Beginners - Bonsai Sanctum

Bonsai trees are beautiful and always stylish to put in the home. However, getting a healthy one that won't require much effort to maintain is not that easy. Often, the bonsai trees you come across for sale are not in good condition. If you are worried about getting ripped off when buying a bonsai tree then this is the guide for you. We will go over how to spot a healthy bonsai tree and things to avoid. Things to Look for When Buying a Bonsai Tree When buying a Bonsai tree, there are some things you need to observe to avoid being cheated. These five vital things listed below are not to be neglected or your new bonsai tree might be short-lived. 1) Go For Healthy Foliage From the foliage, you can identify if a Bonsai tree has been infected with a pest or disease. If the foliage looks weak and thin, it's probably unhealthy. Study it closely and be on the lookout for discolored spots, ragged leaves, or bugs. If you see something that doesn't look right, ask about it. If they don't have a good answer, move on. 2) Check for Proportion Any bonsai tree you decide on should have all-around good proportions. Look at the balance of leaves, flowers, fruits, and the scale with the overall body. If it is a smaller bonsai tree, then large leaves are not a good fit. This also applies to other parts of the tree that can affect symmetry. Some techniques change the precise proportion, but it will take time and effort, so buy a rightly proportioned plan instead. 3) Look at the Bonsai Trunk A trunk should never be thinner than the branches. There are a few rare species that it's very uncommon, and you likely won't be coming across them. Make sure your bonsai tree has a thicker base that tapers as it nears the top. Don't waste your money on anything less than an upright trunk with a slim top and broad bottom. 4) Consider the Nebari The Nebari is the surface of the roots. They should come out of the trunk base and spread out as the above-ground part of the root. Nebari is very important to the tree's overall look, and they help detect poor root structure. This is crucial to look for in a bonsai because it is hard and a long process to correct. Where Should I Buy a Bonsai Tree? Buying a Bonsai Tree in Person Buying a bonsai tree in person is a great idea because you will be able to see the actual tree that you are purchasing. You will also be able to see the overall condition of the inventory and this will help you to assess the general quality and health of the bonsai tree stock as a whole. Buying a Bonsai Tree Online Buying a bonsai tree online can get tricky but you can usually go by reputation and reviews. One of the issues is that online bonsai tree stores generally have stock photos of the trees for sale, meaning you don't get the actual tree in the photo but you get one similar. The only exception is when you buy trees labeled as specimens, and even then you should read the fine print. BrusselsBonsai.com is a good online source for bonsai trees. They have been around a while and have very good reviews. 5) Look for a Bonsai Tree in Good Health This may seem obvious but it is also essential to look out for. An unhealthy plant can cost a lot of money to maintain and might eventually be impossible to keep alive. Extra care should be taken when choosing a bonsai tree to avoid taking a sickly one, even though it may look robust. We will go over what to look for to make sure the tree is in good health below. Signs of a Healthy Bonsai Tree Having seen what to look out for when buying a bonsai tree, it is important to identify what makes a tree healthy or not. Even Branch Distribution Not all bonsai tree sellers will tell you why some trees have more branches at an angle than others. However, it is a fundamental factor to consider for a healthy bonsai plant. If it has a regular amount of branches, it is a good pick. Surface Roots The Nebari, as earlier stated, is the surface roots of a tree that contribute to the wellness of the tree. The roots should not be seen, but the surface roots should be well distributed around the base of the trunk. Bright Green Leaves Not all leaves will be given a pass mark for a healthy tree. For instance, yellowish-looking leaves are signs of disease or pest and should be avoided. If it is not bright green, then keep them out of your home. Strong and Smooth Trunk If you observe wire scars on your trunk, it should be a red flag and a sign to pick another bonsai tree. A healthy tree has a solid-looking trunk with a smooth surface that is thick at the base and slender at the upper part. Signs of a Sick Bonsai Tree Discolored Leaves Leaves With Rough Edges When you touch the tree's leaves and feel rough edges, or you observe some irregular spots in the body, it is not a smart move to buy it. Weak Branches The branches should not look or feel weak or appear too flimsy or sagging. It is an indication that the tree was grown too fast and won't last long term. Weak Roots Whether you are buying the Bonsai plant with the pot or not, try to move it to see if the root is firmly in the soul. It is not; it might be weak or not well planted, which could cause some avoidable problem. Protruding Roots The only type of roots that should be seen above the solid is the Nebari. If it is not the surface roots, then any protruding roots is a hint to go for another tree as it can result in lots of work to achieve a healthy tree. We cover this in great detail in this article. If you have a bonsai in mind or want to make sure that it's in good health, then check it out. How Much Should I Pay For a Bonsai? Bonsai trees can be very expensive. This is because they take so long to grow and take a lot of care and maintenance. The price usually comes down to the quality of the bonsai tree. This is based on health and aesthetics. The older bonsai trees get, the more beautiful and majestic they become. For a smaller bonsai tree 3-5 years old, you can expect to pay between $35 and $55. Prices go up pretty substantially after that. Expect to pay from $70.00 to $120.00 on average for a good bonsai tree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYRmHjA1HiA Why Are Bonsai Trees So Expensive? Conclusion We hope this guide helps you in picking a good bonsai tree and avoid being ripped off. Even after the purchase, the Bonsai tree requires a lot of consistent maintenance to uphold a beautiful look and add radiance to your home. It may not always be easy but it will be very gratifying.