New to bonsai and bought first tree. Suggestions welcome!

[jeastman]

I am new to the wonderful world of bonsai after spending many years having fun with planted aquariums. As I started to go online and just learn I realized I'm only about 45 minutes away from Wigerts, so I went over yesterday and walked around with one of their employees looking for a couple easy plants to get started with. I walked out with two different Fukien Tea (my favorite is below) and a miniature jade plant.

I know enough about plants to keep it alive, but not enough to know anything about how to conceptualize where I'm going. I did pick up some 'how to' booklets from Wigerts, but would love the opinions of those with a few years under their belts. What direction would you go with a plant like this? I know it is small and I am in no rush at all, but would love to see how your minds work!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Welcome Aboard Bonsai Nut!

Looks like you jumped in with a couple good starters. My advice on styling for beginners is mostly the same. Work on mastering your horticulture while studying examples of styling on other similar trees.... and get the tree through your first winter. That will be easier in Florida.

My initial impression is that things are a bit top heavy and the branches are way too uniform. However, nothing to get too excited about at this moment.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[ShadyStump]

Welcome to the nut house!

Don't listen to me.
I learned everything I know by killing every tree I've ever had, and could teach all of it to you in about fifteen minutes.
Enjoy!

 

[jeastman]

Welcome Aboard Bonsai Nut!

Looks like you jumped in with a couple good starters. My advice on styling for beginners is mostly the same. Work on mastering your horticulture while studying examples of styling on other similar trees.... and get the tree through your first winter. That will be easier in Florida.

My initial impression is that things are a bit top heavy and the branches are way too uniform. However, nothing to get too excited about at this moment.

Cheers
DSD sends

Thank you for your advice and this is generally the route I'm taking. They did advise me at Wigerts to just let them be until next spring so I'll get to enjoy the trees as they are for the next few seasons as I continue to learn. I'm sure I'll have to do a bit of trimming as they do look top heavy to me as well. I am drawn toward the more 'natural' looking bonsai as opposed to the more heavily sculpted ones so I don't want to go too crazy when the time does come. Some day I'll try my hand at a forest, but I'll stay small to begin with.

I appreciate your response!

 

[jeastman]

Welcome to the nut house!

Don't listen to me.
I learned everything I know by killing every tree I've ever had, and could teach all of it to you in about fifteen minutes.
Enjoy!

Well I've been successful at not killing my kids as I learn how to grow them, so I figured it was time to try my hand at trees. Hopefully my luck holds somewhat

 

[ShadyStump]

Well I've been successful at not killing my kids as I learn how to grow them, so I figured it was time to try my hand at trees. Hopefully my luck holds somewhat

I like this philosophy!
Good luck! We'll enjoy seeing the updates.

 

[Nrsypher]

I'm new to bonsai too but my advice is to read a few good books. I spent hours and hours reading through various forums and watching YouTube videos, which was helpful, but I still felt stuck and had no idea where to start.

I read Harry Harrington's Bonsai Inspirations 1 & 2 and afterwards I finally felt like I had enough knowledge to start thinking about styling. What I loved about these books is that instead of just explaining various techniques he shows you how apply the techniques to a specific tree and you get to see the progression of the tree.

Although I do have some ideas for my trees I decided for the rest of the growing season I would focus on learning how to properly care for the trees and let them grow freely. My plan is to start working on the initial styling in the Fall.

In the meantime, I plan on reading all I can. I just picked up a copy of Principles of Bonsai Design. I'm still pretty early on in the book but I can already tell this book is going to get me going in the right direction as far as styling goes.

I think I've rambled enough. Best of luck with your bonsai journey!

 

[leatherback]

First of all.. Consider whether you can grow outside or need to grow inside. It is a very different kind of growing. To start with, I would start growing outside, as it is usually easier. The trees you bought suggest you are goign to be growing indoors.

I have not heard many people growing fukien tree succesfully for very long periods. So if you have trouble with it, know that you are in good compagny.