Im Just Starting Help Me Take My First Steps Please

XxMutedYouthxX

Im just getting really interested in your guys hobby recently and Ive decided I am going to buy a tree... What would you all reccomend as a good starter tree? I found some seeds for a japanese red maple bonsai tree that I think look really cool. Not really set on any one tree yet though so your guys imput would be greatly appreciated

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pootsie

Hi there, and welcome to a rewarding hobby.

I would recommend a ficus "too little" as a starter tree for any bonsai noob. They are easy to care for and not demanding. I would say don't start with seeds, since it takes years before you can really work on it.

that, and read some books and find a local club. Where is Murrieta?

pootsie

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p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society

XxMutedYouthxX

its near san diego

Repotter

I totally agree with Pootsie on the Ficus Toolittle, its a true dwarf, so that means its a slow grower.
There are other Ficus in the same category. They are F. Kiki a narrower leaf tree with the same growing habits. F.Orientalis, called Ficus Oriental, a little larger leaf but attractive with "weepy" looking leaves and grows great arial roots.

I use the Ficus Toolitle in the beginner bonsai class I teach because it is such a forgiving tree. However no tree is bullet proof.
Take a class, join a club, read a lot, you'll enjoy it.
Good Luck, ....Hector

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http://www.tellys.com

http://www.Fourseasonsbonsai.com
The original Four Seasons Bonsai Club of Michigan.
Guest master Pedro Morales visit was a huge success.
Tellys Greenhouse, 3301 John R road, Troy Mi. 48083

Four Seasons Bonsai Club meetings monthly.
Troy, Michigan

"Anything is possible when you don't know what you are doing"................someone famous I think.

Joanie

We have a lot of active clubs around here...the San Diego club is great, meets down in Balboa Park. That's pretty far for you, though, so you would probably want a Riverside club?

Did you want an indoor or outdoor tree? Ficus is an excellent recommendation, Pootsie is right. Read http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthread.php?t=11838 first, and then use the tips to search for good beginning trees. Your area is fairly hot and dry, so you need to take that into account. I would highly recommend joining or visiting a club first (most clubs let you come and visit before you make the choice to join) because they will give you tips not only about which trees to buy, but where, and how to take care of them.

In fact, our club meeting at Balboa Park is today!! 9 to noon. If you feel like the drive, come on down! It at the Prado building room 101. Come early so you can get a parking spot. And Sept. 24th and 25th is our fall show, lots of things will be for sale there.

Joanie

XxMutedYouthxX

thank you for all the information guys... I will look into some clubs and stuff