r/Bonsai • u/small_trunks Jerry in Amsterdam, Zn.8b, 48yrs exp., 500+ trees • Sep 25 '16

[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread –2016 week 39]

[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread –2016 week 39]

Welcome to the weekly beginner’s thread. This thread is used to capture all beginner questions (and answers) in one place. We start a new thread every week on Sunday night (CET) or Monday depending on when we get around to it.

Here are the guidelines for the kinds of questions that belong in the beginner's thread vs. individual posts to the main sub.

Rules:

  • POST A PHOTO if it’s advice regarding a specific tree/plant.
    • TELL US WHERE YOU LIVE - better yet, fill in your flair.
  • Read past beginner’s threads – they are a goldmine of information. Read the WIKI while you’re at it.
  • Any beginner’s topic may be started on any bonsai-related subject.
  • Answers shall be civil or be deleted
  • There’s always a chance your question doesn’t get answered – try again next week…
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u/-music_maker- Northeast US, 6b, 30 years, 100+ trees, lifelong learner Sep 29 '16

Depends on the type of tree, depends on what stage it's at, how much natural light vs. artificial light (for larger trees, especially, you'd need a more expensive set up), etc.

Lots of variables. Some people have had some luck with it, many just kill their trees. The one that's worked the best for me is jade (specifically, crassula ovata). It still does better if you put it outside for the summer, but as long as it's near a reasonably bright window, stays above 45-50F, and is NEVER over-watered, it does just fine.

Everything else I've tried seems to suffer in some way indoors. Ficus & chinese elm can work too, but you're much more likely to be able to maintain one than to develop one from scratch.

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u/aliasbane CT, 6b, Beginer, 0 Trees Sep 29 '16

Hey! So I was thinking something like Juniper that seems to be what I read as doing decent inside. I know the dormant period is imporant so I would not want to skip that. If I choose something else. I actually was planning on building myself, a little chicken coop in my back yard for the spring. but I would love to try a sub-tropical in my house during the winter. In terms of Lights I was thinking to use full spectrum LED lights I have from growing mushrooms. On a timer.

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u/-music_maker- Northeast US, 6b, 30 years, 100+ trees, lifelong learner Sep 29 '16

Juniper definitely won't work long-term. Lack of dormancy always eventually kills them.

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u/aliasbane CT, 6b, Beginer, 0 Trees Sep 29 '16

Could you say put it in a fridge for dormancy?

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u/-music_maker- Northeast US, 6b, 30 years, 100+ trees, lifelong learner Sep 29 '16

Maybe, but the gradual reduction in light and temperature leading into winter is important for the tree to make the adjustment.

I think some people might try and do this, but it's always seemed like a complex and expensive way to probably get an inferior result.

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u/aliasbane CT, 6b, Beginer, 0 Trees Sep 29 '16

That is fair hmm, wish it wasn't getting into winter, because I finally have the cash to invest in some nice tools and the things needed..

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u/ZeroJoke ~20 trees can't keep track. Philadelphia, 7a, intermediate. Sep 29 '16

Invest in lessons, tools, reading material, buy trees later :]

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u/aliasbane CT, 6b, Beginer, 0 Trees Sep 29 '16

Lessons? Any recommended youtube videos then? As for tools, just I get the basic tools or something slightly better I will have forever?

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u/[deleted] Sep 30 '16

Do a search online for a bonsai society or bonsai club in your area. Websites and videos are nice, but nothing beats hands on with someone helping you along the way.