If one cannot be purchased locally…..

[Chisai Ki]

Hello, all!

I did some searching of older threads, but some had some age on them and maybe there are soe newer/better options today… There is only one place in my area that sells bonsai trees, but the selection is small and the trees are maybe not the best quality. If a person were to look online for a reputable seller, who might you recommend? I am leaning toward an elm, but that could change.

Thank you!

 

[Cadillactaste]

My entire collection came from online but two I collected.
Many of my trees have come from Jason Schley.

Quality Bonsai Trees - Bonsai Tree Care

schleysbonsai.com

And a few came from Ashley .

Bonsai Trees - Indoor Plants - New England Bonsai

Browse Our Online Selection Of Bonsai Trees Shipped Directly From Our Nursery Now! Safe Custom Packaging. Plants & Supplies and Japanese Tools. Quick Shipping.

www.nebonsai.com

I highly suggest reaching out to them...and giving a price point and discuss what style you are drawn to. Their website doesn't have the inventory available to you. Your best bet is to make contact.

 

[BrianBay9]

Hello, all!

I did some searching of older threads, but some had some age on them and maybe there are soe newer/better options today… There is only one place in my area that sells bonsai trees, but the selection is small and the trees are maybe not the best quality. If a person were to look online for a reputable seller, who might you recommend? I am leaning toward an elm, but that could change.

Thank you!

Would help if you included your general location in your profile.

Are you looking for stock to work on, or a nice looking tree in a bonsai pot?

 

[Chisai Ki]

I am in NW Indiana. I would like something young, but a bit on its way to being formed. I might not have 20 years to work on it…. Likely $100 or a bit less, maybe?

 

[Cadillactaste]

Are you on Facebook by chance? You can get good material in the auction platform 99 cent auctions.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

This mother/daughter came from there.

Now it came looking like this. Auction Listing photo. I repotted it this spring.

 

[BrianBay9]

This might be useful since you're near Chicago. https://www.midwestbonsai.org/about-bonsai/chicagoland-resources

 

[Carol 83]

I'm a big fan of Wigert's. They have everything from small starters to specimen trees. They don't post nearly all they have available on their website. You can email them with a specific request and they are happy to send pictures.

 

[snowman04]

I do a bit of business with Bonsai Outlet. Great success so far:

Buy Bonsai Trees: Bonsai Tree Care at BonsaiOutlet.com

Shop Bonsai Outlet's large selection of Bonsai Trees. With 30 years of experience, a #1 Bonsai Retailer with over 250,000 Bonsai Trees shipped.

www.bonsaioutlet.com

Lots of stuff in your price range...

 

[vp999]

Or just tell us what you're looking for....Im sure most of us have wayyyy too many trees and always looking to get rid of some.

 

[19Mateo83]

Or just tell us what you're looking for....Im sure most of us have wayyyy too many trees and always looking to get rid of some.

You beat me to it

 

[Chisai Ki]

Wigert’s definitely has trees in my price range. I guess I’m looking maybe for an elm? But so many others look cool, too!

 

[BrianBay9]

Wigert’s definitely has trees in my price range. I guess I’m looking maybe for an elm? But so many others look cool, too!

Just make sure to take your climate into consideration. Can you overwinter a tree inside? Space, light, humidity? If not, then a hardy deciduous or conifer makes more sense. If you can, then a tropical is possible. If you're in an apartment with no useable outdoor space, then a tropical like a Ficus may be essential.

 

[Chisai Ki]

I can bring plants and trees inside during the winter. Humidity is so/so in the winter due to the furnace. I do mist other plants and could continue to do so with a tree that would need it if that would suffice. What kind of deciduous tree?

 

[Jrmcmich]

Check dormancy requirements for deciduous trees. Many require cold temps and therefore remain outside all year with some mild protection (cold frame, mulch, etc) to keep wind and extremes

 

[BrianBay9]

I can bring plants and trees inside during the winter. Humidity is so/so in the winter due to the furnace. I do mist other plants and could continue to do so with a tree that would need it if that would suffice. What kind of deciduous tree?

An easy deciduous tree to begin with is Chinese elm. They are hardy to zone 4, so you can probably get away with leaving them outside all winter, with protection. They can also tolerate overwintering indoors. With proper care and enough light they can continue to grow inside. They'll be much happier outside once spring returns. American elms will take your winters outside just fine. They will not do well brought indoors.

Ficus should do well outside until autumn, then inside until spring.

Any conifers you choose must be able to tolerate your winters outside. Generally they will do poorly inside.

You have lots of choices. If you're talking with an outfit like Wigert's be sure to tell them where you live and they'll give you guidance on material that can deal with your climate.

 

[Wood]

Snowbell, especially Japanese snowbell, is listed as hardy to zone 5, so you might be able to swing it with some minor winter protection. They grow fast, have low disease pressure, heal scars well, and have interesting flowers. They air layer easily, so it might be worthwhile to hit up a couple of tree/landscape nurseries and airlayer some promising looking parts onto their own roots

 

[Paradox]

Brussel's Bonsai is also a reputable seller. I have a few trees from them

 

[DeepSouth]

I recommend Underhill Bonsai. They have lots of options in your price range.