Although getting started growing bonsai can be a little intimidating at first, with the right information and a
little trial and error, you will soon be a pro. The art of bonsai actually got
its start in China, although most people believe it originated in Japan.
Regardless, there is something magical about growing and training a bonsai tree.
The key is to choose the right, bonsai starter tree so you have success. In this
article, we will give you several options to consider. Each is distinct and
beautiful. Again, the trick to being successful in growing your bonsai starter
tree is to learn the proper care and then enjoy the process. Growing bonsai
takes dedication and patience but the result is well worth the investment.
The first bonsai starter tree we recommend is the Japanese Red Maple. You
can choose a starter tree or seeds, although the seeds do take a little more
time and effort. In the spring and fall, the leaves on the tree are a vibrant
red or orange. Then in the summertime, the leaves will turn a deeper, duller hue
of red but still beautiful. Although the leaves are remarkable, this type of
bonsai starter tree is also known for something else. This type of tree makes an
incredible informal upright. Additionally, the leaves can be reduced to one-inch
or less, which is ideal for this style. The Japanese Red Maple is affordable and
with the trunks remaining green or red for months on end and the branches green
or red, the overall appearance is truly magnificent, making this a top choice.
Another type of bonsai starter tree that is often overlooked is the
semi-tropical Sea Grape. Growing in the southern regions of Florida, this tree
is a shoreline shrubby tree. What makes the Sea Grape so unique is that while
the leaves tend to be large, something you typically want to avoid when growing
bonsai, they can be cut down to one or one and a half inches and still look
beautiful. The interesting aspect of this is that once the leaves are cut, they
heal themselves, which results in an unusual red edge. This particular bonsai
starter tree is actually hardy and can be trained in a number of styles.
Therefore, if you want something a little different from the normal bonsai
starter tree, then consider the Sea Grape.
The next bonsai starter tree is the Chinese Elm. Typically, when a person thinks
of bonsai, this is the tree. The thing is that while the Chinese Elm can be
grown indoors as a miniature tree, they are an outdoor type of tree. This bonsai
starter tree has an amazing shape and appearance that will foliate. The leaves
will reduce smaller each season that you have the tree and as you work with it
to train it. In addition, the caliper is about three quarters of an inch or less
and the tree will grow to eight or ten inches. You want to grow this bonsai in
partial sun and in the winter, it will need some dormancy. Keep in mind that
many people have successfully grown the Chinese Elm in greenhouses with leaves
and without dormancy.
Finally, we recommend you consider both the Himalyan Cedar and Brazilian trees
for your bonsai starter tree. The cedar is very adaptable and affordable.
This tree will usually grow between five and six inches tall and makes an
excellent bonsai. Then, the Brazilian tree is usually from a young seedling that
has been clipped and grown. Typically, these trees grow upwards to 15 inches
tall and have calipers up to three quarters of an inch. When you buy this type
of bonsai starter tree, it should come with a bare root with a good amount of
soil still attached. As with other types of bonsai trees, both of these species
can be trained in a number of styles.
