I can’t count the number of times that I have initiated a conversation about bonsai, and somehow it turns to a conversation about that one guy, Mr. Miyagi, in the Karate Kid movies. You remember how he had that little bonsai tree? Well, I remember, but that’s not what I’m here to talk about today. I want to discuss a bit about what you might do if you want to take up the same hobby as Mr. Miyagi.

The main thing you should know first is that some bonsai trees are better for novices and some are suited for experts. If you are starting out, consider a tree that is more tolerant of your mistakes. And there will be mistakes. I understand this narrows down the selection some, but it’s very smart to take on only what you can handle.

Today, I will specifically talk about the ficus bonsai because it is especially well suited to beginners because of the reasons I stated previously. Although ficus only grow in humid or temperate areas, which most of the United States is not, they can still thrive indoors no matter where you give them a home. It’s no task to find one, but just be sure that whoever you buy it from has raised it well.

Personally, ficus bonsai are my favorite because they meet the beginner requirements I just outlined. They won’t punish you if you take a little bit of time to get a watering schedule down to near perfect. They can go a little dry if you forget a time or two.

It’s easy to let the roots sit in too much water, but if you do this they will rot. Thankfully, ficus won’t just wither away after a few watering errors. They will allow you to get into your groove. You’ll love this about ficus after you realize that it’s more difficult than you thought to care for it.

Neither should you fear unnecessarily if you have made a mistake as you were cutting some growth off. If you are giving it what it needs in the way of water and sunlight, your tree should grow back pretty fast and cover your mistake. The mistakes will come often in those early months, so be glad it grows back.

And finally, if for some reason you can’t put the tree in the ideal south west facing window, don’t’ worry because it will live. Now don’t get me wrong, I advocate letting the ficus have all the sun it needs, but I also understand that not everybody can. If you give it a decent amount, you should be ok.

Ficus bonsai are delightful trees that will make a hobbyist out of anyone who purchases one. Again, give it water when it needs it, let it have plenty of sunlight, and it will reward you with excellent growth.

Tags: beginner bonsai, bonsai ficus, bonsai ficus retusa, bonsai garden, ficus bonsai, ficus tree, gardening

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