Suggestions for species for a beginner

lillilland

I'm new to bonsai and plants in general, but if I wanted to try to grow a bonsai species from seeds which species are easy to take care of? I live in Toronto (I'm not sure what "zones" that is equivalent to) and will be keeping it indoors in an apartment.

Thanks in advance!

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Aaron_K

Hi Lil,

I'd recommend Ficus Retusa, Ligustrum, Chinese elm. All of which will tolerate lower light levels and are pretty much as tough as old boots. All good species for beginners to learn with.

I'd skip the growing from seed thing unless you have actual trees to observe and care for, otherwise you'll be starting bonsai in about 6 years while you wait for something to do with them .

All the best,

Aaron

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Joanie

Starting with young stock will give you a lot of advantages, instead of seeds. You can easily purchase small pre-bonsai with a little knowledge, which is the best way to go.

You will probably need supplimental lighting and humidity if you really want to grow them indoors.

Aaron gives very good information on choices.

Joanie

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rockm

Take Aaron's and Joanie's advice. Skip the seeds. If you succeed in getting them to sprout, it will be a few years before you can actually begin bonsai training.

PatArizona

"...it will be a few years before you can actually begin bonsai training..."

If ever...

The negative guy...

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

rockm

"The negative guy...

Pat"

Welcome to the club. Pull up a chair Sometimes unvarnished truth is a bummer

tree bender

I have a Witch Hazel that refuses to die. I think Azaleas are also pretty easy to deal with. Oh wait you said indoors, never mind.

JohnAP

Being in similar circumstances (a bonsai begginer....if not with plants), I can give you my viewpoint. Growing plants from seed is very rewarding, in and of itself. I do it all the time...just up until recently to eat! I can't refute the other advice you have already been given here....very wise people here. I have a house with a nice yard, small (vegetable) garden.....yada yada. I would have to go along with the others if you want to get into bonsai.....a small starter tree and try to keep it alive. I also, from a growers standpoint, don't see why you can't start some seeds too.....AFTER reading up as much as you can on what it actualy takes. There are house plants...but as you've noticed from looking around here....almost without exception, trees need to be outside as much as posible. If you are, as you say, entirely knew to plants....a small inexpensive bonsai from someplace like joebonsai.com would be a good teacher...and if you can swing a few seedlings...I say go for that too. This gives you the option of a) learning what it takes to keep a tree alive at all indoors and b) what a pain in the butt it can be to grow out seedlings. Once again, just my thoughts, and welcome to your new addiction! (if we haven't scared you off already!)