Hello,

I'm wanting to get my boyfriend a Bonsai for our 2 year Anniversary. He's been obsessed with them since he was little because of the movie Karate Kid. With both of us being new to caring for a Bonsai i'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good starter Bonsai...also being that the tools seem very expensive...does anyone recommend a good tool or 2 to start.

P.S. I see a lot of varieties of Bonsai's but I seem to be more attracted to the Ficus, Crassula, Carmona for indoor and Acer Palmatum, Quercus Suber, Pinus Thunbergii for outdoor.

Thanks

the most useful tool for beginners and the most general best are a pair of secateurs. however for starting out, typical chinese tools would be fit for purpose. try to find a local bonsai nursery and they should be able to address your needs.

Hi, welcome to the forum!

Selecting a tree is tricky. Do you want to 'get into bonsai', or would you like a shaped tree to look at?

In the latter situation: Ficus is a nice starter. They can handle a lot, and are well-adjusted to inside environment. For outside.. Those are more work, but better suited if you want to get into bonsai.

So in the second situation.. Better not get an indoor plant. If you start really working on bonsai, you will probably prefer working with hardy species that you can keep outdoors. A janaese maple is excellent. A beauty yearround. But tricky to take care of: You need to have a good read no the requirements.

For just having a shaped plant in your house, you do not need equipment. If you want to get into bonsai.. You will need to take a look at a wire cutter, concave cutter and a good pair of scissors.

great advice there from Bob and Leatherback
I'm just a little partial to Quercus suber myself, in my way of thinking you can not start on one early enough,as they are forgiving and fast growing trees.

great advice there from Bob and Leatherback
I'm just a little partial to Quercus suber myself, in my way of thinking you can not start on one early enough,as they are forgiving and fast growing trees.

Thanks everyone for the great advice.