Bonsai Beginners: 5 Things to consider FIRST

[@danielleeskelton]

For me art is subjective. What I like, someone else might not and vice versa, so I don't worry what anyone else might like. I do my trees for my own enjoyment and wellbeing and that's all that matters to me.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I can't argue with that - it is fun to see what othe rpeople do but ultimately it's what we do aand like that matters most :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

Those little plastic animals always make me extra-smiling 😃😘 Nice little forest. Thanks for sharing, Xavier. 👍 Cheers 🙋‍♀️

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

You just can't take the animal out of me Martina :)

[@oachkatzlsmum]

@ I would never want to 😊😘

[@markjagger7139]

I’ve always said as long as I like something that’s all that counts, great forest planting and advice, thank you once again

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That sums it up perfectly Mark. We can enjoy other people and their trees but ultimately it's what we love that matters most :)

[@DavesBonsai]

Great video Xav! Great tips. Thanks for the shout-out. Can't wait to collaborate with you during the Expo.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Just get some of the other creators shouting out for you as well and enthusiasm should swell :)

[@andrewbeattie5245]

Love your comment @ 26:52 'Ficus....they grow like trees' Great points to remember when looking for new material.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

But I think we all agree the legs were the winner this week :)

[@andrewbeattie5245]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat could have done with a couple of wraps of vet tape 😂

[@JaniLaaksonen91]

"It's a long time since I've walked around in nature". Reminds me of the comment in your ear bud commercial video "mommy there's a weird man in the bush talking by himself" or something along those lines😂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Now that was a funny moment when it happened :)

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great video Xavier your a fountain of knowledge mate 👊👊

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

More like a trickle of knowledge amongst a river of mud :)

[@Bonsaicrazy]

@ 😂

[@luigiluigi2098]

Ficus seem to thicken and grow amazingly well on my kitchen windowsill. Must be all that hot pasta being drained creating a steamy tropical environment 😅 Sadly nothing else of mine grows amazingly well. I'll send the photos of my Larch which I got the other year when you ordered your barerooted from three pigs. I must admit to missing the videos where you followed up on them. Amazing videos Xavier - God Bless you sir!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

A lot of my short follow up stuff tended to be in my Bonsai for Breakfast series. We will look at them this year I am sure - nothing to shout out about yet...everything takes time :)

[@TOMSAI]

Thx for showing us your great 5 Tips . and the Little Forrest looks really nice. Good Job Xav. Cheers

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks Tom - nothing revolutionary but something to consider.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Good topic mate!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Jelle - it gave me something different to do with the Ficus this year :)

[@Donpapibonsai]

Great video Xav The Forrest looks good

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I think it will develop into something really special in a few more years :)

[@Darkfire1300]

I have a bunch of "practice" trees that are sadly lacking in bonsai potential, but they let me try things out that might be devastating to better stock. And one or two of them actually entered into the bonsai path, probably not from my help but because I accidentally did something right in my practice!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

I definitely know that feeling :)

[@a.k.h.channel]

Nice program bonsai thank you for sharing good luck Mr

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thank you for taking the time to drop in :)

[@maryweber4176]

I very much like your ficus forest.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Thanks - it will take a bit of time but I am quietly hopeful :)

[@derekgillan7314]

An overlooked plant for Bonsai is the Jade tree or money plant. That is for indoor use. Latin name Crassula Ovata.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

My Jades are doing very nicely at the moment - especially with the superthrive :)

[@derekgillan7314]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat 😄Also have a look for rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi available in garden centers.

[@KennetDeBondt]

That´s a nice composition Xav, and interestings advice. Thx for the shoutout! Grts Kennet

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Whenever I use the term 'interesting'...it normally means I don't agree :)

[@KennetDeBondt]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat Well, I do...

[@BenshobbyStuff]

cracking video mate.. very educational... youre like me lol i have a hundred ficus cuttings too :) same with elm.. they are so easy to propagate... ill send you some pics of my acer as its had a trim. buds are popping on all my trees 2 months early

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Mine are starting to swell but we have a 7 day cold snap coming up here :)

[@BenshobbyStuff]

@@XaviersBonsaiRetreat not sure here in south wales mate. they are in an unheated greenhouse so should be a bit safer than outside. weather is bloody lovely here atm, swear it was spring!! my friend has daffs in bloom in his garden its been so mild mate

[@jjj7665]

I like the video, you put your plants in the ground do you leave them out in the winter.

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Anything planted in the gorund happily stays out through winter. They have established strong roots and can happily survive our mild winters :)

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Cheers Bruce

[@Darkfire1300]

As usual really great information! But I didn't resist a "general" bonsai comment. Sorry, it's just me, my "pet peeve in bonsai, I know. I'm aware that the phrase "movement" is a term used by many bonsai aficionados but in my probably "not so humble" opinion, it is more accurate to say "directional changes" in the trunk or branches. Trees rarely "move" that is change position or location, except in the wind, but the parts of a tree certainly make directional changes, that is shifting from one direction to another, because of environment...not enough sun, branches torn off because of snow load, pruning, potting angle, etc. There, I said it! Got it off my "pruners". I appreciate you tolerating my maunderings!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

How can I argue with a lawyer :)