Bonsai Tree chat

[HoldUppppp]

For Christmas my DH was gifted a bonsai tree. He is really happy with it and would like to see examples of others if anyone has one I could show him?

He's currently training its branches

I don't know anything helpful but I REALLY want a bonsai tree. So following with interest!

Its gorgeous!

This is what it looked like before DH played hairdressers

DH gave me a bonsai tree growing kit as a surprise present - I'm soaking some of the seeds ready to sow at the weekend. They then have to go in the fridge as they need a cold spell for germination.
I think, like many bonsai trees, mine (if I'm successful) will need to live outdoors, not as houseplants.

Nice. Bonsai is interesting. You do sort of need to know what you're doing for it to be rewarding. I wouldn't be wiring a bonsai I'd got for Xmas til I'd spent a winter learning how it needs to be watered, for instance.

I grew a fair number of bonsai in Queensland, where it was relatively easy; fast growing quite forgiving stuff. I did a lot of research, experimenting etc, giving over possibly 2 hours a week to bonsai care.

I think it's a lot harder in colder climates; you need to work harder at it! I managed to kill a maple; but it was what aficionados call, disparagingly 'mallsai; bonsai produced for the 'mall' market.

If you decide to commit, get on the FB pages, etc; prepare to be patronised 🙄 but the advice is there.

But they look great!

@Fordian

Nice. Bonsai is interesting. You do sort of need to know what you're doing for it to be rewarding. I wouldn't be wiring a bonsai I'd got for Xmas til I'd spent a winter learning how it needs to be watered, for instance.

I grew a fair number of bonsai in Queensland, where it was relatively easy; fast growing quite forgiving stuff. I did a lot of research, experimenting etc, giving over possibly 2 hours a week to bonsai care.

I think it's a lot harder in colder climates; you need to work harder at it! I managed to kill a maple; but it was what aficionados call, disparagingly 'mallsai; bonsai produced for the 'mall' market.

If you decide to commit, get on the FB pages, etc; prepare to be patronised 🙄 but the advice is there.

But they look great!

Now that's made me chuckle. DH will be most unpleased - I'll be sure to pass it on!

I’ve had a bonsai for about 4 years now. I’d leave it to do its own thing for the first year, no training or pruning. Just get used to keeping it healthy. Don’t over titivate until it adapts to its new environment.
Is it one that is better kept outside? Don’t overwater, and get it outside in the Spring.

Ps live in UK, and I have a hardy deciduous tree, I’ll look out some photos.

@ErrolTheDragon I also got a Bonsai growing kit for Christmas! I've not started the process yet. I'm considering buying a grow lamp for it before I try and germinate the seeds because the info said they need a lot of light initially which is severely lacking at the moment.

I was thinking I'd put mine out in the cold frame ... but better not count our saplings before they've germinated!

I was given one for Christmas! I have always wanted a bonsai, I am an accomplished gardener but struggle to keep houseplants alive do it could go either way really. Mine is a syzygium. I'm not sure if it needs thinning out at the top but don't really know where to start.

I think your husband did a great job of trimming it @HoldUppppp

Here's dd's lego bonsai. It's the only one we are confident not to kill, but it is quite cute.

@PartyPrawnRingGames

Here's dd's lego bonsai. It's the only one we are confident not to kill, but it is quite cute.

I have this bonsai too, much easier to look after!

I've sown some of the seeds, they're in the fridge. Hopefully we won't knock them over! I'd been thinking I could do the 'stratification' stage by just putting them outside but it's so mild.

Now to wait in hope for green shoots. The seeds are
Japanese Wisteria, cherry blossom, Japanese cedar, red maple and black pine.

I've also sowed a couple of particularly fat clementine pips - they're by the window not in the fridge.