There is no doubt that these small trees are, to say the least, very curious. They attract a lot of attention, since they remind us of landscapes of nature. And, who doesn’t want to enjoy a corner of the forest at home? Mastering the bonsai technique, however, takes time, as one of the virtues that must be had if we want to enter this world is patience. It is necessary to identify and respect the cycles of the tree to know when it is time to carry out the different jobs.
Fortunately, there are species that will make it much easier for us. Let’s see which are the best bonsai for beginners.
Selection of the best bonsai for beginners
Caring for a bonsai does not have to be complicated, but if we choose very demanding species it will undoubtedly be, since we will have to be very aware of the plant, how the climate affects it, and take measures so that it is well. That is why it is highly recommended, especially if you do not have much experience, to start with trees that are resistant, like the ones that we have ordered from least to greatest difficulty:
Native plant species
The species of plants, and specifically, of trees and shrubs typical of the area where you live are ideal for beginners. As they are used to the weather conditions, you will not have to worry about whether they are cold or hot.
In fact, the only thing you will have to think about is where you are going to put them, and of course in watering them, fertilizing them and pruning them whenever necessary.
Some examples of bonsai of native plants of Mediterranean Spain would be these:
Ficus
Those of the genus Ficus are one of the most recommended. They are fast growing, but easily controllable. In addition, they tolerate pruning very well, and heal wounds with hardly any trace (over time, of course).
The only drawback is that most are of tropical and / or subtropical origin, thus preferring mild climates to live, free of frost. For this same reason, they should be transplanted almost at the beginning of summer, especially if the weather conditions are not very favorable.
Elms
What to say about the elms? Both those of the Ulmus genus and the Zelkova seem to be made for those people who are taking their first steps in this world. Fast growing, they are not demanding at all, as long as they are properly subscribed. By the way, did you know that if you grow them in a strainer for one or two seasons, you will get them to thicken the trunk in an incredible way? Yes, yes, take the test and you will see. You just have to keep in mind that you must use a very porous substrate so that the roots are very well oxygenated and can absorb the fertilizer that will be used for growth.
Unlike Ficus, elms need to be cold (with temperatures below 0 degrees) to be able to develop without difficulty.
Maples
Maple trees are deciduous trees that have been worked as bonsai since the origin of this art. They tolerate pruning very well, and since there are many that have small leaves and a beautiful trunk, it is easy to give them an appropriate style.
But unlike Ficus for example, they need to live in an area where the climate is temperate, and where there is frost in winter. Furthermore, as a substrate, 70% akadama must be mixed with 30% kiryuzuna, although it is preferable to substitute kiryuzuna for kanuma.
