The art of bonsai has been practiced for centuries all over the world to recreate natural trees in a miniature form. Through the use of restrictive potting, pruning, and shaping with wire, the living trees are manipulated into shape. Growing bonsai takes time and patience which is why it is a preferred hobby for many.
For beginner bonsai enthusiasts, choosing the right tree might seem a bit intimidating at first due to the many different types of bonsai trees available. There are many things to consider before purchasing a bonsai. Although most people choose a bonsai tree purely depending on aesthetics, it is important to pick the right tree for your environment in order to see it thrive.
Environment
First, you have to think about whether your tree will be kept indoors or outdoors. Indoor bonsai trees usually come from tropical regions which means they need a lot more natural lights as well as warmer temperatures in the room. Outdoor bonsai trees on the other hand are more resilient and can withstand tougher environmental conditions such as lower temperatures, wind, and some species even frost.
Size
Knowing where your bonsai will be placed is important because bonsai trees come in a variety of sizes and ideally you want to choose one that will grow to the right size for the space where you are putting it in. For example, some types of bonsai trees such as the Mame bonsai are rather small and only grow to about 4 inches (10 cm). On the opposite, other species such as the Chinese Elm bonsai can reach bigger sizes and would be suitable for more open spaces.
Experience
Some bonsai species can be less difficult to take care of than others, which is why it is important to choose a plant that is suitable for your experience level. A lot of the popular beginner-level bonsai are able to accommodate well to different climates and won’t require a precise care regime to survive. As you get more used to looking after your tree and gain confidence you can move to more advanced types of bonsai trees that need more care.
How to choose a healthy tree?
The secret to watching your bonsai flourish and grow is buying a healthy tree, to begin with. There are a few important things to look for when buying a bonsai to determine if it’s healthy or not.
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Leaves
The leaves of the tree you’re buying should look healthy and have a bright green color. Keep in mind that many bonsai trees do lose their leaves in autumn so if you’re buying one around this time of the year some dry leaves are common.
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Branches
To tell if your bonsai is healthy you should also look at its branches, they should be evenly distributed throughout the crown of the tree and not cross each other.
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Trunk
Your tree should have a trunk that is thick at the bottom and gets thinner towards the top. It should also feel smooth to the touch.
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Roots
The roots of a healthy bonsai tree should be slightly poking out of the soil but still be anchored securely into the pot.
Beginner-friendly types of bonsai trees
Growing bonsai trees outdoors is a wonderful experience because you can see your tree change color through the seasons. However, for the complete beginner growing an indoor bonsai tree is a much better alternative as they are easier to upkeep.
Some of the popular beginner-friendly bonsai species include:
- Ficus
- Chinese Elm
- Juniper
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Portulcaria
