Looking for help with tree selection

[Paul]

Hello,

I am new to this hobby and don't even have a tree yet. I understand I need to start small but I would like to grow something like this tree (see picture) from a seed and I know it will take a long time. I have plans to try many different trees but this is my inspiration. This will be an indoor tree so I was wondering what type of tree to use.

TIA

 

[berobinson82]

Hi there and welcome. Prepare yourself! The notion of a new hobbyist starting from seed is fairly taboo around here. Reason being, after you have a seed growing, you aren't to touch it for YEARS! As you're wanting to keep it indoors (another hot topic since trees normally live outdoors) you won't be able to allow the tree to grow enough roots to grow quickly like if it were in the ground. You could be looking at a decade of watching a sapling grow before you do any sort of styling.

So then, why not start with a plant rather than a seed? Also, are you unable to put it outside? You'd enjoy a much happier plant.

Edit, you may want to fill out your profile that the forum knows where you are. It matters when advice is given.

 

[Poink88]

Not really taboo to start from seeds....it is just that most who plan on doing it are misinformed and do not know what they are getting into. If they are prepared for it and have the time and patience...then by all means start with a seed.

Indoors...hmm good luck! You should hear from Ryan (the ficus guy) in a few.

 

[tmmason10]

What he said. If indoor growin is your only means, then my suggestion is ficus microcarpa. You can get good starter plants online from Wigerts nursery in Florida. Good luck, welcome to the forum and the hobby.

 

[berobinson82]

Not really taboo to start from seeds....it is just that most who plan on doing it are misinformed and do not know what they are getting into. If they are prepared for it and have the time and patience...then by all means start with a seed.

Indoors...hmm good luck! You should hear from Ryan (the ficus guy) in a few.

If not taboo, then unusual and not recommended for someone with no trees at all to get excited about bonsai and go and plant a single seed inside.

 

[Poink88]

If not taboo, then unusual and not recommended for someone with no trees at all to get excited about bonsai and go and plant a single seed inside.

Definitely not recommended by me (I am the impatient chop guy remember? LOL) but even I can accept & understand people who choose the "seed" path.

Honestly, the style he want is like juniper...a no-no for indoor. I am almost thinking this is one of those fun threads...(remember the one about looking for advice to understand her brother better? something like that)

 

[gionk]

ive gradually learned that seeds or saplings are fine, so long as you have a wide variety of other trees at other stages of development. it sure makes it easier to stay patient with some trees, while you torture others

 

[Poink88]

ive gradually learned that seeds or saplings are fine, so long as you have a wide variety of other trees at other stages of development. it sure makes it easier to stay patient with some trees, while you torture others

There you go! I have seedlings myself

 

[berobinson82]

ive gradually learned that seeds or saplings are fine, so long as you have a wide variety of other trees at other stages of development. it sure makes it easier to stay patient with some trees, while you torture others

With this I agree. I'm growing from seed myself. Just don't think it wise for someone to ONLY go the seed-grown route when first starting.

 

[Paul]

Thank you all for the replies. I am still in the information stage of the hobby. I do have the ability to put trees outside so if that is the best way to go I will proceed that way. So what type of tree would be best for this style (windswept)

 

[Dirty Nails]

If you start juniper from seed be careful. A few years ago I started some j. chenesis from seed. After a year they were 20 tender little 2 inch plants and then the squirrels ate them all in one day. You can find a decent 5 year old juniper to work on for $30. Save yourself the heartache and buy a tree.

 

[xray360]

Look into tropicals that can be kept inside. There are books all about indoor bonsai. Ficus are a good start. They also grow all year. I had some cuttings that went through growth spurts during the winter so it's nice to see them grow when everything else is not.