thebonsaiguy wrote: Outdoors

I am in mid-eastern Florida (There are no bonsai shops nearby; however, there is a nursery nearby)

I'd try and find a native tree.

You asked what you should look for - and this is one of the frequently asked questions (but this forum doesn't have a FAQ )
Rather than repeating the same reply, I'd like to point you to a site that lists the characteristics that you are looking for. There are more sites about this subject, try Googling '

What to Look For . . .

After you've read that:
Why I think the white pines you selected are not so suitable (other than 'unusable' seems the trees are smaller than I thought yesterday, so I changed my mind):



- proportionately heavy trunk
The trunk is long and thin and not 'heavy'

- Taper
The trunk is long and straight without any tapering

- Proportion
The tree has not been trained. The needles are very long

- Nebari (surface roots)
We can't see them... so we can't tell if they are any good

- First Branch
The first branch is too high on the tree. Branches are far apart. If the first branch is at the first 1/3rd of the future branches - that leaves us with no possibilities for a 2nd branch. Cutting the tree off above the first branch also leaves us with no possibilities.

Do note that pines will not grow new branches, there where there is no foliage left (this is not completely true; you get them to bud back but it's hard and difficult)

- Lots of Branches
That actually means lots of USABLE branches. They should be not too far apart, so we can choose.

- Foliage
Not on the site I referred too, but you need to have foliage (needles) on the branches, that is close to the trunk.
Where there are no needles, no secondary branches will grow (or it will be difficult).

Compare this with the example I posted, which has a fatter trunk, is far more compact and has better features.
It will be far more expensive though (I think the price for the pines you selected isn't that bad).

Also:
I do not think white pines are good plants for starters. Pines are not easy, especially white pines. They require specific techniques (and even different types of pines require different techniques). White pines are often grafted onto stronger species (like black pine). I have both, all 2 year old seedlings. The black pines are doing fine. The white pines probably all died... (waiting for spring to see if there's any life left in 'm).

I would not recommend them; better choose something that does well in your climate.

OK, but should I still plant it in bonsai soil?

You should immediately repot, wire the complete tree, bend and shape it and prune as much as possible - if you want to kill your plant as soon as possible.

First learn the basics. Bonsai takes time.

thebonsaiguy wrote: I am in mid-eastern Florida (There are no bonsai shops nearby; however, there is a nursery nearby

Well, that statement is no accurate enough. Actually, there are quite a few bonsai nurseries in Florida... I think I counted around 14 of them... Look at it and knock yourself out

Florida Bonsai Nurseries

Alain

Ok, so I think I may stray away from the pines to start off with. How are junipers as begginner bonsai? I hear they work well as beginner bonsai. Also, is there a place I can learn all the basics? Like a training course or something? Something that will tell me when to repot, use bonsai soil, when to train, etc?

alainleon1983 wrote:

thebonsaiguy wrote: I am in mid-eastern Florida (There are no bonsai shops nearby; however, there is a nursery nearby

Well, that statement is no accurate enough. Actually, there are quite a few bonsai nurseries in Florida... I think I counted around 14 of them... Look at it and knock yourself out

Florida Bonsai Nurseries

Alain

Thanks for that, I'll look into that

To make a long story short, yes Junipers make good Bonsai. They respond well to most/all Bonsai techniques and they are (relatively) easy to care for.

www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/juniper

The best way to learn is to join a Bonsai club; they're full of experienced and beginner enthusiasts who will know a lot about keeping Bonsai in your local area. Alternatively/additionally, you could learn online (this is especially good for learning specialist techniques that the members of your club may not know about).

www.bonsaiempire.com/origin/bonsai-clubs/us#flo

Ed

Ok, so, when it comes time to use bonsai soil, would this be suitable? This would be for a Juniper. Click me

thebonsaiguy wrote: Ok, so, when it comes time to use bonsai soil, would this be suitable? This would be for a Juniper. Click me

Ingredients: 40% Pumice, 40% BonsaiBlock(calcined clay), 20% Pine Bark Fines. All 1/4 Inch.

I think so. Isn't it a bit expensive?

Maybe, I've just been browsing a bit. I'll look to see if I see anything cheaper with similar ingredients.

Since (apparently :lol: ) I still need to learn the basic, I was wondering if the eBook sold by Bonsai Empire would contain the essential information I need to know?

thebonsaiguy wrote: I still need to learn the basic, I was wondering if the eBook sold by Bonsai Empire would contain the essential information I need to know?

Yes, I believe this site´s eBook may help you getting started. It is a good book when you are starting this art and know nothing about it. Of course, once you have undestood the basics and feel you can transition to the next level, then new books would come up handy. (This by no means exclude forums, blogs, articles, bonsai clubs, hands on practice, etc. experience).

Alain

Ok, so I got the book, but it doesn't really explain when you are supposed to start wiring or plant it in a bonsai pot. It implies that you are supposed to prune, wire, and repot all at once. It doesn't explain what size pot to use or how to choose a tree either. :dry: