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Starter plants

Posted: December 1st, 2010, 2:02 pm
by bung
I'm looking for suggestions on good species for a bonsai begginer.
At the moment I have a Banyan Fig and I'm also trying my hand at moss growing after reading about it on this forum.
I would like to try raising something different to the Fig I have but not something I can ruin too easily.
I look forward to reading your suggestions :)

Re: Starter plants

Posted: December 1st, 2010, 5:17 pm
by rowan
You will get a few different opinions on this subject. I personally think the Chinese elm is the best tree for a beginner as it will take a lot of pruning and is very forgiving. It also buds back easily and grows fairly fast.

Cheers,
Rowan

Re: Starter plants

Posted: December 1st, 2010, 7:37 pm
by makro
My personal opinion is that Junipers are good for beginners. I am pretty new to bonsai and I started with a nice juniper and its still going strong. That said I also have maples and elms which seem to be surviving nicely soo far.

Re: Starter plants

Posted: December 1st, 2010, 7:48 pm
by kcpoole
Chinese elm
Trident Maple
Juniper Procumbens Nana

The three best, Easiest, and robust exotic trees for Beginners. Each will teach you different skills and caring lessons, but these will transfer to any other tree you are likely to have.

Fig, Callistimon, Banksia will be equivalent Natives for ease of care and learning

Get one of each and start the journey :-)

Ken

Re: Starter plants

Posted: December 1st, 2010, 8:04 pm
by ozzy
Can't go wrong with Olives either. 8-)

Re: Starter plants

Posted: December 2nd, 2010, 1:29 pm
by bung
Cheers for the suggestions.
I'll try to get my hands on a couple of these as soon as the missus stops complaining about me being obsessed with the one I have :P

Re: Starter plants

Posted: December 2nd, 2010, 2:59 pm
by astroboy76
quince are very easy to work with

crabapples are quite easy too