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Is this a bonsai tree?

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Old 11-Mar-2008   #1
amibonsai
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Is this a bonsai tree?

Hi there,

Can anybody tell me if this is a bonsai tree, and if so, do you know what species it might be? I have been told that it is a bonsai tree, but it looks nothing like any pictures of bonsai trees I've found on the Internet. The trunk is very thick and the branches are pretty small and tight compared to others I've seen.

It measures 16 inches from the soil to the tips of the leaves at the top.

If it isn't a bonsai, it would be very interesting to know what it is and whether it should be kept indoors or outdoors.

Thanks in advance for your help.

amibonsai?
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #2
landerloos
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No this is not a bonsai, its a ordinary potplant called Ficus ginseng

Kind regards
Peter
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #3
Deb
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If you live in Hawaii or Indonesia, it would be ok in the garden outside, but if you are in a climate where it gets cold in winter, indoors for sure.
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #4
amibonsai
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Hi,

Thanks for your help and speedy response.

I didn't realise so much work went into managing a bonsai tree. It's like looking after a child!

I'll stick with my Ficus Ginseng for now and maybe in the future, when I have time to care for it, I will buy a real bonsai and nurture it.

Best regards,

Marc
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #5
Ponytail
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Quote:
Originally Posted by landerloos
No this is not a bonsai, its a ordinary potplant called Ficus ginseng

Kind regards
Peter

Actually, I believe you are incorrect in your reasoning. Pardon me for saying so, but a book I have says otherwise. I'm a beginner, so please bare with me if in deed I am wrong.

Quote:
Bonsai is a Japanese expression (Bon - shallow tray, sai - plant) now used worldwide. It is the name given to an ART FORM, orginally Chinese, which is based on a study of trees growing in the wild. Bonsai re-creates nature in an idealized miniature landscape. *Direct quote taken from Bonsai - 101 Essential Tips

I also have a Ficus Ginseng that dropped it's leaves in my home, I guess it got too cold and is now thriving in my office.





OP, these are the 2 books I'm working with currently.

Indoor Bonsai *A beginner's Step-by-Step guide by Dave Pike

Bonsai * 101 Essentail Tips by KD Publishing.

Good luck!

~Kerri
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #6
Mcspeed
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For the record there is no 1 Bonsai tree, bonsai is the process of making and keeping a tree( many species/varierties can be used) in a pot/shallow tray. In general we try to make them look old and tortured and miniturized in scale.

To be fair, many wouldn't call this posted picture a bonsai, but then again some would.
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #7
subnet_rx
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In my non-expert opinion, I'd say it could be a bonsai one day with some care and work. It is a good choice to learn about trees in pots and how to care for them.
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Old 11-Mar-2008   #8
PatArizona
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G'day Ami...

Welcome to bonsai and to bonsaiTALK...

Your plant is not one of the best subjects for bonsai...but, it could be developed into a bonsa in time, and with patience.

First, let your Ficus grow freely for the next year...let it acclimate to it's new home. Then it's time enough to begin working on it. Your Ficus...any plant for that matter...needs to be happy and healthy before you introduce it to the design process.

Next, have a look at http://www.bonsaihunk.8m.com/index.html, Jerry Meislik's web site. It is loaded with great material on raising Ficus Bonsai...and other so called indoor bonsai. A very good place to start.

Jerry also has a very good book...FICUS The Exotic Bonsai.

If you are serious about bonsai, you should;
  • Join a local bonsai club;
  • Connect with someone who has a lot of experience with bonsai...in your local (geographical) area;
  • Take some bonsai classes; and,
  • Participate in bonsai workshops.
Oh! Almost forgot...visit bonsaiTALK often.

This is what works for me...it might work for you. Or not.

Remember, bonsai is a trip that takes time and patience. Welcome aboard, and enjoy the journey.

Pat
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Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California

Last edited by PatArizona : 11-Mar-2008 at 10:26 PM.
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