Box store bonsai

[dragonlee]

OMG, this absolutely drives me bonkers. grrrrrrrrrrr. I cannot stand seeing bonsai, with this rock, glued in place. These guys are going to die. I wish they weren't even sold. I'd love to take every one of them home, and help them, if I could. I'm sure you all feel the same. Rant over....

 

[sorce]

Smash all the pots!

Sorce

 

[bonsaidave]

If people quit buying them, they will quit making them.

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

I mainly dislike them due to the pricing, many places overcharge for poor material. That being said, it is most peoples first exposure to the hobby, especially in areas with no bonsai nurseries, shows, or clubs. Hopefully the popularity of the hobby on the internet will help newcomers make better choices, but if someone buys one of these and it opens the door to years of enjoyment is it so bad?

Here are a couple of my rescues:

 

[Silentrunning]

I agree with CWA. You can get into a new hobby for $15. Not bad.

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

You can get into a new hobby for $15

That's mostly Walmart and the like pricing. I've seen material like shown in the OP for $50 - $75 in some places - highway robbery.

 

[just.wing.it]

Look down your nose at those trees, and know that your trees are better.

 

[Warlock]

I wait till they are on clearance .lol

 

[Nanuk]

I wait till they are on clearance .lol

Every year they have a batch of those at my local Lowes.
They sell out quickly. Sad.

 

[dragonlee]

If people quit buying them, they will quit making them.

you are correct. but people think they are a bonsai master, when they bring these home. their guests go, "omg, that bonsai is so awesome, i didnt even know you were into bonsai." lol and they answer with, " oh, im not really, i bought it at lowes. it says its easy to grow. all i have to do is water it." UGH!!!! D
drives me nuts, seriously.

 

[BrianBay9]

I've had people ask me for advice on why their bonsai were doing poorly, and they still had the rocks glued on. Bonsai also kept inside. I can see why they think they can keep them inside, but even the most clueless people must know that plants need water?

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

People end up buying these as gifts a lot as well.

 

[VAFisher]

I lol'd at the bring them home and save them part. We aren't talking about a dog sitting on death row at a kill shelter here...

 

[dragonlee]

i say that, because,ive read alot of different stories, where they say, the juniper is usually dead already. That they stay green for a long time.

 

[MrWunderful]

When some one says to me “oh you are into bonsai? I have one of those” *shows me mallsai* I try to use it as a teaching experience on how to get “real” bonsai taken care of. Most people just need a heads up.

That being said, I wont be buying any.