Beginner step zero

[szvarga]

Hello everyone,

first post, before first tree.

I can't really find unambiguous info anywhere about my question: can I start the developing process (basic trunk, taper, root forming) with those small (10-15cm) bonsai, available at many stores, in pot and everything?

Because only indoors working for me, collecting is out of question. And here the country I live in, indoors raw materials, usable as pre-bonsai is very limited to buy.

So I was thinking, to starting a tree in a proper way, and first focus on the foundations, is it a possible way to buy one of those little trees, and treat it like raw material: take it out of its pot, place it to a large container, and starting the few years process of basic developing. Will it works? Will a once sized bonsai can grow like a raw one, if taken out of its pot?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[crab apple]

Yep, that's probably how most people get started. The indoor parts gonna add difficulties but getting it into a larger pot is a good step.

 

[ShadyStump]

If you add your location to your profile we can help you better. There may be other people here from your country who can help you get started.

If you are growing inside only, a ficus will probably be your best choice.
Any bonsai will grow to a full sized regular tree if you plant it in the ground, so almost any sort of tree can be used for bonsai.
Most of us start exactly the way you are saying, and it's routine for us to look in the garden centers at stores for trees other people think are ugly.

 

[Shibui]

Ficus and some other tropical species can grow indoors. Ficus are particularly good for indoor bonsai.
Definitely do not believe any retailers trying to convince you to take juniper or Chinese elm as indoor bonsai.
A general location will definitely help with advice about when to do any bonsai tasks as most relate to seasons which vary from one place to another.

 

[szvarga]

Thank you Gentlemen!

A general location will definitely help...

Ok, location, got it!

Ficus and some other tropical species...

If you are growing inside only, a ficus will probably be your best choice.

Yes, ficus is my choice first. Nothing fancy. Indoors species are limited already, as I see, and well... this really is my step zero. Of course I'm just as impressed as anybody by those amazing old trees seen on exhibition photos, and of course, I want to see trees like them in my home. But I realized (and it literally took months of picking the crumbs out of the endless mess of information todays) those trees are amazing because of they amazing foundations. So, I was thinking, if I can caring a tree in good health, and I can be patient enough for several years to learn to build solid foundations, then I can think about further. I really want amazing trees on the end of the road, and if the first steps catch me, for me, It doesn't make much sense at all.

So yes, I thought about 3-5 ficus, to learn the basics, and see what I can do. That is why I had my original question, and I'm very glad to see, it works the way I imagined!

 

[szvarga]

Yep, that's probably how most people get started. The indoor parts gonna add difficulties but getting it into a larger pot is a good step.

I may ask you what do you mean about indoor difficulties?

 

[ShadyStump]

I may ask you what do you mean about indoor difficulties?

All trees are evolved to live outdoors. Bringing them indoors is asking them to live in a way they know nothing about, and where they don't get everything they need to be healthy.
Indoors there is very little light, air, and humidity. There are also no seasons. Most trees will die.
Most tropical trees can adapt to no seasons, but most still need more light than they get indoors, and some are very particular about air and humidity.

Ficus is a good choice because they can manage with no seasons, they are not picky about air and humidity, and can adapt to low light. You will still want to find the sunniest place in your home, and maybe an indoor growing lamp for it as well.
There are many species that are very good for bonsai, and you will be able to find them near you. Ficus macrocarpa is very popular for bonsai, and looks great. Ficus benjamina is a popular houseplant species, but not as popular for bonsai because it will not hold its shape forever after wiring, and is not very predictable with how it responds. It is very fun, though!

 

[szvarga]

All trees are evolved to live outdoors. Bringing them indoors is asking them to live in a way they know nothing about, and where they don't get everything they need to be healthy.
Indoors there is very little light, air, and humidity. There are also no seasons. Most trees will die.
Most tropical trees can adapt to no seasons, but most still need more light than they get indoors, and some are very particular about air and humidity.

Ficus is a good choice because they can manage with no seasons, they are not picky about air and humidity, and can adapt to low light. You will still want to find the sunniest place in your home, and maybe an indoor growing lamp for it as well.
There are many species that are very good for bonsai, and you will be able to find them near you. Ficus macrocarpa is very popular for bonsai, and looks great. Ficus benjamina is a popular houseplant species, but not as popular for bonsai because it will not hold its shape forever after wiring, and is not very predictable with how it responds. It is very fun, though!

Thanks for your advices!

They made me think, and encouraged me to do some further research. According to the above, the 'indoors bonsai' is not something so indoors. It's more like: 'there are some plants which are not die in a few months inside'. Well, another focus shift on what means what really...

O.k., it seems I have to refine my ideas further how to start. I have to force myself to find an outdoors solution, or at least, I need to figure it out, how to treat my trees outdoors partly in the warmer months, and indoors at winter.

Thanks again. It really helped me move forward!

 

[pandacular]

I thought about 3-5 ficus

I like this, specifically that you'll be getting several. A classic mistake is having just one or two trees, which inevitably get overworked to death. I really like F. benjamina for it's small leaves and explosive growth.

Get a few different species/cultivars and find out what you like. Many Ficus take from cuttings exceptionally well, and it's never too early to start taking cuttings, giving yourself some future trees!

 

[MHBonsai]

Welcome!

x2 on don’t be afraid of benjaminas if you see one you like. Just do some googling about their particulars.

Also look at jades as starters indoors. Just don’t water them too much. Other succulents can be fun keep keep your hands off your trees while they grow.

 

[dansai]

And you don't need to get a tree thats already in a Bonsai pot. You can get an ordinary nursery plant in a plastic growing container to start with. Probably cheaper and if you are going to remove it from the Bonsai pot anyway, you may as well start there. Having said that, I don't know what the nurseries in your part of the world have available.

I also back up the figs as a great place to start. But it will still need a very bright room. What appears bright to us indoors, isn't for a tree. Our eyes adjust. A tree still needs plenty of light. Watering can also be a bit trickier as they will dry out a lot slower.