Bonsai Trees

If you are considering buying a bonsai, it is recommended that you gather enough information about general horticulture and basic care for potted plants. Growing a bonsai will not be accomplished successfully unless you have gained sufficient knowledge about plants and have acquired deep understanding on the specific bonsai care instructions.

If you are in a possession of a bonsai that you do not have any idea what specific specie it belongs to, then you won’t be able to properly take care of it. Thus, before you try knowing the basic bonsai care instructions, make sure you have determined the type of plant you have. For instance, if it belongs to the deciduous bonsai type and you decide to place it indoors, then you are likely going to kill it. Likewise, a tropical bonsai placed outdoors in intensely cold temperatures will also die. If you can’t figure out the particular bonsai specie, get help from people who will be able to identify the plant for you.

Your research will probably tell you that watering is the most challenging among the bonsai care instructions. Your bonsai is more likely going to die with improper watering technique more than all the other causes combined. Check daily the moisture content of the plant’s soil by inserting a chopstick or toothpick through the soil. If the chopstick or toothpick is not wet but merely damp, it is time to water the plant thoroughly.

Light and the site where you will be putting your bonsai at, are also part of the bonsai care instructions. Bonsai needs light. However, its light requirements differ according to location, plant specie, and climate. Thus, some plants may need the sun’s full impact, while others may simply require a dose of indirect sunlight throughout growth season. If you live in places or houses where it is impossible to let your tropical bonsai get its required share of sunlight, then it should be placed outdoors all throughout its growing season. If your bonsai is seeing the sun less often than it’s supposed to, you may use artificial light to compensate for the absence of real sunlight.

There are really no specific bonsai care instructions that will work for all types of bonsai. Since various species have different needs, they all should be treated distinctly from one another. After all, no two species are ever alike. They may look the same, but they are always varied in some other way.

Bonsai wire is used to hold the branches of a Bonsai tree in place in order to shape them. The bonsai wire remains wrapped around the trunks and branches until the tree is able to maintain the desired shape, during which the bonsai wire is removed.

You can get bonsai wire from any supplier of bonsai tools and accessories. The types that they will have are plain silver aluminum and a copper-colored anodized aluminum wire.

You can choose either bonsai wire. The advantage of a plain silver bonsai wire is it will be easier to see under developed branches than the anodized one when you need to check your wiring later. On the other hand, the copper or brown color of the anodized wire will blend well with the tree branches so they would be more pleasing to the eye.

If you cannot obtain bonsai wire, you can substitute a wire any type of wire that is easily bendable and removable. Bonsai wire comes in different sizes from 1 mm to 7mm, usually weighing 100 to 150 grams and can be over 100 feet long.

Choosing the right size of bonsai wire can be tricky. Some find it easier to buy coils in different sizes but still, you do not want to waste money buying wires that you will not be able to use. One way to determine the size of bonsai wire that you need is to find a wire that you can bend with the same effort as you would bending your tree’s trunk or branch.

If it is easier for you to bend the wire than the wood, then you would need a thicker bonsai wire. Alternatively, if you find that the wire you bought will not be strong enough to do job properly, then you can try double wrapping the wire by applying two wire pieces.

Mid to late summer is the typical season for applying bonsai wire because this is the time when the tree is actively growing so it will set into the desired position faster. It is very important to ensure that the bonsai wire does not cut into the tree to avoid scars. When wiring deciduous or coniferous Bonsai trees, make sure not to confine or damage the foliage with the bonsai wire.

Apply the wire at a 45º angle to the part being wrapped. Do not place the coils too far apart as it will not produce your desired results. When it is time to remove the bonsai wire, cut it from the tree. Unwinding the wire may damage your bonsai.

Bonsai is an ancient art that originates from East Asia, but has now grown to encompass a worldwide following. This is a true gardening art form, because in order to make bonsai growing work, you need gardening and artistic creativity, plus patience, discipline, and knowledge. Originally from China, and later expanding to Japan where it has taken root and flourished, the requirements for bonsai are not a lot, as some people imagine. The higher levels do require more “masterful” knowledge; however bonsai is also one of the most convenient forms of gardening out there for urban dwellers.

Anyone can take up bonsai even without sufficient land space. Bonsai suits those living in apartments and condominiums with only a balcony to garden in. But, most bonsai trees are not adapted to grow indoors. This is a common misconception, that although you can grow almost all types of tree species as bonsai, only a few species can be grown “indoors.” Even then, it is not their natural behavior to grow indoors, but these few species can better tolerate indoor conditions compared to most others.

As a general rule, trees growing in temperate climates need a dormancy period, and in the warmth of an indoor environment, they will die. The one’s you see being photographed indoors are almost always juveniles. On the other hand, trees from tropical areas are often from forests with high canopies that shade the forest floor; they are better able to tolerate lower light conditions and the modular temperature of indoors. So, tropical/subtropical trees are often the only choices for indoor bonsai.

Some of the bonsai tree species that can be grown Indoors are:

• Serissa Foetida
• Adenium Obessum
• Ficus Benjamina
• Holiday Cactus (Schlumbegera)
• Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
• Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
• Olive family species
• Brush Cherry (Eugenia mytrifolia)
• Schefflera arboricola
• Pomegranate (Punica sp)
• Azaleas (Rhododendron sp)
• Chinese Sweetplum (Sageretia thea)

Bonsai has been grown indoors with only artificial light as their light source. Most species adapt well to artificial light, and will bloom even during winter. Examples of this are Serissa and Punica, while the Chinese Elm and Brush Cherry will enter dormancy during winter. It is a good practice to take the trees out during the summer, as they will benefit from the sun’s rays, rather than keep feeding them artificial light. Fluorescent lights measuring about a meter long are commonly used to provide the artificial lighting.

Good air circulation in and around the pot is highly beneficial for the plant. Small fans installed above the lighting and running at low speed is adequate. You can actually combine a “mini” greenhouse with a sufficiently large cupboard, fluorescent lights and proper ventilation, just like what you see being done in aquariums. The leaves of the bonsai should be as close as possible to the fluorescent unit without getting burnt by the light, because the light intensity falls rapidly away the further the bonsai is from the lighting. For best lighting settings, consult an aquarium specialist near you; these guys often have good knowledge on how to grow aquatic tropical plants which can be applied to growing bonsai as well.

For soil and feeding concerns, try to get soilless mix because these are the easiest to handle, and whatever nutritional inadequacies can be rectified with adequate mixtures of peat or bark. A typical bonsai soil composition is one third sand, one third peat, and one third regular soil. Or you can try Akadama. Akadama and other pumice based soil are often regarded as the best “soil,” because they are porous and absorb water, while still being able to drain water easily.

The important thing to remember for the soil, is how deep the water can penetrate and how well it drains away. Typically, very small trees require watering daily, while larger trees can be watered 2-3 times a week. One advantage with Akadama soil, is you can tell if the soil is damp or not by looking at it. If it’s damp, it is dark in color and vice versa if it’s dry.

There are several causes why bonsai go into permanent dormancy, but most bonsai are lost because of inappropriate watering techniques. The proper bonsai care does not really require your 24 attention, but it does necessitate some real understanding of the bonsai plant.

Watering is known to be the most important aspect in bonsai care. However, watering is a learned skill, and there is no one strict rule regarding it. Water requirements differ for each type of bonsai, the type of soil used for each, and the kind of pot each is in. There are other factors that may affect water requirement and the time that watering needs to be carried out such as moisture retention of the soil, weather conditions, size of the pot, and humidity. But even if water requirements are variable, it is still crucial that the tree does not totally dry out. You can check the soil’s dampness by inserting a chopstick or toothpick into it.

Pruning is another element of bonsai care. Although pruning is not necessarily done on a new bonsai plant, it is necessary for those who have achieved some growth. Pruning is the process of trimming the plant into a desired shape. Since trimming and pruning are expressions of art, there are really no definite shapes to follow. However, there are guidelines on how to properly carry out the act.

Not a lot of people know that lighting plays a vital role in bonsai care. Every living thing requires various amounts of sunlight to grow, so consider that when you choose a site for you bonsai. If there is too little sunlight in the area you have in mind, make sure that artificial light is available to suffice for it.

Generally, fertilization is not a huge requirement in bonsai care. The number of times you need to put fertilizer is based on the type of bonsai and potency of the fertilizer used. However, it is not advisable to fertilize a very dry and unhealthy bonsai.

Repotting has also an impact on bonsai care. This process is recommended done on a bonsai in order to give it a good root system and a fresh supply of soil. Most bonsai necessitate repotting after two years, although this also depends on the plant’s growth and the size of its pot.

The proper bonsai care is not that complicated. If you have real passion for the plant, it will all come out naturally.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is probably the best tree to start with for a new bonsai gardener. These trees are excellent bonsai material because it is a hardy tree which doesn’t require a lot of attention and is easy to take care for it. Bald cypresses grow in USA from Delaware to Texas all the way by Mississippi and in north in state of Missouri.

These trees can reach up to 40m in nature, but bonsai is usually about 160 times smaller reaching the height of 25cm. The diameter of the trunk is around 2m and sometimes up to 5, but usually not more than 3. Bark can be a bit gray to red-brown.

Leaves grow on small branches (branchlets), which grow in spiral in two horizontal lines from 1-2cm long and about 2mm apart. Despite the fact that most of the species from this family don not loose their leaves in winter bald cypress does, and that is where it’s got its name from Bald cypress.

Bald cypresses grow on alluvial soil usually near waters, but they can tolerate some salinity but are unable to grow in brackish coastal waters. Bald cypress’s best climate is warm climate where it grows pretty fast, but it can also grows more to the north where the only problem is ice that damages the seeds.

So if you are beginner in bonsai area, get yourself a bald cypress to start and when you will know how to handle this tree you will be able to take care of some more exotic and sensitive trees.

To get seeds of Bald cypress and learn more about bonsai visit My Bonsai

Culturing a bonsai tree is a very good hobby. However, it will require proper knowledge and patience to grow it with very incredible results.

Choosing the best bonsai tree to grow can be a bit difficult since they have several different species. The Bamboo tree, for instance, reminds one of an authentic Japanese garden. Asians consider the Braided Monkey tree a bringer of good luck. Among different bonsai species, the Ficus bonsai tree is considered among the favorites.

The Ficus bonsai tree is a small version of the Banyan tree. This type of bonsai tree is ideal for indoors. They also come in different varieties all suitable for indoor placement. The most popular specie of the Ficus bonsai tree are the narrow-leaf Ficus, dwarf Ficus and the weeping Ficus.

The most important thing to remember when growing a Ficus bonsai tree is that the plant should be placed indoors through the entire year although fresh air and sunlight is also beneficial. Like most bonsai trees, the Ficus tree should never completely dry out for a long period of time and regular checking of the soil is recommended. To water the Ficus bonsai tree, you need to let it soak in water for at least ten minutes and then completely drain it. This will be enough to keep the soil wet for a certain amount of time.

Bonsai care also requires repotting the plant. It is advisable to repot the bonsai tree every couple of years. Trimming the roots is also needed. The Ficus tree naturally grows very slow and if you see small growths that are covering the container, do not wait for the next year but instead immediately repot the plant. The perfect time to repot a Ficus bonsai tree is during spring. Once the tree is transferred to a bigger pot, water the plant meticulously the same way as instructed above.

In feeding the soil, it is not advisable to use rapid-growth fertilizers. You only need to feed the Ficus plant when it is needed and in very moderate amounts because over use of fertilizers can also kill the plant. For pruning and trimming the branches, you need to remove most of the plant’s new growth during spring and in the first weeks of fall. Remember to be artistic enough in trimming the branches so that the shape and style of the plant will be beautiful.

The purpose for wiring ficus bonsai is to hold the branches in place in order to shape them. The bonsai wire remains around the trunk and branches until the tree can hold it’s desired shape, then the bonsai wire is removed.

The Juniper bonsai tree (Juniper Procumbens Nana) is a very small plant that originated in Japan. This bonsai tree was also made famous because of the movie “The Karate Kid” and every time people think of a bonsai tree the Juniper bonsai tree comes into mind. In Japan, because of the very cold climate, it is all right to leave the plant under direct sunlight. However, in other countries it is kept indoors because of the changing seasons.

The Juniper Bonsai Trees has a very hard trunk that does not flower and because of these features it is considered very easy to trim and train. This specie of bonsai also grows fast and with long branches they can be trained in a variety of styles except the broom style. The branches are easy to train and shape because of their good response to wiring. Other species of bonsai trees are very hard to reshape because of their stiffness although it is still possible. In other words, the Juniper bonsai tree is the perfect plant to design according to your style.

Another advantage of culturing a Juniper bonsai tree is that it can be placed indoors or outdoors even during the winter season although the temperature should not go below 59 degrees. During winter it is very important to protect the wiring from frost.

Some guidelines when growing Juniper bonsai tree:

Temperature and lighting:
If you plan on placing the Juniper bonsai tree indoors, make sure that it will receive at least two hours of direct sunlight everyday. To avoid the plant from drying out, place it far from an air conditioner. Also, make sure that the roots are protected from heat and cold. Always check the soil of the plant and make sure that it is not dry. If the plant is placed outdoors, water it every two days. The plant should be placed in direct sunlight during winter to survive the freezing cold.

Soil feeding:
Do not use rapid-growth fertilizers and application of fertilizers should be done moderately. They should only be applied on the soil and not on the plant because it could die.

Trimming and sculpting:
The new growth of the plant should be removed during spring and fall. The trimming should be carefully and artistically performed for a beautiful result. The roots of the Juniper bonsai tree should also be trimmed every two years.

Culturing a Juniper bonsai tree is a great hobby because it is a good stress reliever.

Many people would like to have a bonsai tree but some people just don’t have the time or patience to take care for their bonsai tree.

Do you want to buy an artifical bonsai tree?
Here you can choose from a variety of Artifical Bonsai Trees

Having an artificial bonsai tree makes it available for anyone to have a bonsai tree whether it’s real or artificial.

Artificial bonsai trees look so real that you can barely tell the difference from a live one. Making it perfect for anyone who does not have a green thumb.

Another good point about having an artificial bonsai tree is you are not limited to one style. Artificial trees are available for a wide range of different styles and species. So if you like a specific type of bonsia tree, there is a good chance you will be able to find the same type of artificial bonsia tree.

For those people who decide to go with an artificial bonsai tree, you will not have to worry about doing the regular maintenance such as watering, feeding,
trimming or repotting.

The artificial bonsai is perfect for displaying in your home. You can place it in your living room table, by the window, in your bedroom or on a desk in your office. It is all up to you where placed it since it can easily blend with almost any environment.

In cleaning an artificial bonsai, you only need to use a duster or take a clean piece of moistened cloth.

If you would like to have an artificial bonsai tree that bears flowers, then you have the option to go with a cherry or Azalea bonsai tree.

The cherry or Azalea bonsai tree is made from Luna clay which makes it flexible. Because of its flexibility, you can easily twist the branches or bend the trunk according to your desired shape and style. All of the buds are colorfully hand-painted to obtain a real appearance.

An artificial bonsai tree is very ideal as a replacement for the real plant. All you need is to keep the plant clean to retain it realistic appearance. Compared to a real bonsai tree, the maintenance is very simple and easy.

To have a better idea about an artificial bonsai tree, it is best to visit an ornamental plant shop near your area or there are a few links below to check out.

Few subjects in bonsai care are as complicated as watering. What should be the simplest task is actually the most complex. Improper watering is the most common cause of death of bonsai trees. In fact, apprentices in Japan will perform many other duties during their first few years before being trusted to water the trees.

Bonsai soil is unlike regular potting material. It is porous and allows very rapid drainage. As a result, frequent and generous watering is necessary. However, over watering is just as dangerous to the bonsai’s health. Too much water can promote the growth of harmful fungi and lead to root rot.

Both of these damaging extremes can be avoided, though. By following these tips, the complex art of bonsai watering can be converted to a healthy practice that anyone can accomplish.

The first step is testing the soil moisture content to determine how much water your bonsai needs. As a quick check, touch the surface with your thumb. If the surface feels dry, it is. Gently scrape back any ground cover, gravel, or surface dirt to better assess the soils requirements.

A more accurate test can be completed easily by using a standard moisture gauge. Appearing like an ordinary thermometer, analog or digital displays will provide an accurate reading of soil moisture content.

Moisture gauges only detect water near the tip; so as a result, only tell part of the story. Dry spots can be present within the pot. Dry spots are especially dangerous if they are near the roots. As roots spread throughout the pot over time that can be a lot of places.

To ensure that all of the soil is adequately moistened, once a month dip the pot up to the base of the tree into a container of water for a few minutes. Carefully remove by lifting by the pot, never by the tree. If the soil is correct, and the plant is not root bound, any excess water will drain out the bottom of the pot into the tray under the pot.

Only permit a small amount of water to remain in the tray. Draining excess water from the tray will ensure that any extra water in the pot has a place to go, and doesn’t collect around the roots.

Water daily, making sure that water runs all the way to the bottom, but doesn’t pool to the extent of filling up the tray. Water left standing in the tray makes it impossible for the pot to drain and encourages mold growth.

More than daily watering may be required depending on the type of soil in the pot and your climate. The amount of water necessary also varies from one species to another.

Pines and other conifers need less water and they do well with moderate drying periods. Deciduous and flowering trees require more moisture than conifers. Curled leaves on deciduous trees indicate dryness. Make sure that flowers are not wilting when they should be blooming.

Some experimentation, accompanied by careful monitoring, will be necessary to adjust to your specific tree and circumstances.

As if bonsai is not enough to attract anyone’s interest, human creativity comes up with yet another enhancement to this miniature tree’s appeal. The bonsai waterfall garden is a great art piece which is uniquely perfect for just about any place - tables, decks, patios, and even gardens.

Most bonsai waterfall gardens available are self-contained. Not all of these come with a bonsai tree, although there are others that have two or more bonsai trees already added to the waterfall garden.

If you’re interested to buy a bonsai waterfall garden, you can choose from the various options available online. It is best to get an idea of your choices so that you will know what type you are getting.

Majority of these bonsai waterfall gardens only need you to add water and they’ll ready to work as soon as you plug them in. These provide the perfect accent for any tabletop, counter, or any site indoor or outdoor since they are great art pieces.

Each bonsai waterfall garden is sculptured in a way that it matches the trees and the flow of water as well. It has a re-circulating pump submerged at the back which is generally adjustable, controlling the water’s flow either to a trickle or an intense waterfall.

Regardless what type of bonsai waterfall garden you intend to buy, it will definitely be a nice touch to the place. The waterfall garden is carefully and artistically sculpted, and the bonsai tree is grown with creative flair as well. Put these together and you have an outstanding work of art in your hands. Picture this in your most favorite place, and it will surely offer you more rewards than you anticipated.

If you browse the various options of bonsai waterfall garden online, you can see that they are barely 20″ tall. Those who adore bonsai trees but who simply do not have the time and skill to grow one may opt for the ones that come with pre-grown bonsai trees.

If you have grown your very own bonsai tree and you want to accentuate it with a bonsai waterfall garden, these are available without pre-grown bonsai trees. Thus, you’ll have room for you precious “handmade”.

A bonsai waterfall garden serves to bring a nature-like ambiance into people’s homes. Thus, it can be said that the mesmerizing sight of the bonsai tree and the sounds of the cascading waters are truly food for the soul.