Top 5 Bonsai for Beginners - Bonsai Basics

If I were starting bonsai today what tree would I buy? In this episode I am going to explain my Top 5 ‘beginner-tree’ choices and show you what is possible for very little money. Then, I will follow my own advice and start a brand new tree - next episode; as part of my Bonsai Basics series.

I also explain why I chose to ignore one of the world’s most popular starter bonsai. Let me know if you agree in the comments…

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing
Xavier

-- TIMESTAMPS --
00:00 Back on the beach.
01:25 My best Flowering Option – Dwarf Azalea.
03:58 My first starter-tree Option – Japanese Larch.
05:54 My easiest to source Option – English Oak (Querkus Workus)
07:52 My best indoor Option – Tigerbark Ficus.
09:23 My favourite Option – Italian Alder.

Equipment & Acknowledgements:
I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC 330 Bridge Camera
All video production using AVC Video Editor Software

*Please be aware that all details of products used are given for your benefit only – I do not receive any financial recompense. I just think they are good value and you should know where to buy them if interested.

#bonsaiuk #larch #beginners #top5 #alder #ficusbonsai #bonsai

[TonysBonsai]

Nice video mate, and good to see some alternative choices. I think your favourite is the Japanese larch!

[oachkatzlsmum]

Eine kleine Nachtmusik. It is gorgeous listening Mozart while watching your beautiful trees, Xavier. ❤
Meanwhile in Austria, Salzburg - by the way Mozart was born in this beautiful city - cold and above freezing during the day, gentle minus degree Celsius during nights. Last leaves are falling. 🍂🙋‍♀️

[greenmachinesweden]

Great comparison between ground and pot grown trees! I tell beginners all the time to grow first years in ground or big pot, but really hard to convince anyone.

[bobcatbonsai]

Xavier these are all great tree's that you have recommended. The only other 1 I would add for people is look local. Look in your yard for little saplings or bushes you want to remove. Talk to a farmer to see if you can look for wild shrubs on the edges of the fields. Don't feel bad we have all lost our kids in the grocery store. 🤣🤣🤣

[thenaturecreater]

Love alder trees myself. So forgiving. And hardy

[guywatson-bognorregisbonsa]

Nice idea for a video Xav. I enjoyed it. 👍👍

[AlexBraunton]

Lovely bit of bonsai basics on a Tuesday afternoon.

A great top 5, Xavier. I'm sad not to see an Elmkova in there though haha. I thought this worked really well by you splitting it down into categories. People often just do a top N or whatever without as much substance.

[phillipwaterman]

Bonsai phill very good video nice shape trees
Thanks xavier keep it up mate

[Bonsaicrazy]

Like the video Xavier,
I have 10 Japanese larch all around the age of 3-4.
There growth is amazing got a video coming up soon on my ones.
Good vid mate 👍

[bonsaijardin]

I loved the video, thanks for sharing different alternatives to start a bonsai.
nice collection amigo Xavier 💚✂️🌿

[chrisswales]

Brilliant, thanks Xav, really useful for a beginner like me.

[JustJane]

Great video and tips / reasons. Thanks for taking the time.

[robmartin]

Great reasoning using trees to keep you busy that's how to learn quickly..never seen the alder before so I will keep an eye out for them.. the benches are looking great behind you there as well.

[BonsaiCornwall]

Great stuff Pa. I would have to guess Italian Alder is your favourite, you were most passionate when talking about that species.
A species I don’t have any examples of, I’ll add it to the list 😉

[JackC]

Now I have garden the growing bed idea is one I'll have a go. My Chinese Elm like where they are out side. Good advice the Italian Alder is my favourite so far, but I like my Tiger Bark Ficus as it was my first. The trees you kindly gave me are doing great too. Cheers Xav

[thebonsaiprojectkernow]

Alex beat me too it lol
I bought an azalea from Morrison's and have done some styling to it.
Talking of bargain bins... b&m always have grafted acers at a cost of 30 quid however I literally bought a 5 ft Orange dream for less than half price.
Third larch is beautiful
And oaks..I have upward of 20 acorns all have sprouted roots and 2 have began to grow and leaf out already
Awesome video xav!!

[BobMatthews]

Great video Xav and a very agreeable top 5 although I will need to check out the Italian Alders.

[ggevergreenbonsai]

This is a great idea for a video. Very informative and honest. It’s very popular too looking at your views so far. I like to intro too on the bench. Well done! 😊

[matthewsevignybizzybonsai]

I'm glad I watched this video I think I will see if I can find in the spring English Oak and Italian Alder to add to my collection thanks for the information.

[andrewbeattie]

Hi Xavier, interesting choices especially the omission of Chinese Elms. I had never heard of Italian Alder until i saw it on your channel and purchased one from you. I have never managed to keep an Azalea alive for more than one season (even those bought from bonsai professionals). I don't touch 'indoor' bonsai as i found light levels and humidity to be problematic.
I think Cotoneaster and Hawthorn would have made it into my top 5.
Cheers