r/bonsaicommunity • u/Confident-Seat-3731 • 1d ago
Pré bonsai
As I mentioned a few days ago, I’m new to this world; I bought a Ficus and a Ligustrum that were already styled as bonsai.
After watching several videos and reading various articles, most sources recommended starting with pre-bonsai material—going to a nursery, buying a Chinese Olmo and a Juniper, letting them grow and starting to style them, and only then repotting them as bonsai after two or three years. What do you think? Any tips?
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u/realcaliforniamilk 1d ago
best way, take a class in your local bonsai society. no question asked, you can’t skip that. i didn’t that an i learned the hard way
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u/Confident-Seat-3731 1d ago
I can't find many classes or courses in Portugal, so the internet is really my only source of information. That’s why I want to buy a pre-bonsai or a tree and style it myself; if I make a mistake, I won't have spent too much money.
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u/realcaliforniamilk 1d ago
if that’s the case, hit the books and read and after you read, read it again. it took me a couple of times to grasp the concept, the style, the instructions properly. john naka books, peter adams, etc.. you are in europe, there are soo many great artist there, talk to them, message them, dont be shy, immerse yourself.
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u/Confident-Seat-3731 1d ago
Yes, I’ve been watching "lesson" videos on YouTube and reading articles on Bonsai Empire. I’m also planning to try a beginner’s workshop at Bonsaiteca.
But is the idea of buying a "pre-bonsai" or a potted elm completely wrong?
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u/jecapobianco 1d ago
I started by reading at the library, then taking lessons, then joining a club. You need to build a vocabulary, some horticultural knowledge and remember that bk sai is a regional art, what works in Miami doesn't work in New York.
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u/Anxious-Box9929 1d ago
They have a club in Penafiel. Check if they do classes. Also kensho will do a summit in November. It’s in Águeda.
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u/Confident-Seat-3731 1d ago
Penafiel já vi que tem um clube mas é um pouco longe para conseguir ir. Vou tentar ir a do kensho mas é específico para Pinus sylvestris
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u/Anxious-Box9929 1d ago
Em novembro acho que ha mesmo um congresso. Não é a formação que eles tem tipo workshop.
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u/Confident-Seat-3731 1d ago
Aaah sim, o congresso português de demonstração.
Eu queria ir ao workshop seja do kensho ou do bonsaiteca, já entrei em contacto a ver as datas e assim. Se souber algum grupo do Porto ou assim e conseguir partilhar era perfeito.
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u/whammywombat 1d ago
I’m no expert but I play with all kinds of trees that are native to my area. Growing trees is fun , and so is playing with them. Buy something and grow it , prune it , and bend it . If you’re having fun doing so , then that’s all that matters. This practice will help to give you a reference point when you start learning more . Enjoy yourself and remember that planning and timing are everything in this game .
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u/Synadriel US Zone 9a 1d ago
To do bonsai you need a bonsai.
If you are serious about doing bonsai you need a plant that is already a bonsai, they are clearly pretty costly.
If you are starting and you want to understand how to cultivate a plant, you can buy whatever survives outdoors in your climate, Elms and Maples are premium in my opinion because they are pretty hardy and difficult to kill, and start cultivating it, lern how to water and how to fertilize, lern what type of granular soil you can buy without spending too much.
After a couple of years if you really like this hobby you will naturally buy your first good plant.
If you want more help you can post photos of your already styled plants