What is the Easiest Bonsai for a Beginner?

[@daphnegraham8604]

Shows how genuine Mr Chan is. There's washing on the radiator. Love this man!

[@jamesa7506]

Haha! Peter looks like one of Santa's retired gangsta elfs. He used to be in the "collection and enforcement" division but now just collects bonsai and encourages others to do the same! 😂 Well done Mr Chan, another fine video, merry Christmas!

[@bjornlennartson]

I have bad hearing and tinitus, and i swear i heard Peter say Chinese Elf, but i guess he was talking about the Chinese Elm..

[@saedm2359]

@@bjornlennartson get well soon, that tinitus is a bitch!

[@shanegoulty31]

That is bang on lol 😆 had a chuckle at that fp

[@bjornlennartson]

@@saedm2359 thank you🙏

[@YunaOnHome]

Your gangstas have unusual dress style for baddies and look rather cute and maybe it’s just cold for them too.

[@DavidMFChapman]

I have kept a ficus alive since 1977, about 45 years, but I never styled it as a bonsai until recently. It’s essentially an indoor tree, but I keep it outside in summer. I have potted up volunteer maples, mountain ash, and summersweet, all of which live outside in pots. I live in Atlantic Canada, with long periods of sub-freezing temperatures.

[@peaches8540]

I really appreciate the Canada mention in the weather section for outdoor trees! -30 is a pretty regular winter temp lol

[@andreasweber1533]

I started into bonsai with cuttings off a Ficus benjamina houseplant my mother had, because that was available. F. benjamina may not be ideal, but it worked for me. Generally ficus is the easiest recommendation for indoor care, as it can do pretty well with the reduced light levels there (being an understory plant in the jungle). Portulacaria afra, the elephant bush, would be another plant that can be kept warm continuously, but is much more light-hungry. (Edit: avoid the grafted ficus styles though, like the "ginseng" and what's sometimes called "IKEA style" with the braided trunk, if you want to grow actual bonsai. You can take the foliage off a cheap "ginseng" for cuttings if you can't find better starter plants.) Outdoors I'd recommend to look at whatever is used for hedging in your area, as those plants have the same requirements as beginner bonsai (hard to kill, cheap and easy to get, react to pruning with dense, twiggy growth, small leaves etc). Here in Germany top of the list would be privet, other nice options being hornbeam, field maple, yew, firethorn and a few more. Privet also roots from thick cuttings (as does ficus).

[@peterchan3100]

Good advice my friend.

[@Stettafire]

Very good advice. We have a field privte where I live but also lots of maple and holly trees growing locally :)

[@OoavastoO]

I was told that a boxwood makes a good outdoors bonsai, especially for beginners. Is this consistent with your experience/knowledge? As someone who is new and interested in getting into bonsai, I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I'm thinking it would be a good starter for me as it seems to be fairly hearty and will hold up well to the climate here in eastern Canada. I also have several planted in my front yard so, free is good too! 😉

[@andreasweber1533]

@@OoavastoO There are several things here: First of all, if you can get a rather mature plant for cheap or free, take it - unless you're really sure it won't work. I have no personal experience with box, but the only point against it that I've heard is that it grows rather slowly (which is less of a problem if you start with an established plant). Else just avoid styling it in any way that would remind of topiary, as that association obviously is close with box. So no dense ball of foliage, keep it open and show the branch structure, but don't make a stick with pom-poms, either. ;-)

[@tie-dye-cacti]

I would add that for outdoor bonsai, if you're looking at local hedging plants, make sure they aren't an invasive species, as there's usually invasives available. It should also be hardy to a colder zone than you live, as the roots aren't buried with the ground to keep them warm.

[@robbybobby6483]

Easy is true. I bought my first bonsai 30 years ago. It was a ficus. It is still healthy and alive.

[@PercyWarX]

I'm new to bonsai, still getting all my stuff ready. I'm from South Africa and I not close to any nurseries and love watching these videos to educate me and I Think Bonsai is a great hobby to start with, I'm probably going make lots of mistakes in the beginning, but that's how I'm going to learn, just wished I have started earlier with it.

[@BennyBigIron]

I always enjoy taking a walk through your garden with you Peter. Thanks for the tips!

[@paularndt6111]

I really wish you had a distributor in the US Peter. You have such a wonderful variety of beautiful bonsai. I am very thankful for all you share in your videos . 😃

[@yoteslaya7296]

where do you live in the usa? Usually there are bonsai nurseries in every state

[@paularndt6111]

Pennsylvania and I have mail ordered from one in New York. I would like to see and pick bonsia in person. If you know of somewhere in my area that I may have missed would love to know.

[@yoteslaya7296]

@@paularndt6111 ya I know the feeling i have to see a bonsai before i buy it. Buying online is a gamble

[@tonygram5414]

I’m in Pennsylvania too pike county. Nothing here!

[@tonygram5414]

@@paularndt6111 I’m in pike county I only know of one in NY Pomona . Still far away.

[@heathbrockway9040]

I always enjoy listening while working on my plants and trees. Thank you

[@amarmanocha]

Without your relaxing videos my day is not complete.

[@glassblowned]

I love all your videos, there is something comforting about them. I was wondering if you could do a video on Pest Management? Do you treat plants as needed? Or do you have a schedule to follow? Thank you so much for your time and sharing knowledge! :)

[@niko-7417]

I don’t have a bonsai. I just love this dude

[@dmitrimikrioukov5935]

I live in Siberia, Zone 3 (this was Zone 2 a few decades ago), and in winter I just keep the trees on the open balcony. Average winter temperature is - 15. I keep larch and Siberian pine. The Siberian pine is actually a very hardy and very close relative of the subtropical Chinese White pine.

[@malegerski]

Hello, from Utah, USA. I’m a beginner and this has been very helpful.

[@geoffbreen2386]

Wow Peter, each time I watch one of your videos i see more of how professional you are including in running your nursery. Amazed to see the layout, the variety of plants and bonsai equipment. I think we all learn from you when you let us into your world. I'm in North East Queensland, Australia, on the Tropic of Capricorn. It's summer with 30 C days, 25 C nights and humidity above 75% most of the time. As to Ficus, where I live we have about 10 species growing naturally. Those found growing on trees or rocks can produce contorted roots and stems, most grow all year. With the "sandpaper" figs they often drop leaves and are dormant for our winter. They are easy to grow but you have to prune them many times through summer and grow them in deep pots. Over time you can gradually expose more roots at re-potting. A lot of figs I've collected are in forest that has been partially cleared and many are on the ground. The whole forest will go to housing soon, so i feel I'm preserving a few by potting them. The most challenging are those growing in dead trees or trees that have recently split and hit the ground. They are impossible to pot without removing 90% of the roots. These plants I wrap the main roots, bunches of small roots and the base of the stem with coconut palm fibre(directly from my own trees) and I tie them at regular intervals with twine. Each plant is hung in a tree where they get good light, air movement and a daily drink. The roots grow through the palm fibre and twine giving me a hanging fig with established leaves and roots. This way I save space and potting mix and I can work on these plants at any time in the future. It's not technically bonsai. I tend to think of it as plant sculpture. Regards Geoff.

[@peterchan3100]

Your Ficuses must be very interesting. Send pics to me via email - I'd like to see them.

[@drohnenfabrik]

This sounds so interesting.

[@geoffbreen2386]

@@peterchan3100 peter, i'll try to send a few in the next few days. just a bit busy with the heat.

[@seamus6994]

Your right about our cold Temperatures in the U.S.A. But it's a State in the East that holds the nations record, New Hampshire. -108 F, which is -77.77 C. And we hold the world record for heat at Furnace Creek Death Valley California, at 134 F, which is 56.66 C. The first Bonsai I ever made/grew was a Juniper. I've made many since. But I'm looking towards a flowering Bonsai now. Maybe an Azalea. Your videos are top notch. And your expertise and the information is awesome!

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Bonus Tuesday 😊 The only tropical/indoor bonsai I have is a Carmona/Fukien tea which lives outside from spring until late autumn then comes into my cool conservatory over winter to avoid frost which will kill it. All my other trees live outside all year round, including several Chinese elms and a couple of Podocarpus/Buddhist pines.

[@peterchan3100]

Have you had the Carmona for long? This can be a tricky one. If you manage to keep it alive for 3 or more years - you are doing well.

[@galvanicmass]

I've just brought mine in for the winter. Good old ficus.

[@Shakudo4385]

Thanks to your lessons, I hoped I have made the right choices, I was tempted to go for Carmona. But as seeing that the indoor bonsai have such degrees of difficulties, I decided on keeping this advice in mind. Ficus, Chinese Elm, and Chinese pepper are the bonsai that I’m trying to see how they adapt and fare in my house. Thank you again. For all the wisdom.

[@Stettafire]

I moved into a house and I'm 99% sure that there is a garden tree in the back I have aquired with the house that is a slightly neglected bonsai. The plant is healthy but everything about the way its grown (in a very shallow pot and with evidence of a lot of pruning) says bonsai to me. I know of bonsai but never tried it myself. So I thought I'd give it a go. Currently just leaving the tree for spring, I don't know what species it is yet. It has this pretty yellow twigs though with bright green leaves and lits of new growth.

[@ianfeagan3980]

Perfect timing Peter!!! I've watched your channel on and off for a couple years and just got a beautiful pot for cheap at a second hand store... Now to get a beginner Bonsai!!! Cheers from Canada!!

[@Pawpawlogan]

In January/February it can get to minus 40 I in Toronto. I wrap my trees in burlap and put them on the ground under the plant bench. Thanks for the video. As for some easy I doors. I have lemon trees I started from seed and a couple olive trees. They are both drought tolerant and hardy.

[@zhengpakho]

Thumbs up to Mr. Chan. This is a really good video for a beginner like me.

[@Alexela03]

In Massachusetts we down to 25 degrees centigrade, I bring my plants in the garage and water them regularly with rain or snow water ❤

[@MidniteSan]

Yeap,. Ficus. Thx for sharing Peter, love the colorful outfit 😁👍.

[@meenaxisanga]

I am just amazed. You are preparing such nice bonsai trees.Your bonsai collection of plants is very nice.and good information thanks

[@blooky102]

Welp, he read my mind in my tree preferences with the ficus being best for indoor and chinese elm for an outdoor bonsai . My fav outside ones are the sycamores and chestnut trees , and the fav conifer I have is the Japanese larch, and my fav indoor are ficus and baobab.

[@frederickdominguez4829]

Thanks always Peter for your knowledge. I live in central California and summer heat is the challenge. I'm still trying to figure out. My success with vitex, olive, pomegranate and juniper works. Pines and maples die by the hoards.

[@justdande2891]

Alberta, Canada here... I've got a bit of success starting bonsai from seed. It got to -50°C this past winter so I'm thinkinf that my tiny seedlings should stay indoors this coming winter 😁 We'll see how it goes... New subscriber to your channel.

[@wendybarclay7908]

Always a pleasure to watch your show

[@mountain-roots]

Just had getting a few bonsai tree from Glen here on big island. What a beautiful hobby

[@alexandercorvenus]

I love working on ficus especially Im in a tropical country. I love your vids Peter.more power!

[@peterchan3100]

I miss the tropical heat - wish I was there now to escape the English winter.

[@shivangnisharma9448]

So happy to see ficus as star of this video, my collection consists of these mainly though here in India they are definitely outdoor plants, your Christmasy outfit added to the charm. Meet Xmas 🎄 🤶 in advance

[@robertandrzejewski1867]

Jesteś mistrzem a ja tylko próbuję Cię naśladować. Czy jednak ujawnianie, że to taka duża, masowa produkcja nie niszczy złudzeń klientów ? Wiesz : jak z tą różą z Małego Księcia :) Co nie zmienia mego podziwu dla Twej sztuki i doświadczenia. Hi from cold Poland. Ogrodnik Pejzażysta Rafał.

[@lf9387]

You are the best! I love your videos and I made a Bonsai with you over Zoom last Christmas.

[@peterchan3100]

Are you in Helsinki ? I did a Zoom workshop for some 40 participants for their Christmas party.

[@svetajanda5046]

Hello, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@koffeekage]

I found an Elm growing in my herbs a maple too. Theyre in their own pots now in the window.

[@scottanthony4714]

Thank you sir . Enjoying your channel 👍👍🍀🍀

[@nailbendert4569]

Where I live it gets down to -24 f which is around -32c. It also gets to 100f in the summer.My best luck is with trees native to my area

[@Aethelvlad]

yeah man the only thing you want to worry about is if the tree sheds a lot. better to get native though in my opinion as well. just clean it thoroughly, wash the roots in water, defoliate and spray the tree with hydrogen peroxide, and sprinkle cinnamon (natural fungicide) and eucalyptus/neem oil (insecticide) when potting. better to pick up where evolution left off in your local area, it's a huge pain in the ass monitoring temps all day every day.

[@JoseArzacSolis]

Peter, I grow my bonsai in Michigan. I leave my bonsai outside for the winter, with no special protection. Over the years I've learned what species survive the cold, so I stick with those only.

[@sunflower9797]

I live in upstate NY and would like to have some outside bonsai. Would you mind sharing what species you grow? I have some Japanese maples seeds to start, and I'm thinking of Alberta spruce which I think should be fine.

[@jonathanzellner906]

This is such an informational video, and I have a lot to learn!!

[@wendychandler8304]

Although I am afraid of neglecting a beautiful little tree, this video has given me hope that perhaps a Juniper would be best to buy; I have a 25 year old tree in my garden. Just to make you laugh - it always wants to be an 8-foot tall 'waterfall' no matter how I pruned it. Thank you for this video.

[@Groglor]

yes in northwestern ontario it gets between -20 to -40 C sometimes in winter. So im always concerned about outdoor varieties.

[@terrreptiles3477]

Your channel is very informative .. very good work. I thank you sir and your team for such fine work. I only wish I lived in the UK to visit the nursery.

[@gorinn_uk7478]

what a nice way to spend a day when your feeling a bit under the weather watching these with a hot soothing drink

[@lucabaldoni8911]

i like the video! I would consider Pines more a tree for an advanced bonsai artist as it takes an higher level of horticulture experience to deal with the various requirements of the care for Pines during the growing season (needle plucking, proper fertilization, candles pinching, de-candling, branch cutting, candle selection) not a thing for a beginner. Possibly putting 1 flush pines in the easier category, but 2 flush pines are for sure to be avoided by absolute beginners...but then again just my opinion and everyone is free to experiment.

[@garywayne9698]

So many beautiful trees!

[@SysterYster]

I have three European elms on my balcony. They differ a lot in size, and they're almost one year old now. :P I hope they can become pretty bonsai in the future. :) They have small leaves, which I like.

[@geraldkarl642]

Thank you Peter, from Costa Rica. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@TheCinemaphobic]

I’m thinking about grabbing one to two Mikawa Yatsubusa maples for my first ever bonsai trees :^) I really enjoy your videos, they’re helping me start to think about bonsai in the “right” way!

[@respectandgrace]

Im definitely a new fan sir. Thank you for your valuable knowledge 🙏 ❤

[@uniqueteagan1660]

Joyous ❤ to find your channel Mr. Chan

[@thomasgaglione4757]

Great advice thanks Peter!

[@tillweber291]

I come from Germany and I love youre videos 😁

[@santoshsharmavlogs1550]

Beautiful collection

[@EJinSkyrim]

Colorado's relatively extreme climate is the reason I'm going to attempt to start some bonsai from local "volunteer" saplings that have popped up in my yard, come February/March. My assumption is that since they're already growing here, they might be able to actually deal with the hot, dry summers, and below-freezing winters. It might work, it might not, but hopefully I'll learn a thing or two. :D I've also got a ficus just hanging out in my room, much happier for the humidity tray and the regular watering. Now I just have to figure out what to do about it producing Really Big Leaves now that my concern isn't as much with making sure it's still alive. (It was neglected for a few years. I'm not sure how it's still kicking.)

[@clwest3538]

I'm in SW OK and have same issues - Ice in winter and desert heat in summer ... I'm wondering if a shade tunnel of some sort would work ? While I need soil to retain moisture in summer - not so much in winter. Learning curve for me too.

[@erniesilva9917]

Would love to visit your place, what a awesome setup you have.

[@MrCoolAttitude]

Would love to see your take on making/growing bonsai in tropical islands.

[@peterchan3100]

Where do you live ?

[@MrCoolAttitude]

@@peterchan3100 I'm originally from Mauritius.

[@phill1074]

Coldest in Canada -40 Celsius. -50 with wind chill easily.

[@jessedwards6432]

I’m in Australia, winters aren’t a problem but our summers are deadly 🥵

[@StevenB-081]

Thank you for such a great video. 8 should of watched this earlier I've just purchased a carmona bonsai as my first bonsai Any useful information for keeping it healthy indoors? Feeding etc I'm based in the UK

[@hagakuretv]

Fun fact: somebody in the neighborhood planted a "ginseng" ficus outdoors in the ground It survived until mid December, I was shocked, because we already had some zero degree Celsius nights in November. Freaking vigorous plants...

[@cbrusharmy]

My first is a 2-1/2" x 2' air layering I took from a red maple trunk. I guess it'll be a "pre-bonsai" for a while.

[@sonichedgehog8723]

I tried ai layering this year and it died. Glad yours worked

[@kinburke3363]

What type of feeding regimen would be necessary in the summer months.Thank you for sharing. Absolutely beautiful trees Sir. 2👍

[@yoteslaya7296]

always fertilize during the growing season. In the usa thats from may to august.

[@inky699]

Lots of very useful videos Peter, thank you for sharing. I am in the UK and have just started my bonsai path, growing oak, sycamore and sweet chestnut from seeds, so the plants are very young, a year old. I've read that these need to be wintered in a greenhouse/cold frame to protect the roots from frost, since frozen roots will kill the plants and pots freeze easily. Should the pots be protected from frost, or will the trees survive if left outside? Thanks

[@peterchan3100]

Native trees are hardy in frost, they should be OK outside in winter.

[@harrynadeau2103]

Sensai, you rock. I would love one of your trees.

[@harrynadeau2103]

I would cherish it.

[@linhlamvinhlong]

Nice plant, thanks for share

[@brookmachatte]

Could you talk about creating bonsai from vines like wisteria? Thank you for all your work.

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Very interesting and informative

[@jn4922]

Im in the uk and i have 3 elm trees iv had them for 4 years now they really didnt like bein in the house after 4 months i put them in garden and they been there ever since there about 18 years old trees is this why they love the outside cause of the age or is it just luck never had problem since apart from needin a trim alot more

[@wandaarnt234]

New subscriber cheers from Pennsylvania 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@987654ok]

Hello, You mentioned you don't have to water maples during winter. They don't need any water at all? We are in Boston and temperature here does go down to -15 C. Sometime during winter I open up my cold frames and I spray fresh powder snow on top of the bonsai, so when the sun melts it they do get some moisture. Do you think it's not needed at all? Thank you so much for your context, Peter - you are great! and I have been watching every single video you make. You are inspiration to many generations of bonsai growers. If possible, can you touch upon mice control in your cold frame, poly - greenhouses? We have had a horrible devastating attack of mice in the last week and they killed at least 30 young Japanese maples and damaged some bigger ones. Best of Holidays to you!

[@peterchan3100]

No that is not what I said - If you keep Maples under cover in Winter - say in a basement, then you need to water. Dont let the soil go dry.

[@yoopermann7942]

thank you for the tips,, it gets to -30F. here in the UPPER PENINSULA of MICHIGAN, U.S.A., and that is not counting the wind chill factor or the snow,, all my outdoor bonsai are put under a layer of straw to cover their roots and i still lose a few every year due to freezing and thawing conditions

[@jeffzutler1747]

You must be one of only a few bonsai enthusiasts in the UP. I went to school at Michigan Tech, and now live in California. Where do you buy your plants? I love the area, by the way, and try to return (in the summer) as often as I can!

[@FavSongs51]

Thank you for a good bonsai information.

[@dansilver8555]

Hi Peter, what potting mix would you recommend for a 2 year old Oak tree? Any suggestions for how to encourage more root growth and fertilizing? Thank you for sharing your passion.

[@BigGriffDog427]

Hi Dan I’m no expert but I do know Oak like a fairly deep pot . Herons sell a good bonsai potting soil online.

[@peterchan3100]

If its a young seedling - any compost is fine. For much older Oaks - bonsai compost is good.

[@sanluis5505]

Great channel. Love your style. Question: what do you know about Mimosa bonsai? I'm trying to grow one. Thanks

[@peterchan3100]

We dont get many mimosas in UK so we dont use this variety at all for bonsai.

[@enlighten_me1912]

Just getting started in Bonsai, great video for noobs like me.

[@nprwikeepa6082]

Merry Xmas Peter love your work

[@Skyhard16]

Thanks for the reassurance !

[@rikvanpaddenburg3495]

Is that a Dracena in the back? Could one bonsai that? And what would be a nice style? Got a bunch of cuttings from a large plant I cut back.

[@travisbouton4056]

My Chinese elm has been outside for a while. It's been 100+ f. And it's glossy and happy. Lives inside winters. ( 68)Ish can get -20 here. Tough little buggers.

[@jonathanduran8669]

If I have a fir tree outside in the winter, how do I know when to stop watering it for the winter?

[@dadrip]

! FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS ! I recently bought a Japanese boxthorn (Serissa Japonica) and it was in a green house when I bought it, but should I grow it indoor or outdoor?

[@peterchan3100]

Indoors

[@dadrip]

@@peterchan3100 yeah it's too hot wear I live, thank you 😊

[@mgoncalves5596]

Thank you for the tips

[@nc474]

Please for us in America, what are good alternatives to what you guys are using for soil? How should i prepare a maple tree in a pot ? What soil? Layer it?

[@peterchan3100]

I am sure there must be bonsai nurseries in USA that sell a good bonsai compost.

[@yoteslaya7296]

you could even use a cactus/succulent mix if you cant find any other alternative

[@agnesdecario]

I have a wisteria plant an Arcadia and a black pine they were planted from seeds are they indoor or outdoor plants and how do I begin to transition them from a little tray into a actual planter for them to grow I’m not sure where to start my black pine is already sprouting buds and I had a wisteria bud but it seems to be dying I would appreciate any advice on the I would appreciate any advice and help on their care thank you

[@mikenco]

Hi Peter. This video shows your vast array of stock, but I don't see any Privet? I have a beautiful example I have been caretaking for a few years now. Do you like Privet?

[@peterchan3100]

Chinese Privet is a difficult species in the West when grown as Indoor bonsai. We use the common privet here in the UK for outdoor bonsai

[@Ollieslife101]

Great video

[@rinkydinkfretboard8737]

0:34 Twice the distance from the middle to the end

[@ainttakenanyshit]

Gotta love your humor? 🙂

[@robertcoskrey9860]

What if I live in an area that gets very hot? Just started with my inside bonsai but it requires to be in a sunny area. Can’t put it outside because the heat might kill it. I keep it in my room where it can get sun and use a heat lamp when sunshine no longer is on it. My room stays fairly warm but not too bad.

[@ericphilippo9940]

hello very thk of you for all

[@Tjikkko]

I would say Bald Cypress You put him on water Basically, you can go on hollydays! Plus they grow fast on water. I do have spruce and japanese black pine. But taxodium ares my easiest ever

[@luciealie]

If I may ask, what about citruses? Have for example kaffir lime is my long time dream. I don't have enough experiences for such (in my country) expensive plant, so I starting from lemon seed. Can I turn it to the bonsai?

[@Imran.A.Official]

What tree would you recommend for United Arab Emirates? It's 9 months hot and 3 months between 16 to 23 C

[@Andrea-xy5tr]

I got a bosni tree and live in Florida when do they start to bloom ?

[@messwithhelpy]

232nd Started Ttaining a Junipurus Coniferta Blue Pacific. Peter Rules ☺️

[@ThirdCoastGardening]

Can I grow Japanese Red Maple in Houston Texas or are my summers too hot?

[@hectorbunn3313]

Hi Sir Peter, can i keep my red maple bonsai in indoor?

[@peterchan3100]

NO

[@lonnieclifton3883]

Very Good, GOD Bless All People