Should you choose a Bonsai tree on the internet? This can be a tempting option for people who don't want the hassle and drama of growing one from a cutting, seed or sapling. Buying a pre made Bonsai tree is a good way to get the feel of Bonsai creation without needed to have to go and spend a lot of time or energy creating one from scratch. While a pre made Bonsai I don't feel is the most personal option, it can help if you have limited time or patience for making Bonsai.

Buying one from the internet is usually not the safest option since there is a potential for disease and damage to your tree in transport. Buying a pre made tree from a seller on the ground (as it were) and transporting it yourself it usually the best way to go. This way you can see the Bonsai you will be buying, and inspect it for any disease, any damage and anything that internet pictures and descriptions cannot tell you about.

Buying a tree over the internet though, if this is your only option might just be what you need to do. If you do, browse some Bonsai forums for people with places to recommend. Don't go and buy a Bonsai from any site without a recommendation from someone, either from someone you know or a stranger that seems trustworthy (they include pictures etc in any review they make). There are a number of scams on the internet including Bonsai trees so do your research before buying. You don't want to get up with a dead or dying tree and you won't want to end up with no tree at all!

Always contact the seller before buying and ask them to send through information on the state of the tree. Ask for photos if you can as this will allow a 'virtual tour' of the tree you are buying. Remember to always look for shipping details - Bonsai are tricky things to ship and you won't get them send from overseas that's for sure (not without big headaches at any rate).

As I mentioned, try and avoid buying Bonsai trees on the internet if you can. Try and visit the dealer so that you can look at the tree. If all else fails, make sure you are aware of everything before you go ahead and buy an internet Bonsai. Or just learn to make your own Bonsai, and have a much more satisfying experience.