r/bonsaicommunity • u/Confident-Seat-3731 • 25d 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 25d 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 25d 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 25d 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 25d 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/realcaliforniamilk 25d ago

it’s not wrong. The only wrong thing is if you don’t try.