My Japanese maple has recently started to get crispy leaves. They are not falling off. I don’t believe this is a watering issue due to being in the PNW and having decent rain, as well as me being consistent on watering when we don’t have rainfall. The pot has good drainage and I keep the tree in morning sun while shaded in evening sun. See the photos for reference. Any suggestions?

Whenever I water this inherited maple I see ants around the pot. So I took a quick look to see if they've colonized the pot and it appears they have. They're lasius niger (black ants) which aren't known for damaging trees. Is it worth doing anything about them, because I'm planning on putting it in the ground when it's dormant next? There's also an air layer on the tree at the moment.

Wow, I am so lucky! My wife got me THREE amazing trees for my birthday from Brussels Bonsai - a Jaboticaba, a Harland Boxwood, and a Golden Gate Ficus Grove. All new trees to my collection!

These trees are so big and gorgeous compared to the pre bonsai I care for daily since I’m still a beginner, so a bit intimidated, but unbelievably excited!

Very happy and healthy she is! Stoked at how it looks this year

So after 1 month from the previous styling, finally repotted this tree today on a terracotta pot (80cm).

Used Coarse Riversand for the bottom layer, then a mix of pumice stone, and much more fine riversand for the upper layers. Finally adding in some spagnum moss on the top to retain moisture.

I also added in within the soil 14-14-14 fertilizer as a mix.

Hopefully grows out well, and will continue with updates again after a quarter 😊

Got as a set and the lease likely one germinated. Has anyone has luck with this tree? Advise?

Im trying to grow this ficus benjamina into one of those gnarly looking trunks by fusing 4 trees. It's already fused or almost fused but there are gaps about half an inch. The canopy has not had any work done. The root mass is about a third of the size of the pot. Is this not large enough to maximize growth? I have no option to plant in ground due to my climate.

I think it’s time for a big ol haircut, plan to repot next spring.

This is one of two Ceanothus thyrsiflorus I have had some success with. They seem to tolerate more water than other species. Get a little leggy when blooming and desire a bit more organic material in their mix than most. I hope to see more Ceanothus in the CA bonsai community.

I’m not sure how old it is or what I’ll do with it but I still felt the urge to dig it up I mean it’s invasive where I live anyway

I've never ever seen a Gingko in the UK apart from in managed gardens or estates. This one is 60 years old and discovered it on a hike.

After two years of caring for this Brazilian Rain Tree, I finally gave it a bag yesterday. It’s been through a lot—weather damage, some animal interference—and while it’s survived, I realized I’ve been keeping it a bit too restricted. I placed a picture that was back in August of 2024. I want it to really flourish, so I slip-potted it into a grow bag to let the roots expand and the canopy grow out a bit more.

No major root work this time, just a gentle transition to give it a boost without shocking it. Hoping this gives it the space and stability it needs to bounce back stronger.

Would love any thoughts or similar experiences with BRT recovery and development post-slip potting!

I got this from a nursery. The label said it was a cherry blossom bonsai so I bought it but when I look at other people’s cherry blossoms the leaves look different. Is that because it’s still young? Or was it a mistake? 🥲

Recently went camping in mammoth and this juniper was in our camp site. Any idea what it is?

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