It is widely known that the secret of keeping your bonsai both healthy and miniature is to prune not only its branches but the trunk and roots as well. Pruning is a bit scary to newcomers to the hobby of caring for bonsai trees, as pruning roots damages a plant, restricting its ability to take up water and nutrients while pruning branches must be done carefully to ensure that you end up with your desired shape.
The time when your bonsai will need its roots trimmed is usually between one and five years after you bought it. This time frame is only a guide for caring for bonsai, as a number of factors effect the amount of time a tree takes to become rootbound in its pot; different species of tree have different levels of development and the variables such as the size of the pot, the development of the rootball and the age of the tree all have an influence on the growth of the roots.
When you take the tree out of the pot to inspect it each year, usually in the spring, you will be able to see if the roots need pruning. If you find that the roots form a circular ball around the edge of the pot, it’s time to trim or prune the roots. If the roots of the tree are still contained within the soil, the tree can be returned to the pot and pruning can be left for another year.
There is a tool specially designed to help you expose the roots. This is called a “root hook” but it doesn’t have to be this specific tool. You could try either chopsticks, screwdrivers, or a crochet needle as what you are trying to do is to gently work in between the roots to loosen the soil surrounding them.
While you have got the roots exposed, this is an good time to inspect the roots for early signs of decay and rot. It is vital when caring for bonsai trees, that we remove these dead roots as they will cause trouble in the future if we do not get rid of them.
You need to know how much root to cut off and how to select the right roots to be ‘cut back’ to a degree to keep them healthy and small enough for the pot.
Look for the long large roots that dominate the pot and trim them back. In particular, look at the downward growing roots. These need to be removed as they will eventually begin to ‘lift’ the tree out of the pot.
What we are trying to achieve here is to make way for the smaller feeder roots that will continue to sustain the growth of the tree while keeping the root system small enough to survive in the small pot.
You want the root system to spread laterally, from the trunk base or nebari rather than downwards, like anchors.
It is best to use a sharp knife or shears when cutting the roots and try to cut them with a downward slant. When you do this, there is less chance of water gathering in the exposed part of the newly cut root which in turn lessens the chance of infection setting in.
It is important when caring for bonsai trees that you do not remove more than 30% of the roots in any one year. This is important as you don’t want to reduce the root mass to the stage where it can’t support the tree so, generally aim to only remove about 1/3 of it.
Although there is a lot of information available on caring for bonsai trees, the pruning element still seemed to be rather daunting to me. It was difficult to have the confidence to do actually cut the roots for the first time.
I found that the best thing to do was to find a person experienced in caring for bonsai trees and watch them before I attempted to do it myself. Once I had seen it done, I had the knowledge on what to trim and what to leave and I could get on with the task of pruning my bonsai, confident that I was doing the right thing for my tree.
It is important to get the proper knowledge so that you don’t end up killing your tree. To find out more on caring for bonsai trees bonsai tree care
When my mother-in-law said that she was going away for six months,and that she needed someone to care for her bonsais, I thought, how difficult could bonsai trees care be? And I naively offered to care for her collection of Bonsai trees in her absence.
I thought it would be simply a matter of watering them once a week then leaving them to their own devices. It did not take long and many of them started to turn brown and looked quite seedy. I needed to do something in a hurry. It would never do to have my mother-in-law return to find them all dead! How could I explain that I knew nothing about bonsai trees care? But what was I doing wrong?
Was I giving them too much water?
Should I keep them outside or inside?
Did I need to repot any of them? If I did need to repot any, what sort of pot did I need?
I had no idea where to begin the pruning………….
Bonsai can sometimes succumb to insects and diseases – maybe this was my problem.
I also thought, if the worst came to the worst and I actually killed one or two, then maybe I could buy some seedlings and make a bonsai of my own to replace it. I was finding out that bonsai trees are very sensitive to their conditions and you need to learn how to look after these beautiful plants – otherwise they will die, quickly!!
I did find help – and not only did I manage to rescue by mother-in-laws bonsai trees, I discovered a soothing hobby which provides hours of enjoyment and an aesthetic and interesting focal point in my home.
I’m sure you know bonsai trees are miniature, natural trees grown as an art form. Their roots are clipped to hinder growth. Trees can grow healthily and beautifully for decades, and as they mature, they change shape. The technique originated in China then Japan and has been practiced for centuries. They are grown in pots and, sometimes with pruning and sometimes without, form sculptured, often windswept shapes that speak to me of mystical places.
There are some secrets to keeping a bonsai healthy but I have discovered that bonsai trees care is actually quite easy, if you know what you are doing in regard to the watering, fertilizing and pruning. With just a little knowledge you will be able to trim and pinch your miniature tree to train it to grow into interesting, aesthetically pleasing shapes that will amaze your family and friends.
And the next time you are asked to be responsible for caring for bonsai trees , you will be able to say with confidence, of course I know about bonsai trees care. And you know that you will!!
In Part I of my article on Indoor Bonsai we talked about the distinctions between an indoor and an outdoor bonsai, and typically what characterizes an indoor bonsai tree. In this report we’re going to focus on a few of the most widely regarded indoor bonsai plants, and additionally recommendations on how to pick the top plant material from your nursery or garden center.
There are lots of different suppliers from which you may easily find very good quality plants and trees for your indoor bonsai tree project. A specialist bonsai nursery is the very best place to buy a bonsai tree, and here you will be able to find out what kind of potting mixture is used and when the plant should be repotted.The very best place to find bonsai plants and trees is at a nursery that specializes in bonsai trees. The men and women at the nursery can provide a great deal of care suggestions, including the type of potting material that was used, and when it ought to be re-potted next. If you don’t plan to start from scratch with your bonsai tree you could purchase a plant which is already established as a bonsai. This can be fairly expensive however. Another great place to get plants and trees which might be suitable for bonsai is at your nearby garden center. Remember that employees at these kinds of retailers are going to be less knowledgeable about bonsai however.
Another approach is to take a house plant that you already have at home and begin training it as a bonsai. This is a a lot less pricey approach to get started in the hobby, and would be a little less painful if you lose the plant. Don’t improve the likelihood of killing your first bonsai plants by purchasing from the bargain table. These plants are usually unhealthy and definitely will lower your chances of long-term success.
Be sure that the foliage on any plants that you are considering buying are bright green and healthy looking, and that there are no clues of insect damage or disease. If there are any new buds on the plant they should have firm young shoots. It will be easy to determine if the plant has not been getting enough water because the buds will be dried up. Trunks and limbs need to be strong and healthy. If you familiarize yourself with the many different styles of bonsai before you go to the nursery you will be able to choose plants that are ideal for the style that you want to create.
The following is a list of plants that would be highly suitable as an indoor bonsai tree and for beginner bonsai enthusiasts:
Java Fig (Ficus benjamina) You can buy this as an established bonsai or you can buy it as a houseplant and modify it into a bonsai. The java fig will stay green all year round. Several bonsai styles work well with the Java fig including, the broom style, the cascade and semi-cascade style, the informal upright, and the slanting style.
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) You can buy this as a houseplant and train it as a bonsai yourself, or it is widely available as an established bonsai. Ulmus parvifolia is a semi-evergreen. It can be grown either inside or outside. As an indoor plant is will keep it’s leaves and stay green all year.
Chinese Box (Murraya paniculata) You can buy this as an already established bonsai or you can buy it as a small potted houseplant at a reputable garden store and modify it into a bonsai. The Chinese box is a favorite indoor bonsai plant. It is native to China and India. After flowering it produces small berries that change from orange to bright red.
California Juniper (Juniperus californica) This plant is commonly available as an established bonsai. You can also buy it as an ordinary houseplant and train it yourself. Juniperus californica is a favorite for an indoor bonsai, and is a great plant for the novice bonsai grower. Typical styles that you will often see this plant trained as are the informal upright, the slanting style, and the cascade and semi-cascade styles.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) You can buy this as a houseplant and train it as a bonsai yourself, or it is widely available as an established bonsai. This is an evergreen with flattened succulent leaves with a scalelike appearance. The Jade Plant shows best when trained in the slanting, informal upright, or broom styles.
This is just the tip of the iceburg in terms of the variety of plants and trees that are suitable for indoor bonsai. As your skills as a bonsai grower improve you will be able to add many new speciaes and varieties to your bonsai collection.
Japanese bonsai gardening is a hobby that is fascinating, affordable, and easy to get involved in. Bonsai can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and can last a lifetime. Click this link to learn more about growing your very own indoor bonsai tree, and sign up for your FREE 7-part introductory mini-course on how to grow miniature bonsai trees. Or, to get started growing your own bonsai trees trees right away check out the highly regarded “how-to” bonsai book “Beautiful Bonsai Secrets”. Peace.
Bonsai’s are a fantastic hobby to take up and can be enjoyed by young and old alike. You do not need to be a gardener to take up bonsai but to make sure that your bonsai will last for many years, you do need to know about bonsai trees care.
The origin of Bonsai trees care can be traced back over 2000 years, and the bonsai tree remains an object of fascination. It is an interesting technique of growing adult trees in a miniature form.
Caring for your bonsai trees can give you some relaxing time out. Bonsai trees care is well known for the calming effects that is has on those that participate in this hobby that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
The authentic beauty of a well-shaped miniature tree inspires calm and humility to even the non-initiate, and nothing completes a garden or adds a touch of warmth into your house like a masterfully crafted Bonsai.
If you are have recently been given a Bonsai tree or maybe brought it for your self, your first question will most likely be…”What are the basic differences between caring for a Bonsai tree and an ordinary house plant?”
The answer is simple.
If Bonsai trees don’t receive the proper care, they die…quickly!
You may have heard others say:
“I was given a lovely Bonsai tree which at first looked just wonderful, them within a few weeks, it went brown and brittle and died…just like that!”
There are a few things that are essential when it comes to taking proper care of your Bonsai trees and lack of knowledge can ruin your chance of enjoying the peace and satisfaction that comes from the rewarding pastime of Bonsai trees care. Bonsai trees are very sensitive to their conditions and you need to learn how to look after these beautiful plants.
If you are serious about learning the ropes and unique techniques behind this classic and time honored tradition of Bonsai cultivation then there are 7 simple steps that you need to know about caring for your bonsai trees.
Where should you place your Bonsai tree to keep it as healthy as possible?
How to test if your Bonsai tree needs watering and how often you should water it?
The type of soil a Bonsai needs, how it’s different from ordinary plants
What to ‘feed’ your tree, how often to feed it and what elements must be in the fertilizer you use
How to repot your tree, why to do it, and when to do it
The what, when, why and how to’s of Bonsai pruning, trimming and pinching
The use of wiring to stabilize your tree and begin to influence the direction of its growth.
Of course, this is only the beginning of your journey of loving Bonsai trees. Once you have experienced the joy that Bonsai trees care has brought you, you may want to develop further beyond simply keeping your tree alive….trust me you’ll want to once you’re hooked!
Imagine the pride you will feel once you master this ancient art form and the accomplishment of watching your own Bonsai tree grow with you as months and years pass by.
Ask any true Bonsai enthusiast and they will tell you, there is no hobby in the world that compares to growing and caring for Bonsai trees.
If you can master the art of Bonsai trees care, who knows – maybe your Bonsai will become a family heirloom and be passed from generation to generation.
If you would like to know more about Bonsai trees care that covers the steps mentioned in this article, you can do so here: http://www.bonsai-trees-care.com
Pruning bonsai trees is one of the most important things you will have to do as a bonsai enthusiast. Generally, you will be pruning two parts of your bonsai: the roots, which is the bottom part of the plant, and the foliage, which is the top part of the plant. Pruning your bonsais is one of the more interesting aspects of growing these interesting plants and is a way to let your creativity shine.
Root pruning is important because it allows the tree to grow new roots. Because of their small containers, the roots of bonsai trees are often stunted in growth. By pruning the root system of your bonsai regularly, you will ensure that the plant has the space needed to grow new roots, which in turn helps the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. As with any other plant, the root structure is critical to the growth and health of your bonsai.
On the other hand, pruning a bonsai tree’s foliage is also vital – if only for aesthetic purposes. If you are a bonsai owner, you probably have a specific design in mind for your tree. Pruning will help you achieve the results you desire. Pruning can help shape your tree into the form you want as well as removes any dead leaves to help keep it healthy and beautiful.
Also, don’t forget that the roots and the foliage of your bonsai tree are interconnected. When you reduce the foliage (or number of leaves) that your tree has, you are also reducing the strain on its roots. In other words, the less leaves there are, the less work the roots have to do to keep them alive.
The amount of pruning you will do will depend heavily on your plans for the tree. It is best for you to have a plan here before you begin. Remember that the changes that you make to your tree are permanent! If you cut a branch off, that branch is gone forever, and you will have to wait for a new one to take its place. Remember to prune your tree gently – if you are removing leaves pinch them off with your fingers and don’t use sharp or harsh tools.
Most people like to prune off branches that cross the trunk or each other. Why? Because it isn’t very pretty to look at. So unless you think you can rewire the branch and force it to grow in another direction, cut it off. Branches that stick out towards you are also common pruning targets. Of course, what you prune from your plant should be your personal decision. What is really important is that you find your bonsai tree beautiful; what others think of it is a secondary consideration. Trust your own good taste.
Remember: pruning your bonsai trees is supposed to be fun! Don’t get too worked up if your trees don’t turn out the way you want them at first. If you keep learning and practicing your botanical skills, the day will soon come when your bonsai will be the envy of your neighbors!
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about types of bonsai trees and their care.
► bit.ly Discover beginner to advanced bonsai techiques. Includes tree care guides, videos, article archive, and more. Here’s Just a Small Portion of What You’ll Discover in “Bonsai Gardening Secrets”: ✔Why Bonsai trees are formed and trained the way they are. (Hint: There’s a reason why different plants are used for different forms in Bonsai Gardening. Just knowing what type(s) of plants to use with which form really makes a huge difference!) ✔The fourteen major styles of Bonsai (with full-color photos)…and how you can create each one in your home. ✔What are the “rules” of true Bonsai Gardening. You’ll know the symbolism and effect of every plant, stone, and grain of sand in your Bonsai. ✔The insider secrets of Form Pruning, Maintenance Pruning, Plucking, Defoliation, “Jin and Shari” (which makes even a very young trees look like a classic “old” bonsai) and more! Plus you’ll quickly decide which is right for you. ✔The Top Bonsai Choices to get started today (and where to get them)! ✔How to choose your first tree. Dwarf Pomegranate or Ficus? Satsuki Azalea or Japanese Maple? Find out here! ✔How to create a Bonsai tree the right way (Hint: This is much easier than it seems…once you see how it works.) ✔How do you choose the right accents for your Bonsai? From dwarf grass and rush, to lichen and moss, you’ll discover the best accents for each and every one of your Bonsai! ✔Do you live or work in a hectic environment? Need a little sanctuary? Discover the types …