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I agree with Bonsaial. I hate to see pencil thin plants in bonsai containers (unless youre talking about mame). I have a nursery in my area that has a "winter dieback sale" I will purchase a 20 foot tall tree and cut it back to 1-2 feet tall. Since the top is dead they sell it to me for $10-$20. This way, there is a larger trunk, and large roots. Once the wound heals, you have a pretty decent tree. It might take 15 years to get a good shape out of it, but in that time you will have a 4-5 inch trunk with huge roots, whereas if you plant a started bonsai into a pot, you will be lucky to have a 2 inch trunk in 15 years. You need to determine how much your time is worth, would you rather spend $100 and get stock that will save you 15 years growing time? or would you rather buypencil thin bonsai starters and grow them ourt for 15 years? Everyone can find a source in their area to find good stock. Remember - make your Bonsai look like a tree DONT try to make your Bonsai look like a Bonsai....