simplysaid wrote: AUK: I think that this is a great learning tool for new people getting into the hobby/art. Visually understanding that there's a difference between 2 similar size and species of trees, is very important

I once posted 4 or 5 samples of ficus, from the monstrous roots one, the ikea version, a mallsai and a real bonsai. Maybe one day I'll make a site comparing different forms and shapes of different types of trees.

On my computer, the first tree is the one with less leaves and looks smaller (I have no frame of size). Is that the one that cost more or less?

The one that looks like a tree is the cheaper one. The one with the rock is the (imho) excessively priced (even though I know satsuki azaleas can be expensive)

completely agree eangola 50 euro is too much for this so called Bonsai

Auk wrote:

simplysaid wrote: AUK: I think that this is a great learning tool for new people getting into the hobby/art. Visually understanding that there's a difference between 2 similar size and species of trees, is very important

I once posted 4 or 5 samples of ficus, from the monstrous roots one, the ikea version, a mallsai and a real bonsai. Maybe one day I'll make a site comparing different forms and shapes of different types of trees.

On my computer, the first tree is the one with less leaves and looks smaller (I have no frame of size). Is that the one that cost more or less?

The one that looks like a tree is the cheaper one. The one with the rock is the (imho) excessively priced (even though I know satsuki azaleas can be expensive)

I agree... very over priced. Sometimes it's tough for people to know what they're paying for. Then.. if the tree survives it's first year after we learn when and how to treat it, then the high price tag seems worth it. But it's the learning that is expensive and worth it, NOT the tree (necessarily).

Auk, it would be a great learning tool for people like me to see the comparisons. My eye is just not trained yet to see all differences. So if you seriously do it, please let us all know.

And it's not just plants...

www.hoka-en.nl/grond-soorten/akadama-15-liter-299.html
Akadama, 15 liter: EUR 14,45
That is, for 15 liter: USD 16.23

www.bonsaiboy.com/catalog/product2258.html
Akadama, 1.6 liter: USD 13.95 (so... 15/1.6 * 13.95)
That is, for 15 liter: USD 130.78

Hey Auk have you ever used Hydroton for bansai?

Hydroton-714110-Hydroponic/dp

No, I don't do hydroponics. Never heard of it either, but I think it's far too coarse. Guess you could crush it though...

Crushing good idea...aquaponics another hobby of mine have some left over