I started with a juniper tree (that unfortunately died when moving from Arizona). Then I kept an elm and a maple tree alive for over ten years. Now, I have been able to keep a Serissa alive for five years and seems to be doing well. Besides these trees and the occasional failure with a pine tree that just don’t like the winters, I have grown herbs and small plants like that. I am very interested in combining Internet of Things (IoT) and gardening as many are doing. There are a lot of repetitive tasks that need to be done frequently to each plant with proper record keeping/ monitoring. These tasks are well suited for automation.
Some of the bonsai need to be transplanted every so often. This year (2016), I transplanted the Serissa, cherry, wisteria (recently bought) and elm tree. Bonsai trees can become ‘pot bound’ like any potted plant. They need to be trimmed at least once a year depending on growth.
Now with new innovations IoT, I think I can try and water the bonsai depending on moisture level.