The first process of Bonsai making is the most important process that is selecting the right tree to start.The choice of the tree plays very crucial role in the Bonsai Journey.It is important to note that every plant can be potted in a Ceramic pot but not all turn to become a good Bonsai.
The climate plays a major role.Always select plant that is suitable for the climate you live in.All the personal favorite plant or flowers need not, in the long run turn out to be a good Bonsai.Hence its very important to keep a long term goal before choosing a plant.A good Bonsai must have a good trunk taper, properly arranged main branches,secondary and tertiary branches.The form of the bonsai can be natural or rule book way.Fruits and flowers in a bonsai is good but it should not be the most important criteria, its secondary.A fruiting plants life is very less compared to a foliage tree.Bonsai containers are not specifically made for fruiting varieties.More over plants like lemon,mousambi do not withstand wiring,regular die back of branches does not give good appearance.
Considering the above criteria here a few varieties suiting our climate
- Ficus microcarpa
- Arjuna tree
- Ficus longisland
- Brazilian rain tree
- Banyan tree
- Ficus religiosa or Peepal tree
- Chinese Elm
- Ficus viren
- Fukien tea
- Pithocellobium dulce or juglee jalebi
- Ficus mysorensis
- Ficus racemosa
- Streblus asper or sandpaper tree
- Schefflera
- Tamarind
- Ficus triangularis
- Wood apple
- Jade
- Casuarina equisetifolia
- Ficus rumphii
- Gulmohar
Few plants that are not suitable for bonsai(which can be avoided)
- Palm tree
- Adenium
- Golden Benjamina
- Starlight varigated
- Mango
- Lemon
- Thulasi
- Rose
Try choosing green foliage tree varieties so that you can enjoy an ever lasting bond with your Bonsai.Also note that sunlight is compulsory for all of them.Always choose a healthy plant which has good branching.Allow the plant to grow to your full satisfaction before shifting it into a bonsai pot.
By Ajay H