The 50 Dollar Bonsai Challenge, Part 2, The Bonsai Zone, July 2022

Carlos from "Bonsai- YEAH" has challenged me to make the best bonsai for 50 dollars that I can!!
After purchasing a tree and a pot, the work begins! See who I challenge next!!!
The tree is a Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa)
Check out Marysol's channel "Frost Bite Bonsai" here....
/ @frostbitebonsai
See the challenge video here....
• $50 DIY #BonsaiChallen...
Check out "Bonsai- YEAH" here and see Carlos in action.....
/ bonsaiyeah
#TheBonsaiZone
#BonsaiChallenge

[@carlosrichard6921]

I called my mom and she was wondering why I was crying! What a find, what a great bonsai! #BonsaiChallenge

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks for being a good sport, I hope I get some trash talk on the next challenge!!! I'm hoping the challenge spreads to all the bonsai channels, thanks for starting this Carlos!!!

[@anniebananie444]

Happy Birthday Nigel! long time subscriber, first time commenting. I learn so much about trees watching Bonsai Zone, thank you for consistent excellent content, value the time you invest into cultivating such beautiful specimens on your lovely property.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Lucy, lots more videos coming!!!

[@BlueJayBonsai]

Wow, amazing job regardless of the price tag! Pot and tree combo are perfect too!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Jay!! I seem to still be gaining trees somehow!!!

[@ruizhiqiu2109]

Happy 60th Birthday Nigel. Wishing you health, happiness and many, many more years of finding and spreading joy through bonsai!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you so much Rui!!

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

This Ming was in the hands of the master. Pruning did the tree justice. Pot and tree. Cool!

[@michaelmott7402]

Wow proving a challenge for 50 Canadian. Picking up a wonderful tree matching it to a nice pot and then trimming it into a spectacular tree. Only you Nigel in a short time could do this along with Peter Chan. Hopefully you had a wonderful birthday 🎂 and not to much lemon aide 🤣. Keep up the great work and as long as you make video’s I will be watching them and learning from you.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

That is a nice Ming Aralia and for a great price. Nice repot.

[@AndreasR.95]

This tree already looks ancient!! so cool love it!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Andreas!!

[@scotthogbin613]

Great find and sooo much potential, look forward to seeing updates on this tree in future episode's Nigel. Thankyou🤗

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Scott!!!

[@skrounst]

Thanks for the inspiration Nigel! Gone from 3 trees to about 30 in the past two years after finding your channel. Gonna be 31 in a couple days when my Aralia comes in 😂

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Nice to hear, bonsai can be addictive I think!!

[@skrounst]

@@TheBonsaiZone Absolutely it is. Our monkey brains feel rewarded after seeing the outcome of our work on a tree. So, if one tree's results makes us feel happy, then 30 trees should make us feel happier. and 277 trees makes us the happiest. (Yeah I saw that video of yours too 😂)

[@nickybeingnicky]

I found Heron's "Bonsai for free" video last year... the addiction set in pretty quick as I scoured my relatives yards to rescue all the baby trees. Then Nigel here just had to convince me I needed a ficus... 💜 love this hobby. Love the people. Love the peace of it.

[@luisw3406]

I'm thinking of doing the same this up coming birthday weekend for myself too. A Fifty dollar challenge 👍

[@sbragaglia]

Thank you, Nigel! Very nice video, not only for the challenge per se but also because it shows how to overcome the little problems we face when we get a new tree!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Stefano, at least the roots were quite good on this tree!!

[@tlo3olt]

25:21 feels like the best front in my opinion :D love this challenge idea

[@MACHINEHEAD333]

i agree that angle is really inviting! ^_^

[@toddtanner95]

Agreed! I like that angle better as well.

[@Chris-oq6kn]

Is that 279 trees now! Ha. Happy 60th! Very nice gift and i know those watering cans are not cheap. I tried this last year bought a juniper at lowes for 10$ and a cheap pot and transformed it with some wire into something i really like. It was my first store bought nursery stock. I think everyone should give it a go !

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Awesome Chris that's how we learn!!

[@armenarakelyan7550]

LOL Nigel is in a full on Savage mode 🤣

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Lol!!

[@thebonsaiarea]

cheers Nigel beautiful watering can

[@marysoldeeley2218]

Ah HaaaAAAaaa!!! I will take this challenge! This is amazing! Yours looks absolutely fantastic! What a cool find! Now I get what all the hubbub is about. On Saturday is when I go to the city, I will put an empty memory card in my phone so I can film! OooOOOoooo How exciting! Thank you so very much Nigel! Also note, it take a day or 2 for a video to upload here.🥰 I'm currently getting my Canada day weekend videos up. Lets do this!😁

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Awesome, I hope you enjoy the challenge as much as I did! Be sure to add some trash talk too!!!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

@@TheBonsaiZone I will, Canadian trash talk! I apologize in advance. Sorry.😅

[@TheBonsaiZone]

@@marysoldeeley2218 Go for it!! Go hard!!

[@wreagin1]

I really appreciate you showing off your Hemlocks. I have one I collected last year that is doing well but I’m clueless how to style it. Great video as always. Cheers

[@fl0yd13]

I think it would look nice in a round pot, the tree looks really good from all angles

[@fl0yd13]

I like the angle at 25:08 the best

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Lloyd, it is really nice from that view!!

[@patsfreund9164]

You did well with this challenge. That Aralia will look great as it grows.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Pat!!!

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Congratulations! Definitely a winner. I love the ming aralia! Great job Nigel.

[@gaeangardensbyizabela]

Bonsai Zone- Yeah! It was cool how you followed your intuition around the nursery and the birdie called you to single one hiding, unreal Ming Aralia. Looks amazing

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The bird was telling me were the good trees were!!! Thanks Izabela!!!

[@littlebonsaicorner]

Happy 60th Birthday Nigel Sir, wish you health, happiness, and all the best things. THANK YOU for making me ❤bonsai!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Super and thanks so much LBC!!!

[@LetsDoBonsai]

Lots of good decisions and big work to the 50 dollar challenge - I have a similar tree at home - feeling inspired

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Scott, awesome!!!

[@Holla.Die.Waldfeee]

yo scott, you taking a bit of a video break? :p or just collecting material :D

[@LetsDoBonsai]

@@Holla.Die.Waldfeee ive got some editing to do then i will be back - i have visitors again which is restricting my time but i will make time

[@williamchong9203]

Blessed Birthday, Nigel. Cheers!

[@zwicknagel]

Happy Birthday Nigel! In japanese bonsai-videos I saw that they drill holes in rice-, ramen- or sake-bowls for mame bonsai pots. thats an awesome way to get cheap and beautiful pots.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great tip Zwicknagel!!

[@dahlmasen3084]

I’m so jealous of that watering can, it’s the most beautiful watering can I’ve seen😍

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is a thing of beauty, thanks to Jay of Blue Jay Bonsai!!

[@anamend9507]

You are so funny!. I enjoy watching your videos all the time.

[@luckytobehere7948]

Definitely a good call on using the soil it came in…I’ve lost a couple of those using bonsai soil(very temperamental species of plant) I hope it’s still alive for you. Happy birthday my guy.

[@tinjoesstation]

Great looking tree Nigel! I’m glad it has a home with you🤠Those Bougainvillea though, great prices on those small and large.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, plenty of reasonably priced tree there, I was tempted to buy an Olive!!

[@tinjoesstation]

@@TheBonsaiZone Olives are nice!

[@baldyeti]

Daggum, that looks good brother! I had to look up Ming Aralia after video 1 to see what you are working with. And boy did you nail it. I figured you would grow a new root plain around those aerial roots, but your call exposing the trunk gives the tree a much more mature look. I’m diggin it, good sir!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Yeti 👍

[@fredgrech1498]

That’s a cool looking tree 👏

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Fred!!

[@murray821]

Nice tree Nigel! All those cuttings could make an instant forest planting 😎

[@bonsairomero]

Happy belated Birthday Nigel! I saw the video on Blue Jay Bonsai channel when they went to The Bonsai Zone to celebrate with you in the middle of your recording! You have great friends! I love the watering can you got; I looked on ebay, and I will have to save my pennies to get one of those! They are amazing! I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the good work!

[@BeTheCREATOR]

Happy Birthday Nigel! ❤ And thanks for sharing this fantastic video!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you my friend!!!

[@thaliahelene]

Your skills are indisputable, but what a lucky find with the Ming Aralia. Exotic and complex, it should sort out into something, all right. Plus those cuttings will have paid for the tree a couple times over at least, eventually. Evidently your ducks are in a row.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, the tree is doing really well!!

[@brandonwaterworth8339]

Definitely has potential!

[@dermo1981]

Happy Birthday Nigel. 🎂 🍻

[@fabriziorovaris64]

Nigel the handle under the can is to hang it upside down so water doesn't stay inside and corrodes it

[@Groglor]

Oh ill check out Mary, im 4 hours from there so similar local trees probably

[@kreativ_corals]

Happy birthday! Also....that Ming thoooo what a find!

[@MixManik]

Nice. As always, so enjoyed watching the shaping process. My inclination would have been to call the right-side/back the front of the tree. I just find it more interesting. But then, if you're looking to the future (very un-zen!), maybe your choice of front is better. Looking forward to seeing your next video of this tree.

[@sonnysome3201]

There is an endless amount of generic bonsai guys on youtube but when you find a fella who has a C-3PO watering can, you know he's a keeper and worth a "subscribe".

[@sonnysome3201]

But seriously, this was awesome, thank you!

[@justimaginebonsai8899]

Happy Birthday Nigel! a big fan of you

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks so much!!!

[@justimaginebonsai8899]

@@TheBonsaiZonesir can I show you some of my bonsai pots

[@sumitra1985]

Wish you a very very happy birthday 🎉🎉

[@alaeelhassouni8890]

Tree, pot AND lemonade under 50 CAD, knowing the original tree costs 50USD=65CAD. I don’t know about you but looks to me like a won challenge 🏆

[@levonbullard]

This is such a great intro for folks to get into bonsai!

[@davidclark5723]

Happy slightly belated birthday Nigel. I’m so jealous of the nurseries and things you have near you. It’s so hard to find descent stuff in the north east of England. Keep up the awesome work.

[@filipegomes1520]

Happy birthday Nigel! Have a Nice day.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Many thanks!

[@nickybeingnicky]

I payed $10 US for a cutting of a ming arelia that had a whopping 3 leaves. Very jealous you found this beauty for a little over double that. Hope you make cuttings

[@DavesBonsai]

Nice work as always Nigel.

[@BonsaiJCan]

Happy birthday Nigel ! Really enjoyed the video, nice job 👍 I've noticed Belgium nursery has been lacking on pre bonsai material this last year or so, hopefully they restock one day.

[@garlanddavidson6845]

Happy birthday Nigel!!!

[@harrietb2141]

It Will look Very nice When start growing👏👏👏👏

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think so too!!

[@matteomarasco8655]

Maaaa i used to have one of those, they are pretty hard to keep alive, i really loved my one, it was pretty big but unfortunately I couldn't keep it alive. Great video my friend

[@ferasi6944]

Carlos' tree is nice - as an accent plant to yours 😉 Happy Birthday, Nigel! I am 2 weeks behind watching yours videos 🤷🏻‍♂️😅

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Lol, good one!! Thanks so much!!

[@ferasi6944]

@@TheBonsaiZone I really like your radish bonsai. Or is it a celery or a hybrid of both? 🤔😁 I hope you do not mind this cheeky comparison! Good growth anyway!!! 🌿😃

[@empret7704]

Happy belated birthday 🎂 ... you did something green today ... enjoy all your presents 🎁

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@anhtruong3645]

Happy late birthday Nigel. Alway leaned something from your video.👍

[@otterwench]

Gorgeous!!! With a trunk that thick, how old do you think the tree is? I've got a jasmine on my wish list to play with. I love having scented flowers in the winter here in Michigan.

[@ph-vf5hx]

Such trees are normally imported and they grow VERY quickly in the tropics. That growth slows a lot once they get into our homes though!

[@imJV]

Seeing Nigel use regular soil blew my mind

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I needed that lemonade!!!Lol!!

[@1cleandude]

Really beautiful Nigel I love it! Do you apply anything to the pruning cuts to promote healing?🙏

[@lougriffiths]

Happy birthday xxxxx

[@eveturner1260]

That's beautiful Nigel ❤👌

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Eve!!!

[@steev927]

Happy birthday Nigel!

[@nopelindoputraperkasa5869]

Coming here, amazing friends, the best videos are great, thank you for sharing this content, success is always greetings from your friends, traditional Indonesian gold seekers ❤️🇨🇦🇲🇨🌷🌺⚒️⛏️✋👍👍👍

[@potreliefbonsaibatu5035]

Halo kawan 🇮🇩 Hi Nigel 👍💚

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks so much!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Halo!!

[@slamrock17]

Very beautiful

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@hiyoristernfunkel]

i love this tree

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Hiyori!!!

[@birgittej5895]

Looks great!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Birgitte!!

[@Andi_M.]

Happy Birthday, Nigel!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Andi!!

[@qltygrl3187]

I love this tree! Thinking about getting one myself. Will you post updates on how this bonsai is doing?

[@KajetanPoraj]

Happy Birthday!!!

[@thinkbonsai]

Very cool Bonsai Nigel. What kind of plant was it? Also what kind of tray is that? The big one that you used to take the soil off. I use a big pizza pan and love it but I wish it was as big as yours lol. Also yes it’s very very hot right now in Texas. Looking forward to the next video!!

[@michaelrudolph7003]

I love using large plastic saucers that are made to go under very large pots. Pretty cheap, I got mine at Lowes.

[@averyprice9422]

Happy Birthday 🎂

[@percy_the_bonsai_dynasty]

belated happy bday nigel.. do you have to go to store to get the materials to do the challenge

[@abhijeetverma1868]

Happy birthday Nigel....

[@filipegomes1520]

Beautiful tree!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Filipe!!

[@deedahl2866]

What an interesting bonsai tree you picked! what is it? Maybe you said at the beginning of the video, but I missed it. BTW I kept hearing the rooster crow in the background on your videos and it sounds just like the ones that I have. LOL

[@jamesn7156]

I see these all the time at the hardware store. The leaves look awesome, but I’m not a fan of how the branches grow so vertically. They do have nice thick trunks. Are they easy to maintain?

[@sanjaybaghla1855]

I am Sanjay Baghla from India. Happy Birthday Sir. 💐. I liked Blue Jay Bonsai & Company surprise Gift. God Bless You Sir. 🙏

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Sanjay!!!

[@AricMcT]

Hi Nigel, great work as always! I started a Scotts Pine project last week and have two questions: Is this the right time of the year to cut one of my twin trunks of? You mostly cut very flush - don't you worry about die back, especially on the thick trunk you cut of in this video? Cheers and thanks for all the bonsai education! Edit: Happy Birthday!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is best to do major branch work in early winter when the tree is dormant. The tree then has all winter to seal off the cut before growing in spring. Thanks!!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

These trees heal very quickly and I will be putting some wood glue on the cuts!

[@AricMcT]

@@TheBonsaiZone ​ Thank you!

[@christiandelacruz2944]

Happy birthday 🎉🎂

[@narvinable]

Personally thinking. The tree was awesone before. The tree looked more realistic. Good job tho

[@SamDoeckeAussiebonsaibloke]

Nice one Nigel

[@MaybeBonsai]

The tree looks really good Nigel, your budget should have been higher since 50 USD is like 70 Canadian haha

[@LetsDoBonsai]

I thought that also -

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Carlos said I could go higher with the exchange rate, but I didn't need to for this one!!

[@harrietb2141]

Happy birthday🎂🥳💐🌹🌸🌷🍷

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks so much!!!

[@dzrrdz6834]

Happy belated birthday 🎂

[@Mannymoe7]

I like the right side as the front!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It's nicer up top, but the trunk gets skinny down below, I'll keep it in mind for the future!!!

[@TitanUranusOfficial]

KZbin unsubbed me and I didn't realize until I saw the title of Maybe Bonsai's video of a few hours ago... Resubbed and rang the bell, glad to be back!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Good to have you back!!!

[@graffic13]

Lolz I vote Nigel trades in his rooster for a little serama rooster🤣🤣🤣

[@louisecolombi6630]

very nice looking bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I can't wait to see it in the future!!

[@youngwillie9502]

"Hello. I am C-Tree-P-O Human/Bonsai relations. I am fluid with over 10 possible spout settings..." "Shut up Tree-P-O!" "My apologies Master Nigel."

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Best comment ever!!!

[@ph-vf5hx]

Very nice One cool thing about these plants is that they tolerate shade well! Not demanding

[@aaryansetia9093]

Carlos is still crying to his mame!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Lol!!!

[@margaretmiller4899]

Happy Birthday!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Margaret!!!

[@robcottam2]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIGEL

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Rob!!

[@indianphilatelist2851]

Happy birthday nigel

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you so much!!

[@AshokKumar-sq6jx]

Thank you so much for Repli sir Best Regards . Ashok kumar

[@spidermark6722]

It looks better before than after pruning

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It will fill back in and look even better in the future, that is the what happens with clip and grow!

[@stuartrose7628]

Thats an unusual tree Nigel almost prehistoric, any idea what species it is?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is Polyscias fruticosa or commonly known as the Ming Aralia!

[@Crootcovitz]

Before pruning the plant looked like a forest on a tall, thin mountain or an overgrown skyscraper to me. Am I the only one?