Bonsai Trees

[opethdisciple]

I am thinking of buying a bonsai tree for my sister for Christmas.

The one I am looking at is advertised as beginner friendly.

Does anyone know if they are relatively simple to keep healthy?

Do they need any special food?

 

[opethdisciple]

Is she going to keep it indoors or outdoors?

How large are we talking, what specific breed? Chinese Elm are probably the easiest to maintain, but it's an artistic thing more than anything else so she would need to prune regularly.

Is it an interest of hers and something she'd be willing to research a little? I've had Bonsai trees in the past but ended up passing them on, they don't require massive work but can be awkward to maintain/groom properly if you're not invested. Most of my current house plants are cactus or low effort type things, and a couple of low water requirement palms.

See here for a breakdown/guide: https://www.allthingsbonsai.co.uk/b...VbLN2efv4pM-Xzx4kLO84XmuaYQp_ja5pMLN06j9gqNVq

The one that caught my eye is this one.

She isn’t that invested but I am sure her husband will look after it as he is a green thumb.

I envisaged they would keep it in the house.

 

[opethdisciple]

Any one have any thoughts why I shouldn’t go for this cheaper one over the more expensive one here?

 

[opethdisciple]

I took delivery of my bonsai tree today which you can see in the spoiler below.

Spoiler

My only disappointment is that it doesn’t have much leaves nor branches.

Is this something that the tree over time will grow more of?

Thanks

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Also as the tree isn’t for me but for a Xmas present for someone else if I leave it wrapped up as is for the next week will the tree be OK?