Over Christmas my sister got me a Bonsai kit. I've always wanted one and this seemed like a great opportunity..... until I watched a few videos on the specific kit and learned it would take 2-3 years for the tree to even sprout once planted. Then another 2-3 years to grow enough to trim.

There is a Bonsai store near my house, always wanted to stop so I finally did before NYE. He had a fresh batch of trees coming in so I stopped in today. This little Small Leaf Fukien Tea tree kept catching my eye every time I walked by, so I brought him home.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rightwire,

C'mon, you know the rules, Rightwire:

Pics or it didn't happen!

Or,

TTIWWOP

Yeah, show us the Fukien tree already.

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:
C'mon, you know the rules, Rightwire:

Pics or it didn't happen!

Or,

TTIWWOP

Nice! I grew up around Bonsai. My father had as many as 100 trees in a converted garage.

Okay, Mr. Miyagi.

There’s a guy selling Bonsai plants out of a van by the roadside. I’ve toyed with the idea but my wife pointed out I managed to kill three air plants.

I'm not much of a gardener, so I prefer this one. No watering. No trimming. Just dusting.

My son is doing into the same thing. He has researched it a good bit and it does take time if you go with seeds. Some seeds require refrigeration prior to planting and some don't. He tried once prior to grow on and after a couple weeks he had sprouts forming but the soil needs to be within certain parameters and his was noted being acidic and it killed the plants.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by shiftyvtec:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by TexasScrub:
Yeah, show us the Fukien tree already.

This is hilarious. Lol

Isn't the whole point of Bonsai that it takes lengthy time and massive effort to create something that you might or might not be proud of? That the effort and thoughtfulness expended is what matters, and not the result?

Yes, I have been tempted to explore this "hobby," but repeated failures with orchids and other botanical endeavors that require consistent focus an attention over time has discouraged me from attempting anything.

BTW, the Bonsai garden at the National Arboretum in NE DC is a spectacular and almost magical place.

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:
C'mon, you know the rules, Rightwire:

Pics or it didn't happen!

I don't have/use picture hosting sites.... which explains why you haven't seen any pics of anything from me that isn't available on the web in a LONG time.

quote:

Originally posted by architect:
Isn't the whole point of Bonsai that it takes lengthy time and massive effort to create something that you might or might not be proud of? That the effort and thoughtfulness expended is what matters, and not the result?

In a sense yes, but when you realize it will be close to a decade before you have a tree you can prune to a nice shape, especially for us older guys, it seems a little less desirable.

The guy at the Bonsai shop even noted a week ago that it is often better to start with a small 5 year old tree that you can have to work with, then start your new trees to grow along side it. That is the plan.

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:

Pics or it didn't happen!

I don't have/use picture hosting sites...

Have you tried postimage.org? It's free.

The DIY Bonsai kit is even more genius than SeaMonkeys!

I couldn’t wait six weeks for the monkeys let alone two years for a tree.

I’m sure there’s a patience is a virtue lesson there.

Picture updated in OP

Cute little devil!

My girlfriend is extremely good at assassinating plantlife, and what she didn't eliminate was done in by our cats.

Have fun with your Bonsai. My impression is that they are as much a ritual as a decoration, enjoy!

I was told this is the largest Bonsai nursery in the country. In Olive Branch MS of all places.

https://brusselsbonsai.com/?sr..._8YY5csHfmJVfqEguNVk

If you get tired of it and need any help killing it, let me know. It seems I have an innate ability to do that despite following all of the guidelines to the contrary.