new trees for Bonsai as a beginner - need your advice and help

Hi All,

I am fascinated by all your works on this Internet Bonsai Club. Want to learn from the masters around the world.

I am from Chennai, India, started to read and view information about Bonsai. Recently, I bought these trees from a nursery.

1. Ixora (red flower) - 7 years.
2. Juniper - (no idea about age)
3. Ficus Benjamina
4. Bilva sapling (I want to make this a bonsai).

Need your advice on how to start with these.

a. what is required to make their nebari bigger?
b. Good growth with styling,
c. please suggest me on Juniper styling for my plant.
d. need to know how to make bonsai from saplings, what are the steps need to be followed for saplings.

For bonsai mix, can i use vermi compost?

Juniper
my plants
ixora
Maha Bilva
Ficus Benjamina

regards,
Jai

The only advise I can give you is to start reading books like "Bonsai" by Harry Tomlinson to get you started and give you a general idea about maintenance and styling.
Also, websites like Bonsai4Me has lots and lots of info you are looking for

It is difficult to teach bonsai through haphazard Internet postings. As suggested, look for books oon the subject. Also, look for a bonsai club or association in your area. Bonsai Clubs International used to have a world-wide directory of clubs available to all, but it seems to have vanished.

Maybe http://www.bonsai-in-asia.com/ can help. Click on the map of India. I have no idea how well this is kept up to date.

Although I agree with the others that some book research and looking for a local club is a great idea, I'll take a stab at replying to thed specific questions.

Juniper is a classic bonsai subject. I have found Ficus Benjamina to be quite forgiving species for the novice, although not all agree. And due to the larger leaves, it will likely never make great bonsai and is more suited to being a houseplant in my region. The other two species I cannot speak to, but the search function on this site is a good resource.

The best way to get from the sapling stage to something that may be interesting as Bonsai is to plant it in the ground for a few years to fatten up, trimming the roots every year or so with a shovel to keep them in check. Some plant their "potensai" over tiles to help devlop pleasing neberi. Other methods of neberi development depending on the specific tree include putting a tight ring of wire (cutting in a little bit) around the envisioned base of the tree with some rooting hormone. Or even putting a cd or dvd around the base of the trunk so that new roots grow over the top of the disc once the tree begins to girdle itself. These methods are not without risk, but seem easier to me than the advanced root grafting techniques.

I use vermi-compost as an amendment to my soil. I mix a little bit in (5%) and then periodically add vermi compost tea as a fertilizer or just sprinkle some more on top occasionally. However you want your soil to breath, with space for air to get in and out, and to be stable over time. You'll want to use mostly grit, large grained sand and porous but fired clay crumbles, or a combination thereof to provide the right structure.

good luck and have fun,
David

I know that BCI president Rob Kempinski has visited India and done Bonsai programs there; we have also had Bonsai artists from India visit our club in Florida. I also know that is a Bonsai Conference planned in India this year. I will see if I can find the brochure I was given, but if Rob sees this he can fill in all the blanks.