Chopping a benjamina in MN is going to be risky even with the plant in the best of health, so I really would discourage you from taking that path - especially given that we're already nearly a week into Sep with a frost likely within the next 2 weeks. If you're going to take that risk, June rings in my ear as closest to being in harmony with the plant's natural rhythm. I'd prolly not repot it until June either, though you could pot up slightly to inject a little temporary vitality boost until you can properly repot. Patience and learning how to work WITH the tree instead of against it is a big part of bonsai, so I guess now is a time good as any to start practicing it.

I think I'd probably try to cut the top back very hard next summer after it gains some energy reserves and hope something pops low on the trunk to offer at least a green starting point to chop back to. If you lived in FL or SoCal, there wouldn't be near the drama as there is in MN.

Al

Thanks for the advice! We do have all kinds of meteorological fun here in MN - could be 90F one day and then frost the next!

Unfortunately I think I will have to do something before I bring it in... The problem is that all of it's foliage is at the top, which will be sitting just above the sliding glass door in front of which it will live for the winter. Thus instead of barely adequate light, it will get no light and I'm afraid it won't see next June as anything but a large dead stick.

I got it for a few bucks from someone who was redecorating and was sick of looking at it for the past 15 years, so it's not imperative that it makes it - I'm willing to take some risk. I suppose I could have someone take it for the winter, but I don't know anyone with floor to vaulted ceiling windows or big skylights to accommodate an eight foot tree - my friends are not so well off!

Thanks again,

Sam

OK - best luck. I'd cut it back today & put it outdoors in very bright light. Bring it in at night where it's warm - you don't want the root mass to cool off much below 70* if you want something to pop. Be very careful not to over-water - the plant will need VERY little water after you cut it back. DAMP/MOIST are operative words - never WET/SOGGY. I hope it works out for you.

Al

Alright, will do - I'll post an update in a few weeks.