名媛直播

sfranke31 wrote: I am thinking about getting an actual bonsai to go along with the Jade. Although I'd still prefer a younger one so I can have some impact on it's shaping.

I think that's a good plan.

Any recommendations to a novice? I'm growing indoors, fyi. The website recommends variations of the ficus, privet, fukien tea, and hawaiin umbrella. Do you have a preference among them or any other suggestions?

I only grow outdoor bonsai (and you could argue that actually all trees belong outside - in the right climate, of course), so I cannot really advise you. If I had to choose, it would be ficus. Privet maybe, fukien tea would not have a long life with me, and I do not really like scheffleras personally.

If you get a ficus - do not get a 'Ginseng', the one with the ugly deformed roots and cut off trunk. I understand Ficus Benjamina does well and makes good bonsai - but I hope Leatherback will respond, he has experience with Ficus.

I have both Fukien Tea and Ficus Benjamina, the former bought 2 years ago and thriving on our bathroom windowsill where the temp and humidity are fairly constant, the Ficus is a recent purchase but also seems to be growing strongly in the same environment. I have privets too but outdoors, don't think they are likely to do well indoors.

Dave

I could be wrong but i think he means chinese privet most likely.

I have Chinese privet too and although I believe it may be less hardy than our hedging species I think it is still not ideal for indoor growing. Could be wrong, but fairly sure there are much better indoor growing candidates.

Dave

sfranke31 wrote: Any recommendations to a novice? I'm growing indoors, fyi. The website recommends variations of the ficus, privet, fukien tea, and hawaiin umbrella. Do you have a preference among them or any other suggestions?
Thank you!!

Well, if you are growing trees indoors I would strongly recommend a ficus. But first it would be nice knowing what country are you in.

Now I?ll explain myself... Ficus are a tropical species that grows continuously all along the year, yes their growth is diminished in winter, but still they do not stop growing. So, that is why is important knowing where do you live. Ficus cannot withstand long periods of temperatures dropping below 15 celsius degrees, if so, its health would commence to decay. Also they need elevated levels of light and while they also require rather high levels of humidity to develop aerial roots they generally endure just fine a scarce watering regime in winter. However they are very fond of regular sprinkling of their foliage. So, a good rule of thumb would be to water it when the soil gets a little dry but it is not bone dry just yet and to keep it in a room or a window sill facing preferably east or south.

Also, they are really strong, so they will forgive the many mistakes we all commit when starting this hobby. When spring, and then summer, comes you will notice how it blooms and start to grow practically from every point of the trunk/branches. It is a nice spectacle to witness and then your problem will be how to keep that explosion of growth under control. I actually prune (pinch) mine every two weeks and still new shoots keep coming. Oh, and you should transplant it every two years in spring time. One more thing... Do not buy a FICUS GINSENG. Buy a Ficus Benjamina or a Ficus Retusa if possible.

Hope I might have been of help

Alain

sfranke31 wrote: Any recommendations to a novice? I'm growing indoors, fyi. The website recommends variations of the ficus, privet, fukien tea, and hawaiin umbrella. Do you have a preference among them or any other suggestions?
Thank you!!

Oh, I forgot in my previous post... According where you live (you have not told us yet ) You could also have three more species that are quite tolerant and resistant... They are:

1- Pyracantha
2- Cotoneaster
3- Olive Tree (Var. Sylvestris) This variety is recommended because it presents particularly small leaves and great deadwood features. It adapts incredibly well to Mediterranean type weathers.

Alain

Great reference and advice. The tree on 名媛直播 Mary's site is inspiring. Research and a positive outlook is also a big part of success with bonsai. And, don't be afraid to experiment - another learning experience.