Really new to bonsai. Any suggestions for trees to buy?

[JoeR]

Thanks guys
I think my dad has thicker wire that I can use. For the style, I would like to achieve an informal broom form. I think it looks the nicest and probably the easiest. If I do plant it in a colander, can it be metal? You also said that getting more than one tree is worth it. Some second trees I'm considering:
Harland boxwood
Fukien tea tree
Chinese Privet
Ficus of some sort
Hawaiian Umbrella
Any kind of maple

I wouldn't go with a broom style for this tree because that would require cutting nearly everything off and essentially starting from scratch. An informal upright is what the origional owner trained it to be so that would be the easiest and fastest tto acheive.

What do you mean a metal colander? Obviously rust is a major issue.

I would go with any/all of those trees except the fukien tea, I have never had one but I have heard they can be finicky and throw fits.

 

[justBonsai]

I'm sure this has been already mentioned, but a chinese elm is a great beginner species to work with. It has consistently small foliage, delicate branching, back buds easily, has pliable branches, and from my experience is extremely hearty.

 

[Nightfury413]

Thanks for the advice
I already have a Chinese elm, it is my first tree. I kind of forgot about rust.
I couldn't really tell what kind of style/form it was in when I first got it, and it seemed sort of shapeless. But I think after I cut off a few of the sacrificial branches, it will look better.
I'll probably settle for the boxwood.

 

[Nightfury413]

Are shohin trees worth it? And what about Japanese Red Maples (ease of care, for beginners or not, etc.)?

 

[justBonsai]

I've only cared for a few maples, a laceleaf variety and a green maple. From what I've read red maples are the more weaker of the maple varieties due less chlorophyll in the leaves. As such it is probably less forgiving. On the note of deciduous trees I am growing a sweet gum variety (my first bonsai tree) that my local bonsai nursery stocks. It is very vigorous, back buds readily, and has been easy to care for. Someone else probably can give better advice regarding red maples.

 

[Nightfury413]

I read that these red maples prefer cooler climates than where I live (they prefer zones 5-8, maybe 9, mine is 10). It rains a bit during the winter and it might get cold (40-50F), but most of the time it's warm. It's lighting needs aren't too much. So would it do well indoors, where it's cooler? Gets direct morning sunlight until about 9:30. Then it's indirect sunlight after that.

 

[justBonsai]

I read that these red maples prefer cooler climates than where I live (they prefer zones 5-8, maybe 9, mine is 10). It rains a bit during the winter and it might get cold (40-50F), but most of the time it's warm. It's lighting needs aren't too much. So would it do well indoors, where it's cooler? Gets direct morning sunlight until about 9:30. Then it's indirect sunlight after that.

I live in Southern California like you and the weather does get quite warm here. Usually red to darker color variants originate from cooler areas where the color corresponds to the reduced amount of available sun. Additional sun and increased temperature shouldn't cause any significant problems with the plant. On hot days I would simply put the trees in the shade or make a cover with shade tarp. You can water accordingly depending on the weather and soil medium, but I wouldn't recommend putting a plant indoors. The lower humidity and adjusted temperatures can kill your plant. For the best vigor and health I would keep most any tree outdoors.

 

[JudyB]

Maples will not grow inside. And the choice of a maple is not a good one for your area. You should start out with trees that you know will work for you, so you can learn, instead of being frustrated.

 

[Nightfury413]

So should I get a boxwood? It seems easy to take care of and it looks nice.

 

[Geo]

Get a Bougainvillea Full sun. Careful with the roots when you re pot. Forget about a bonsai pot. Get a big plastic container. Do not over-water. Use a quick draining substrate .Do not over fertilize if you incorporate organics into the substrate or you will get long lanky growth with few flowers. Speaking of flowers,bracts,actually, in the case of Bougies, your mother might just change her "meh" attitude when she sees what this plant can do in that department. When you go to a nursery, look through as many Bougies as you can stand. Look for low trunk movement and branching. Don't pay much! Get one that they think won't sell, because it is too deformed or whatever. Just make sure it is growing well.
As usual,I defer to the more experienced.
Cheers.

 

[M. Frary]

I'm older than Vance.

You're over 70 years old?

 

[M. Frary]

So did you figure out that you need to keep a tree outside yet?
You've gotten advice from some very knowledgeable people here like Judy,Adair,Paradox and Ryan.
They all concur with I tried to get across before. If you won't listen to me listen to them.
Ryan grows trees indoors. Is he says a tree should be outside it should be outside.
Adair teaches bonsai and is being taught by one of the best bonsai masters. If he says a tree should be outside I would believe him.
The best way to use this forum is to go back and look at the trees that the people who reply to your posts have. That will let you see if they know what they are talking about or if they don't know their ass from a hole in the ground.

 

[Adair M]

You're over 70 years old?

I'm 62. I've been doing bonsai since I was 16 or 17. I don't remember exactly when I started, I just remember I was able to drive to go visit Brother Paul at the the Monastary in Conyers. But I was still in High School.

My first bonsai were literally blown away when the tornado hit Atlanta in 1974. I was off at college.

 

[Nightfury413]

Sorry guys for not answering earlier.
I've had my tree 11 days and I've kept it outside for the entire time. I've pruned it a little and it gets about 6-7 hours of sunlight each day. It's doing very well. I water it whenever the soil is dry (which is often, usually everyday). I've fertilized it once so far. I keep it above a humidity tray at all times. Can you guys tell me if I'm doing anything wrong?
Thanks

 

[Adair M]

Sounds good! Post a picture when you get a chance.