AusBonsai

Hi guys, im only new to AusBonsai and also new to the Bonsai world.
I live in Cairns and I have a few small plants on the go. (Juniper, Fig x3 and Rosemary)
Im after some tips and hints that anyone can give to a new comer.
I would also like to know of any plants that are super fast growing that would give me great results in a very short amount of time. (I know Bonsai is all about taking your time and results will come soon enough) Its just that my daughter (11yr old) doesnt like things taking to long so I would like to get her something that looks good and grows fast.
Thanks.

The obvious answer is ....get a fig, ficus rubignosa (Port Jackson fig) is a good place to start. Cairns climate should be perfect!
I notice that you posted under "pines and junipers". If you are hopeing to develop a pine or juniper quickly that is too difficult.

Gerard wrote:The obvious answer is ....get a fig, ficus rubignosa (Port Jackson fig) is a good place to start.

I second this suggestion, especially since you live in Cairns. There is a great article on power growing figs on this site.

Hi Jme,
I note you already have a few small figs. The other guys are right about them being probably the fastest growing species for bonsai. They will respond to lots of feed and room to grow so try growing some in larger containers to speed up development. There has been other discussion about fast growing or superfeeding figs to get maximum growth try reading some of this - viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3173&hilit=fast+growth+method

Another good fast grower is privet, it is also tolerant of abuse & neglect (IE hard to kill) so makes a great beginners tree.

in cairns can't you just go and cut off a huge fig branch and dump it in a pot then quickly stand back----

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