They have given you a bonsai. And now that? Now ... it is time to contemplate its beauty : ) , but also to read about their care. The beginner's mistake that we all make - including myself - is wanting to do things to it that it doesn't need at that time, such as pruning it, wiring it, or transplanting it.
We have many doubts as soon as we receive it, and it is normal. However, we have to be aware that it is very important to be patient, otherwise we could end up throwing it into the compost heap. To avoid it, I'm going to tell you what to do when they give us a bonsai.
Is it indoor or outdoor?
Although there are no bonsai - or, actually, no indoor plants -, It is necessary to see if it has the label or it says somewhere 'Indoor Bonsai' because if so we will have to pamper it more that one who "is" from outside. If we still have doubts, you should know that, in general, they are labeled as indoor bonsai to serissa, Rubber plant and Carmona, and as outdoor bonsai to the elm trees, arces, beech, conifers, etc.
Choose the right location
Indoor bonsai
If you have been given an indoor bonsai, Ideally, you should have it in a room where a lot of natural light enters, away from drafts (both cold and warm).
Outdoor bonsai
If you have been given an outdoor bonsai it's better to have it outside, in semi-shadow, since otherwise it will not survive.
Observe it and water it when necessary
During the first year all you have to do is keep it alive, that is, you have to water it three or four times a week in summer and every 3-4 days the rest of the year, and observe it to make sure that everything is going well.
If you really want to prune it, I recommend that you simply cut back those branches that are growing excessively, leaving the style that it already has defined, at any time of the year. Use scissors previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.
If you need more information, you can do click here.