Buying Bonsai off Ebay

Mike 257

Mike 257

Sapling
Messages
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Location
Kansas City Missouri (Zone 6a)
USDA Zone
6A
So I am new to bonsai but I don't have 20 years to start something from a cutting. I want something that is already established that I don't have to grow in a plastic container. I see trees on eBay for $50 or less that have the look that I want to start out with. My problem is I don't know what species will grow well in my area. Can anyone share their thoughts on this?
 
Make sure you buy from a trusted seller. Theres a lot of junk on there. Chinese elm, juniper are 2 easy to care for trees that will do well in your area and,for,you budget should get,you something fun to play with. Both outdoor species. Look for ficus, if you want something to bring indoors over the winter. I prefer outdoor cold hardy trees personally.
 
I would get deciduous species. You can keep them outside during winter. Read descriptions on eBay some will say the hardy zones for the ones you buy. If you can keep tropical inside during the winter then most species is available to you.

I bought numerous times on eBay. Like soldano said make sure they are trusted. I always ask questions and for more pics when in doubt.

Also check out the Facebook auctions
99 cent bonsai
And both bonsai auctions

You can get material at your price range.
 
Yes I definitely need something that I could bring in in winter. I love the look of the Chinese Elm, I'm seeing a lot of juniper which I'm personally not a fan of the way they look and there are others that I have never heard of but they look. The Fukein Tea looks nice too
 
Have you tried any local nurseries?

Try a local bonsai nursery first. You get to see the material before you buy and you can also get some questions answered for you there too.
 
makarovnik said:
Have you tried any local nurseries?

Try a local bonsai nursery first. You get to see the material before you buy and you can also get some questions answered for you there too.
Click to expand...
Yes my local nurserys sucks, I bought the Sarissa there but I want something that looks like a bonsai.
 
Mike 257 said:
Ok I really want to buy this! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bolusanthus...005750?hash=item2a887527f6:g:yhwAAOSwRUhY-AZy
Click to expand...

Be aware that you are getting essentially a stick in a pot. If it's young, it'll take years to bloom. This is not a tree that you can bring indoors over the winter. If you want a tree you can do that with, buy a Ficus. Junipers should stay outside year round and Chinese Elms really should too.

Mike 257 said:
Yes my local nurserys sucks, I bought the Sarissa there but I want something that looks like a bonsai.
Click to expand...

Then the tree posted in your ebay link is not the tree you want. You're not getting the first pictured tree, as I said you're getting a small tree in a pot.
 
Possible to join local Bonsai Club? Often members have bargain trees to part with. Without shipping;). Most any temperate climate tree fine for your area. Thank you for including location in profile.
 
Mike 257 said:
Ok I really want to buy this! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bolusanthus...005750?hash=item2a887527f6:g:yhwAAOSwRUhY-AZy
Click to expand...

Bait and switch. I wish eBay would ban every seller who posts a pic of something other than what they are selling.

"Gee let me post a photo of a $1000 wisteria bonsai... and ship you a $30 landscape plant for $70".

Plus, wisteria is not the best material for bonsai. It is a vine with large compound leaves, blooms for about a month each year, and is ugly as sin the other 11 months. In the hands of a very experienced person, they can look stunning, but they are definitely advanced material.
 
Last edited:
As for wisteria...I've one that bloomed the first year. And hasn't since. You can look into local nurseries...there are also the American variety such as Amythest Falls. Smaller blooms...but blooms more than once. Even landscape trees will have more character than that stick in the pot. It will take YEARS to create the specimen they show...I would pass on such a purchase off of eBay.
Most people hide them when not in bloom...I embrace mine...and hope I again see blooms one day. Got a spiffy custom pot for it...so who knows...worse case it will have lovely shoes to show off with visitors. But, that won't take place until spring of next year.

image.jpg
 
Hi all,
I am new to bonsai and a little confused. I live in Massachusetts but the same zone (6a) as the OP. I see people saying junipers and chinese elms can stay outside all year. I was told that for those tree I will need some winter protection for the coldest months. My current plan is my unheated attached garage but if that is too warm I might move them to the basement bulkhead.

Mike
 
coltranem said:
Hi all,
I am new to bonsai and a little confused. I live in Massachusetts but the same zone (6a) as the OP. I see people saying junipers and chinese elms can stay outside all year. I was told that for those tree I will need some winter protection for the coldest months. My current plan is my unheated attached garage but if that is too warm I might move them to the basement bulkhead.

Mike
Click to expand...

Chinese elm should eventually acclimate to outdoors....
But depending where it's from....(greenhouse)

It may need more protection winter one.

Juniper should be fine outside.

Your plan sounds......sound!

Sorce
 
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