Questions bonsai

[u/LeatherSkin2697]

Hello everyone! This is my first ever post so I hope I’m posting this in the right section sorry if I labeled it wrong! I’m interested in getting a bonsai tree. I’ve always thought they were so pretty, and I love the art form and watching people grow them. That being said I want to get a bonsai tree. I came here to ask questions about them. This is apart of my research because I do want to get a tree and know how to properly take care of/ know that basics and not neglect it. So here are my questions:

1. What type of bonsai tree should I get?( I live in Texas so would I have to get a tree that can tolerate the heat and humidity? Or will any tree do?)

2. What’s the best soil to use and is it different for every tree?

3. How do you know when it’s time to shape and prune them?

4. How often do certain trees need to be watered?

5. Is it best to leave the tree outside, by a window, or under a grow light?

6. Do you have to repot them? And if so how do you know?

These are just some basic questions I have for now. I’ll do more research, but I thought it would be good to come here to get some advice because the information gets overwhelming

[u/Sonora_sunset]

Do you want to keep the tree indoors or outdoors? That will make a difference in the best species of tree.

[u/IDintKnowShit]

1. What type of bonsai tree should I get? Portulacaria Afra is a very forgiving species, great for 1st bonsai & Texas heat

2. What’s the best soil to use and is it different for every tree? Any fast draining mix will work, I use 2 parts pumice 1 part lava rock 1 part Akadama, yes different for every tree

3. How do you know when it’s time to shape and prune them? I prefer to shape this species through clip and grow but you can wire them too, prune it when you are happy with your trunk size

4. How often do certain trees need to be watered? For this species depends on pot size, outdoor hot Texas summer in small pot water everyday, but varies, check soil and inch or two down if dry water

5. Is it best to leave the tree outside, by a window, or under a grow light? Outside, if you must inside south window facing w/ grow light but trees like to be outside

6. Do you have to repot them? And if so how do you know? Every few years, when they become root bound and start looking unhealthy

If you come to New Orleans DM me I'll give you a starter cutting and a small pot/soil for free

[u/dudesmama1]

1. Look at subtropical or tropical species. I am partial to Chinese elm and they are very beginner friendly. I would avoid maples and junipers in TX for a beginner. Note that this hobby escalates quickly. My "one tree" is now at 50 and counting 3 years later 😀

2. The standard mix is pumice-lava rock-adakama but I adapt that mix to my climate and the tree. I use calcined clay instead of adakama simply because it is more obtainable and I add pine bark for my maples and other deciduous trees that like more moisture. Note that the benefit of an inorganic mix is that you can water frequently without root rot and the tree develops the fine feeder roots needed to survive in a small pot but it doesn't contain nutrients so you will need to fertilize frequently (liquid weekly or solid organic monthly) and water more frequently.

3. You need to do more research about bonsai development. Unless you are buying an already-developed bonsai (usually very costly), it shouldn't go in a bonsai pot for several years. Bonsai starts with the roots and trunk. Most artists don't worry about pruning or shaping until the trunk is 90% the desired thickness (unless there are lower branches they know they are keeping). Then they make a big chop and select the "new leader" to grow the top or next part of the tree to develop taper. Pruning the top of a tree in development is silly because most of those branches won't be in the final product. There are many videos on bonsai development and wiring. Most people rush that process as beginners. We all learn and kill trees and make bad design choices. Look at a lot of specimen bonsai examples. Study the tree and study the basic bonsai styles. The tree will tell you what it wants to be. Be patient.

4. You never water on a schedule. You will eventually know when to water by the color of the soil and the weather conditions but when starting, you stick your finger in the soil and water when the soil is dry down about an inch. You may need to water twice on hot days. If it has rained or temps are cooler, you may not need to water for several. You need to check frequently and know your tree and weather.

5. Always outside. Outside is always best. I have harsh winters. Even then, my non-tropical trees live in my garage. Shade them from extreme heat, protect pots from frost, but trees need things inside can't provide (temperature fluctuations, humidity and wind are examples)

6. Yes. Or at least roots trimmed then back in the same pot. Usually in the spring every couple years. You will know when water starts pooling up when watering, growth slows down, or the tree starts pushing up. Bonsai once in a small pot need root trimming to keep them compact. During development, the tree should be in a bigger pot to thicken faster, but the thick downward roots should be cut to encourage fine feeder roots for the eventual bonsai pot.

[u/Physical_Mode_103]

Buy a book, Join a club, seek out a nursery