Jade Bonsai

Ficus (My first bonsai)

Chinese Elm (birthday gift)

I first learned about bonsai from the film Karate Kid III and I've been fascinated by them ever since. But it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually decided to get into the hobby.

The Ficus and Elm are what some in the bonsai community might disparagingly call "Mallsai" (inexpensive indoor bonsai not purchased from specialised nurseries). Although I've been doing this hobby for years now, I'd be the first to admit I still don't really know what I'm doing. Nevertheless, I've tried to style and re-pot each tree in an appropriate bonsai pot, so I hope they look a little bit better than the average Mallsai. The Jade tree is something I decided to bonsai when dividing up a much larger house plant.

All are ideal trees for a beginner and very tolerant of mistakes and environmental variables (Especially the Jade. Being resistant to drought, it's also ideal for people who travel a lot). Sadly, I lost the Elm tree not long ago. I think maybe I got a little overzealous with pruning it. Oh well, at least it's immortalised here.