Ficus starter plant

[Txhorticulture]

Where would you buy a starter ficus plant for bonsai? I live in sub tropical zone 8b or 9a, central texas, so ficus are house plants here. Is there any species that I should stay away from for bonsai?

 

[Poink88]

I like ficus nerifolia (willow leaf ficus) and green isle ficus. Green isle is (comparably) slow growing though.

 

[Neli]

Burt davii or BD nana...are good for bonsai also.

 

[sorce]

Not ginseng. The popular mallsai.

This is a good time of year (up here anyway) to find free ones on Craigslist.

They have grown so large outside, people cant fit them back in the house.

Found one last fall before a Thanksgiving party.

With the ease of airlayers and quick growth, you can really start anywhere!
Specially down there!

Good Hunting!

Sorce

 

[DougB]

One of the better folks (that I have had experience with) are the folks at Wigerts Bonsa http://www.bonsaiempire.com/origin/bonsai-clubs/us If you correspond with them they are a great help.

Another is Miami Tropical Bonsai (have not dealt with them) http://www.miamitropicalbonsai.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=ficus

Eastern Leaf (good folks) http://www.easternleaf.com/Ficus_Bonsai_Trees_s/89.htm

Meehans http://www.meehansminiatures.com/shop/index.php?action=search

OK that's a few to get you started. I'm sure that there are more and some BNuters will chime in. Ask us about the particular species to ensure you are on the right track.