.

[@bonsaiempire]

I dont think it is toxic, but Im not sure either... Sorry! :)

[@traviss.792]

@@bonsaiempire Thank you!! I talked to the greenhouse it came from and he said it wasn't, but i will still act as if it is since he seemed unsure as well.

[@lem5689]

im pulsivly bought this and it was going well....BUT now im struggling with the winter time since my building isnt always giving us heat 😭

[@Nagarjunapathuri]

Does this flowers smells good?

[@dawnmckinnon9258]

Very informative!!! But what if my tree leave start drooping and turning darker but not falling off?

[@bonsaiempire]

That indicates an error in either watering or placement - the tree needs LOTS of light and should never dry out.

[@dawnmckinnon9258]

How much water do you advise me to use and how often??

[@Amy-hm5xt]

i recently bought a Carmona Bonsai, is it okay to mist everday as well as watering once a week?

[@bonsaiempire]

Watering once a week is wrong. You should water on observation, not on a fixed frequency.

[@edgarvsfreitas]

Short video but super educational!! Thank you. I have a Carmona Bonsai and I noticed two bugs on the roots. What should I do? Shall I repot it?

[@bonsaiempire]

Not nearly all bugs pose a threat to your tree - try to identify them or post some photos onto our forum at www.bonsaiempire.com/forum !

[@edgarvsfreitas]

@@bonsaiempire Thank you for answering. I will indeed. :)

[@apacur]

Should it be repotted into bigger and bigger pots each time?

[@bonsaiempire]

No, unless the tree grows bigger - in many cases you'd use the same pot (you simply replenish the substrate)

[@simonsafos2089]

i tend to give them some outside time for direct sun... but I'm wondering if indoor LED light sources work as well?

[@bonsaiempire]

If it is warm enough, outside is perfect. Led grow lights would also help if kept indoors with not enough light.

[@erulkhai5843]

Saya sangat suka carmona

[@bonsaiglory5683]

My carmona has yellowish leaves, is it normal or deficiancy of any elements/ fertilizer??

[@bonsaiempire]

Could you share some photos on our forum and describe in detail how you care for it: www.bonsaiempire.com/forum

[@MaureenBuchanan-v3t]

If the leaves all appear brittle is there still a way to save it. I offered to try and salvage it for someone

[@bonsaiempire]

Well, you can test by scratching the bark with your fingernail. If it is still green, it is alive!

[@jiwapetanimuda4045]

Nice hokiantea carmona restusa ,, i has a lots 🤙

[@dwibonsai8318]

Nice bonsai....amazing...

[@fehergergely]

Apologize if stupid question, is the Fukien tea an evergreen plant? If not what you can propose for indoor & ever green bonsai? thanks!

[@bonsaiempire]

It is indeed!

[@fehergergely]

@@bonsaiempire thank you

[@arpad2190]

Hello, at first, thank U very much for this video. It helped me much about watering and setting place for my Fukien tea. But I have a question about pruning... Can I prune the tree whenever I think it is necessary or is there a certain time for pruning?

[@bonsaiempire]

Maintenance pruning (pruning some shoots for example) can be done year-round

[@giordanopetraccaro9814]

Hi! I bought a carmona bonsai on amazon from NL, some roots come out of the drainage holes. does it means that it needs to be repotted? thanks for the video and what an amazing bonsai, love it!

[@bonsaiempire]

If the roots circle around the inside of the pot, then yes. Early spring would be the best time.

[@giordanopetraccaro9814]

@@bonsaiempire Thank you!

[@giordanopetraccaro9814]

@@bonsaiempire Hi again! My Bonsai has two really long shoots, it is okay to prune in this period? should i wait till the end of summer?

[@tebowmania1936]

Would I be able to use a artificial light source for this bonsai?

[@bonsaiempire]

Yes, you can - I never used them so I cant tell you much about it...

[@parappa_is_my_rapper6557]

do I cute off any leaves or branches that seem to be wilting or just leave them alone and continue it’s schedule

[@daro4560]

Why do you mean by wilting. Like dead leaves?

[@parappa_is_my_rapper6557]

@@daro4560 yes like the leaves that are dying and turning brown you know?

[@daro4560]

@@parappa_is_my_rapper6557 I get it. Definitely trim those dead leaves whenever you do your regular pruning on the tree. I’m not a expert or anything but I have heard that dead leaves can bring uncleanliness to the rest of the tree if left too long. Also, even if they don’t do anything to the tree, it doesn’t look great, and it will eventually just fall off. I recommend trimming and pruning them off

[@daro4560]

@@parappa_is_my_rapper6557 also to fix that try giving it more sunlight and following the steps in this video. It really helped me revive my Fukien bonsai

[@parappa_is_my_rapper6557]

@@daro4560 this is a bit late of a response but thank you so much!

[@Narii1252]

My carmona is 8yrs old and i got it on last christmas but i domt know how much fertilizer to use on how much Milliliter Can you help me?

[@bonsaiempire]

You can follow the instructions stated on the packaging - or read on our website for a bit more info: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/fertilizing

[@theremycrocks6861]

I just got one from my parents for my birthday, I have been wanting a bonsai for awhile now, but when they gave it too me the tree was dropping healthy looking leaves, do you have any idea why this would be happening, my parents kept it in their room which had a west facing window and watered it every 3 days and I’m not sure if it’s just due to lack of sunlight or something else? I also noticed some small brown spots on the leaves but there seem to be no sign of insect infestation

[@bonsaiempire]

Every 3 days does not sound good, you need to water on observation. This might help: www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/carmona

[@theremycrocks6861]

@@bonsaiempire I’ve been watering on observation and also keeping it in good sunlight like you recommended. It hasn’t dropped anymore leaves and some are starting to grow back thanks for the recommendations!

[@amber22273]

Good .. 👍👍

[@croquetoski]

What soil are you using?

[@bonsaiempire]

If I would repot this tree, I'd use our standard recommended mix, of akadama, pumice and lava rock (2:1:1).

[@kendallpaul9430]

Could water being on the leaves while the tree is in sunlight hurt the leaves or the tree?

[@bonsaiempire]

I dont think so

[@TheOz.730]

Quick question if there is no sun how i fix that problem?

[@bonsaiempire]

The Carmona needs LOTS of light, just like any bonsai you keep indoors (Ficus, Carmona, Hawaiian umbrella, Jade)

[@sugiartanoto9410]

Fukien tea & Hokien tea 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@vetrivelneomarx]

Super

[@Khanontheway]

Good

[@randallgoeswhere]

So it shouldn't look like a 3 ft spider about to come after me? :)

[@miayang5741]

If I cut off all the leaves to reshape the tree, will the leaves grow back?

[@bonsaiempire]

That sounds very drastic Mia, I'd prune about 20-30% max.

[@miayang5741]

@@bonsaiempire what is the best way to reshape a bonsai if you can't see the shape?

[@Einfachderboi]

I have my Fukien tea tree for 1-2 years now, I bought this tree in a Local tree store. Unfortunately, so far only one branch grew back, otherwise it does not grow further. The flowers keep sprouting but it just doesn't grow. This tree is located at a window facing south and I water this plant as described in the video. Can anyone help me? I would like to grow new branches.

[@bonsaiempire]

Lots of light, proper watering and occasional fertilizing - if your tree still doesn't grow healthily, perhaps it is time to repot?

[@Lia-rz9lt]

I was wondering how old your bonsai is, and at what age it blooms? Mine is tiny, about the size of my hand.

[@bonsaiempire]

The smaller one about 5-8 years, the larger one around 10-12 years (approximately!)

[@chrisreilly1290]

Wish I found this video when I had mine still alive

[@stalkerlohh]

The pruning part is kinda confusing, can someone please explain that part again ?

[@stalkerlohh]

Also, 1 more thing - does re-potting mean you need to get a bigger pot in every 2 years or can you just change the soil and use the same pot as in previous years ?

[@ksteinhauer128]

@@stalkerlohh You only need to place in a larger pot if the bonsai has grown larger. If it has not, then you just need to change the soil.

[@Cobarah]

Mine is almost dead so this helps

[@bonsaiempire]

I hope this video came on time for your bonsai :)

[@senengmbolang1799]

in Indonesia the name is hokiante ,, warm greetings from new friends from Indonesia, come to my place to build friendship,, thanks brother

[@denisiskadianto8703]

Ning jowo jenenge mbok yanti yo mas 😅😅

[@senengmbolang1799]

@@denisiskadianto8703 iyo kang hahaha

[@Bonsaibataskota]

keren..

[@simonereginasagrado4767]

💐💐💐💐💐👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🤩🤩🤩🤩🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙋🏾‍♀️

[@tktalk6900]

i just watched the (Pinus) video and that made me cackle, and now (Fukien Tea)? The names of bonsai are as goofy as the names of birds lmao

[@miriamcarmonamartinez2151]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖😁

[@vvcv__00]

Why would you say something silly like "Bonsai are kept in small pots..." at 2:50? Wouldn't you agree that it was a grossly overstated, and most importantly, 'generic' thing to say?

[@1Arky1]

I have been doing the exact oposite, my bonsai is nearly ded

[@harry7797]

Mines almost dead 💀

[@sukimat6612]

First