When you think you are ready to grow your very first bonsai tree it's important to make a decision which stage of bonsai development you'll start with
. You can grow bonsai from ground layerings, cuttings, seeds or from bonsai gardening shop. If you are only starting you should probably stick with developing your tree from cuttings.
The earlier phase of bonsai tree lifecycle you begin with the harder it will be to keep the bonsai tree alive. Take into account that if you start with the seed you will have to generate ideal environment for the bonsai tree to survive. Beginning with a cuttings is thus less difficult since the bonsai has already passed the most critical stage of its lifecycle.
But let's look at each strategy in more depth. It doesn't mean you cannot have a very beautiful bonsai even though you begin from a seed.
1.) Developing bonsai from cuttings
For anyone who is a bonsai novice this is certainly probably the fastest way to go unless you want to buy a ready bonsai from bonsai nursery. Good thing about this option is that the most critical period of growing bonsai is over. Additionally it is less complicated to prune the tree for the reason that cuttings by now suggest the way the tree desires to grow.
However for some people waiting period for the bonsai tree to grow out of cuttings to its full glory will be a long time and so they decide to purchase a ready bonsai instead. It could take up to 3 years to get your very first bonsai.
2.) Developing bonsai from layering
An additional choice just like the first one is to begin growing bonsai from ground or air layerings. This method demands shorter time to see your bonsai grow to its full potential. During this stage you can already see the tree composition so cuttings unwanted twigs is going to be an easy work.
3.) Bonsai tree from seed
Same way like being a parent and experiencing your child develop from the very fist moment it is conceived growing bonsai from seed could be a comparable experience in certain manner. Many experienced bonsai tree artists select this option as it is the most gratifying for them.
Remember that it may take up to 5 years to have your bonsai in the similar shape like when ordered from a store. In case you're a novice your bonsai may not make it if you do not create great conditions from the start.
No matter which option you ultimately choose you'll have loads of fun observing your small tree develop and mature.