Student + bonsai

Volkswillow

hey. I've been lurking for a coupla days, trying to find an answer to this, but I haven't yet, so I figured I'd ask.

I don't have a tree, yet, but as I start university in september, my Life's gonna get pretty mad and unpredictable. I've always seen Bonsai trees as little oasis' of tranquility, so I'd love to take one with me. I've seen the halls I'm going to be living in for the first year, and they're all pretty light with some good places for a tree/plant. Unfortunately, Uni means I'm gonna have no outdoor space and I'm gonna be back and forth between home and halls every coupla months, though I don't mind leaving the plant there, it may have to come home with me a christmas and easter.

What I'm askin is, is there any kind of Indoor Bonsai that can stand this kind of craziness?

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Jay

Hello and welcome. The short quick answer is -- YES, but may I suggest another way to go. Bonsai require time and specific care at specific times of year. Being in Uni, as you say, Bonsai is possible not the best choice for you at this time, school is the main thing. How about taking the time in Uni to learn and study. Read and learn, start to collect your Bonsai Library. Do research to determine your likes in types of trees. Read up on the 'Art' in bonsai. Possible save and start to buy some Bonsai tools. AND if you need something to calm you think of a Suiseki. A viewing stone requires very little attention and could if needed stay in your dorm over breaks...

my 2 cents
Jay

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Alasdair

I'm ready to go off to uni myself, taking a year out first and what to do with my bonsai is someting i'm going to have to put a lot of thought into. Mine are all outdoor species so there isn't going to be any place for them in the halls of residence, so i'm thinking of looking into some tropical species. That way, you can brighten up your room and keep bonsai at the same time. A few other houseplants here and there, marvelous. Thats my plan anyway. Just out of curiosity, which uni are u headed to?

Alasdair

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I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

Volkswillow

Alasdair; I'm not sure, yet. I'm on Route B, so we haven't heard anything. Northumbria's my first choice, then Manchester metro or Salford. Yourself? My plan is to take a load of posters, and probably Just one tree as I have trouble keeping things alive. (and for that reason, my one tree will probably have to be a £4 malsai from asda or something)
As for your trees, will they not be ok at home for a while until you can move into a shared house - After all, you can go home and look after them at weekends an in the holidays, then when you move out of halls in the second year, you'll probably have some outdoor space. Or maybe think about living off campus in the first year, too?

Jay; have I underestimated the time involved in looking after a tree that much. Surely anything that needs to be done to it can't be more than a day at a time. And, thanks for the advice about rocks. They're....um.....rocks.

Volks

__________________
I do not seek advice on what I can't do.

I seek advice on HOW i can do it.

Jay

Volks,
Sorry. I must not be saying what I mean. Sometimes I'm guilty of thinking I am expressing myself and in reality I am misleading.

Of course having a tree with you will not take that much time. I was just thinking of the need to water when it is necessary. Bonsai need to be watered by need not by schedule. Also I am thinking of all the times you will need to bring the tree with you when you go home for a few days. All of which can be done.

As for the Suiseki, they are more than just rocks. They are extremely peaceful and enjoyable. But if they are not your cup of tea, perhaps they will be some day.

Again sorry to have not explained myself.
Jay

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

bonsai_audge

With university coming within a few years for me, this subject has come up quite a bit!

What I plan to do is to obtain potential bonsai and then plant them in the ground. While I'm at university (part of fall, winter, and part of spring) the trees will be mainly at rest. During the summer when I will be at home, rudimentary training can be done to them (still in the ground). That way, once university is over, all my stock will have a good 4-5 years in the ground (with the option for staying in longer) and will be better material to work with.

-Audric

Ralph

bonsai audge,

What a terrific approach! I realy like your suggestion.
By all means if you want to keep a tropical, why not? I also like Jay's approach, learn the art of bonsai. I will also suggest scrolls as well. You will want to utilize them in your future bonsai displays. You can aquire them as your budget permits, and display them on your dorm walls, perhaps even rotate them to fit your mood, or the time of the year.

__________________
Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

JohnQuinn

Heck...get a ficus. They are reasonably suited to your likely growing conditions. You have seven months to figure out how to care for it without the constraints of residence hall life to deal with. Don't make a bigger deal out of it than it needs to be! ;-)

pdbaresi

Volks:

I agree with John. A ficus would be an ideal choice and if you put it in a pot that is a little larger than normal bonsai proportions would suggest, it will allow your tree to go without water for a longer period of time.
The ficus is somewhat "bullet proof" and would allow you to try a few bonsai techniques without being afraid of losing it.

Also they are inexpensive and you have to kill a few bonsai along the way or you are not living on the edge.

Enjoy and good luck in your university of choice.

Paul