Podocarpus for beginners?

Mudro

Hi,

I'm a newbie to bonsai after one was bought as a gift for me. I now have two (both Chinese Elm) and can't stop reading material online and and have bought myself a few books (am waiting for 'Bonsai in your Home' - Paul Lesniewicz ). Great forum - I find myself sneaking a peak when at work I find myself becoming addicted to the wonder of bonsai.

I've been looking into good indoor species for beginners (I have looked after many types of hous plants before and also grow tomatoes and chillis). I like the look of Podocarpus (Chinese Yew) and wondered if anyone had any thoughts? I understand they have very sensitive roots - and can be damaged easily when repotting. Any opinions / suggestions welcome. I was also thinking about Pomegranate and Fig? Again - suggestions & thoughts welcome.

Can these species live well inside without a lighting rig / grow bulbs etc? I will put the trees outside during the Summer and have a light and airy house (plants can sit in good light - not in direct sun through windows during the winter).

I figure if I can care for my indoor trees well then next year I will collect and maybe cultivate some outdoor bonsai.

Thanks in advance and again a great forum!

Cheers

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ficusfanatic

welcome and that book was one of my firsts too. don't know much about podos but the other two are good indoors. i always keep an eye out for woody houseplants i can work on. i don't have any outdoor space to work in (apt in denver)... good luck, take it slowly and have patience

__________________
-chris-

Karydas

Welcome to the obsession and good luck to you. There are several good books specific to indoor bonsai. I started out with no outdoor space and grew my trees under full-spec lights and used a humidifier. You might try dwarf bougainvilla; I had good luck with that and it grows quickly. Also the many varieties of Ficus with small leaves are very good-- quick growing and forgiving. Serissa is supposed to be good for indoors but I cannot keep it alive.