The right bonsaï to begin with
Beginners tend to choose a bonsaï already formed when they start to learn this difficult. This is a mistake !
There are two different ways to begin growing bonsaï - either you buy one already formed in a shop or in a nursery, or you "make" one yourself from a local tree.
Bonsaïs already formed
These can be bought in a supermarket or in a non-specialized nursery and are generally taken from tropical trees which are not adapted to our climate. These are - mistakenly - called "indoor" bonsaïs. These are inexpensive - costing between 5 and 30 euros - but they are not made to last long ! In 90% of cases, they degrade slowly or more rapidly, depending on their quality and on the care given to them. They are grown in industrial quantities in Asia, and are no more than classic indoor ornamental plants. These miniature trees are disappointly fragile, and have nothing to do with genuine bonsaïs lovingly cultivated by passionate growers. Though they allow one to begin growiing easily, they soon show their limits !
Self-cultivated bonsaïs
Having been let down by the short-lived "indoor" bonsaï, most beginners attracted to this art continue by creating their own tree. Although this is more difficult to do, it is more enriching, and demands that certain rules be respected. First, to make sure that the tree is well acclimatized, it is recommended that you choose a tree which grows locally. This approach is thus similar to that of the gardener, who chooses plants suitable to the local area.
For a beautiful garden, nothing beats the plants taken from the neighbour ! And every, or almost every, tree can be developed as a bonsaï. For the best aestheic result, the tree should be chosen for the type of foliage it produces. Choose a small, dense foliage for more balance and simplicity. Another hint : the more rustic the tree, the better the chance it has of surviving. Finally, it is better to start growing in a large pot, the size of which can then be reduced as you cut and replant. If in the beginning your personal creation doesn't look like a real bonsaï, it may after several years become a refined living sculpture ! The enthusiast can modify the height and direction of the growth as he wishes, or even reduce the size of the leaves (the size of the fruit and the flowers can't be modified). So, be patient !