Some gardeners confuse the concept of dwarfing with the practice of bonsai tree growing. Dwarfing is when a tree is genetically breed over time and over generations to reflect a specific attribute. For example, dogs might be breed over time so that they are faster for racing. A similar concept happens with dwarfing except the tree is breed to be smaller over successive generations. Bonsai tree growing on the other hand is when the bonsai is genetically the same as any other tree and is not breed to be smaller. Instead, by controlling its environment the owners can restrict its size and control its shape.
This is done through the techniques of wiring, pruning, clamping, defoliation, root reduction, grafting and by other means. These techniques take years to master and learning them is said to produce a calming effect on your life. In fact many spiritual and holy men from East Asian countries practice bonsai tree growing as it is said to be similar to meditative practice. This may be because whilst your everyday life is fast and busy, growing bonsai trees is said to be a slow, time consuming process so this helps to contrast and put things in perspective. Also the rewards from watching your tree grow over the years can be very powerful.
When you’re growing a bonsai tree you can start out by choosing a seedling. You can get this from a local gardening store along with a pot, soil and a few other tools to start yourself off. You can also take a cutting from an existing tree, which will slowly grow into its own separate tree. Both of these methods require quite a bit of time for a beginner and so new owner might instead want to pick a young, small premade bonsai that is ready to be styled for the future.
Most people would think of bonsai trees as indoor plants and that most of their time is spent on the windowsill. Actually, Bonsai trees are usually grown outdoors although there are some species that require inside care. This perception of the trees as normally indoors is probably because during exhibitions and competitions the trees are normally displayed indoors. However, in practice most bonsais are grown outdoors as long as the species is suited to the climate in which they are growing.
There are many differences between bonsai tree species and so great care must be taken when choosing the correct plant for your climate. But because of misinformation, bonsai trees are often badly cared for and unfortunately sometimes end up dieing. However, by following the correct instruction and techniques, bonsai tree care doesn’t have to be difficult and can be a very rewarding experience to be had over years of your life.
Tim Green has been looking after bonsai trees for many years and loves helping others do the same. For more information on bonsai tree care visit his website at www.bonsaitreecarecenter.com
Coniferous trees can be used to make lovely bonsai specimens, and among the most popular of conifers for bonsai is the juniper. The hugely popular juniper tree has over 50 varieties that can be found all over the world. Juniper are also one of the easiest bonsai trees to take care of, hence their popularity, particularly among novice bonsai growers. The juniper bonsai tree can be grown both indoors and outdoors, nonetheless, poor humidity, lack of decent light, and lack of a dormant period will ultimately kill them. A Juniper bonsai tree will tolerate short periods of being inside but if you really want it to thrive then keep it outside.
Juniper trees have two distinctive types of foliage that they display at different stages of their life. Young juniper trees have foliage that is like needles, and when they mature the foliage is more scale-like. Foliage will range in color from blue-greens to light-greens, even showing silver or gold hues on occassion.
A traditional juniper for bonsai is at times referred to as a Chinese Juniper. Another very popular species for bonsai is the Needle Juniper. The Needle Juniper gets it name from it’s very sharply pointed needles.
Watering Your Juniper
With most bonsai trees it would not be a good idea to let them dry out between waterings – not true with the juniper, it likes to dry out. Test the soil everyday to determine when it is time to water your juniper tree. If the soil in the pot looks and feels dry on the surface it is time to water it again. Put your finger into the soil to a depth of about one half to one inch. If the soil feels dry then you have to water your bonsai. Never allow your bonsai to go completely dry or it may suffer damage and die. Set your bonsai in the sink or in a container of water, practically up to the rim, for 15-30 minutes or until all the air bubbles stop rising and the soil is saturated. After watering using this suggestion you want to make certain that you allow it to drain completely because junipers are vulnerable to root rot if the roots sit in water. If you can’t soak your plants using this method then water thoroughly from the top, wait a few minutes, and then water again. You may need to do this a few times until the soil has been thoroughly soaked. A complete water cycle will go from the soil being completely soaked to being sort of dry.
A frequent spraying of your juniper bonsai’s foliage will help keep them free of dust and help them to breathe. This is particularly important for trees that have recently been repotted. Your bonsai is at risk of becoming dehydratred until the roots have recovered from the repotting and can bring water to the whole tree. A good spraying will also cut excess transpiration from the juniper’s foliage.
Make Sure Your Juniper Gets the Right Amount of Sunlight
Outdoors are where most Juniper bonsai trees are typically grown. A juniper bonsai tree will tolerate full sun, but the ideal circumstance would be to allow it to get low strength morning sunlight with afternoon shade. Alternatively, filtered or shaded sunlight all day would be fine.
Humidity
Almost all trees and plants love humid growing conditions. You can use a humidity tray beneath your potted juniper bonsai to maintain a higher level of humidity. Place your bonsai pot on top of the stones in the tray. After you’ve given your bonsai a good watering from the top the tray can also serve as a collection area for excess water. Again, a good spraying should be done in between waterings.
Fertilizing
Use a high nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and fertilize every three weeks, then use a more balanced fertilizer during the summer months, and then reduce the nitrogen for fall fertilizing. A diluted, half strength fertilizer will keep your roots from being damaged if you are using a chemical fertilizer.
Mike Andrews is a gardener and author and has been a devoted enthusiast of the art of bonsai for many years. Read his additional articles relating to the Juniper bonsai tree on his website at www.myjapanesebonsai.com. Please visit and sign up for his FREE 7-part mini-course on how to grow and train miniature bonsai trees. Peace.
Bonsai in America are much freer in concept and style than Japanese bonsai. Americans have taken oriental styles and applied them to plants never grown by the Japanese. Rigid procedures used by the Japanese are not used in American bonsai.
Bonsai trees for sale can be found in a wide selection of dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties. Bonsai tree types can be applied to houseplants if bonsai design concepts are used.
Bonsai Trees and Shrubs
Bonsai nurseries have a wide selection of dwarf and semi-dwarf bonsai plants for sale. These do not always convey the same impression as their full size twins because the growth habits are quite different.
Indoor Bonsai Trees
There are woody plants (native to the tropics and sub-tropics of the world) that can be grown as indoor bonsai trees. By combining traditional procedures for handling houseplants with bonsai tree design, growers have created different bonsai styles.
Where Can I Buy a Bonsai Tree?
Plants that are native to the area where you live often make great beginner bonsai trees. There are many common bonsai plants that are old favorites because of their classic good looks. These can be found at bonsai nurseries.
Bonsai Seeds and Bonsai Plants
Bonsai can be collected from the wild or seeds taken from plants in your garden. If a plant is taken from the wild, between March and April, at least a year must pass before it can be placed in a bonsai pot. If you buy a bonsai tree from Japan, do so during their dormant period. The best method is to buy stock from a bonsai nursery.
1) Look for plants that are well rooted and branched.
2) Inspect the overall plant. Examine the foliage and base.
3) Do not purchase a bonsai plant that cannot be easily transplanted to a bonsai pot.
By following the above information you can make a wise bonsai tree selection and enjoy the grace of a bonsai tree for your home.
By following the above information you can make a wise bonsai tree selection and enjoy the grace of a bonsai tree for your home. Here is a great site Essential Bonsai to purchase bonsai tree plants and bonsai accessories.
There is nothing particularly hard about the growing and care of bonsai trees, but they do require constant care in order to thrive.
Bonsais require the same three ingredients essential to all plants – soil, water and light. The trick in providing the proper care of bonsai tree is ensuring they get just the right amount of these crucial elements. While it’s not difficult it does require a little specialist knowledge and without the proper application of that knowledge your bonsai will probably very quickly die.
Many people new to the care of bonsai trees assume they should tend to it in the same manner as any other potted plant. Despite the fact your bonsai is potted, it is not, in any true sense of the word, a pot plant. It is a miniaturized tree and as such thrives best in the same conditions as a normal tree of the same variety. Most bonsai therefore prefer to be outdoors, however it does depend on where you live and what kind of climate your tree is suited to.
In order to provide the best care of bonsai trees you need to do some research to determine the conditions that best suit your particular variety of tree. If you live in an area where it snows during winter, leaving a tree outside is fine, and probably best, if your tree has been adapted by nature to those conditions [such as a fir or juniper]. You may find your bonsai prefers to be outdoors in winter, rather than cosseted inside. However if your bonsai is a more tropical plant, such as a bougainvillea, leaving it outside in even a mild frost could prove fatal. Check exactly what conditions are native to your particular tree and find a position which produces the closest match.
Watering:
Correct watering is also vital to ensuring your tree stays alive. Because the roots of your bonsai have been trimmed there is less mass to undertake the task of taking up water to feed the tree, therefore frequent watering is a must. You may not need to water every day, but you should make a daily check of the moisture content of the soil in your bonsai pot. If the soil gets too dry your tree will begin to lose leaves and, if left completely dry for several days, it will quickly begin to die. However keeping the soil too wet can encourage fungal growth and root rot, also leading to the demise of your bonsai.
One easy way to check the moisture level is to poke a small stick, like a toothpick or chop stick, into the soil. It may be dry on the surface of the pot but still contain moisture around the roots. You may find you need to water your tree several times a day during a hot summer but leave it without for days, weeks or possibly even months during the winter.
It is also a good idea to occasionally ensure the roots get a good soaking by popping the bonsai pot in a tray of water. Do not, however leave it in too long and also ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes to allow excess water to run out.
Finding the right balance can be a matter of trial and error but one handy little trick is to get used to judging the weight of your tree, pot and soil. About one quarter of the weight should be water, so if your pot is feeling lighter than normal it is probably time to give it a drink.
Soil:
You can use any good quality potting soil for your bonsai, though it must be free draining. However some garden centers and specialist shops sell special soil mixes to provide extra specical care of bonsai trees. These specialist soils are usually freer draining than one-size-fits-all mixes and have less in the way of fertilizers which helps limit growth. The soil in your pot will need to be changed at least every two years, and is generally done when you repot the tree.
Light:
Try to ensure your bonsai is shaded from the sun during the hottest part of the day. But again, each variety of tree prefers slightly different conditions and you should try to emulate its natural habitat as much as possible. Because plants naturally grow towards the light, it is a good idea to turn your plant regularly so that all sides get an equal amount.
The care of bonsai trees can be likened to the care of a small child. Like babies they require constant and tender loving care. It can be very costly learning through your mistakes. It is easier on the pocket and also less frustrating to learn the proper techniques before attempting the care of bonsai trees.
To save yourself money and heartache with your care of bonsai trees bonsai trees care
People that are not yet completely familiar with the art and horticulture of bonsai suppose that bonsai trees and plants must be grown indoors. This belief may be because all bonsai trees and plants are planted in small pots rather than planted in the garden, or perhaps they saw their first bonsai at an indoor garden show.
Sometimes this misunderstanding can result in the early on and untimely death of the beginning bonsai artist’s first tree, which may deter him/her from making another attempt at growing a bonsai. So be sure that you understand that some plants and trees are emphatically classified as an indoor bonsai tree, while others are more suited to be grown outdoors.
The trees and plants that are generally considered to be indoor bonsai are those that are native to tropical and subtropical climates, and they are being grown as bonsai in a more temperate climate. If you want your indoor bonsai trees and plants to thrive then you must be sure to keep them in a warm and humid environment, similar to that environment where they come from. Providing the appropriate levels of humidity is usually the largest challenge for the indoor bonsai gardener. One easy way to keep the humidity levels up for your indoor bonsai is to spray it frequently with a mister.
Indoor bonsai trees do not have the same growth patterns as bonsai trees that are grown outdoors because they are not subjected to the same seasonal light and temperature changes. As an illustration, a hardy deciduous outdoor bonsai will go through the cycle of new growth in spring, fullness of growth during summer, loss of leaves in the fall, and then a dormant spell of rest during the winter. Because they are generally native to topical and subtropical regions which don’t experience dramatic seasonal changes, indoor bonsai trees are usually “evergreen”, meaning that they are green all year. Under certain conditions an outdoor bonsai plant can stay green year-round rather than lose it’s leaves in the fall and go dormant during the winter.
The methods of pruning and training indoor bonsai is much the same as with outdoor bonsai, with the exception being the timing of the training and pruning. Pruning, cutting, grafting and other training methods are usually only done during preiods of growth and dormancy on outdoor bonsai plants. Indoor bonsai often have a continuous growing period, although they tend to be more active in the spring and summer.
You are better off shopping for a suitable plant to make into an indoor bonsai tree at a nursery or garden center than to purchase one at a supermarket. There is a wide variety of plant and tree types to choose from to create an indoor bonsai. You can even take some ordinary house plants and train them to become bonsai. In Part II of my article on Indoor Bonsai, I will report how to choose the best plant material for your bonsai, and also offer a list of 4-5 plants and trees that are greatly suitable as indoor bonsai, as well as highly suitable for the beginner bonsai enthusiast.
Mike Andrews is a gardener and author and has been a devoted enthusiast of the art of bonsai for many years. Read all of his additional articles on bonsai trees, including those relating to the indoor bonsai tree on his website at www.myjapanesebonsai.com. Please visit and sign up for his FREE 7-part mini-course on how to grow and train miniature bonsai trees.
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.
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Bonsai trees (miniature replicas of larger trees) have been a source of beauty and awe in private gardens and public arboretums for decades. You will be able to choose any perennial tree or shrub species that will complement any décor and/or setting in the size and style you want for your bonsai tree. There are also bonsai trees that are available for both indoor and outdoor settings. There are sizes and styles and varieties of bonsai trees that will add a special touch to your current décor.
History
Although the term Bonsai tree is used as a broad sweeping term for all miniature trees, several other cultures have similar traditions. China has a similar tradition in penjing and Vietnam has the tradition of miniature living landscapes known as hòn non bộ. Bonsai is the Japanese term and loosely translates has tray (bon) growing or planting (sai). The intent of Bonsai is for contemplation and decoration and finished products are considered a form of art. There is a long history of container (tray) grown Bonsai trees. Learning provides a prospective on what Bonsai tree tradition and how you can apply it to your own décorcor or life style.
Plant Selection
Where you get your source material for your Bonsai tree is important. Growing your tree from seed (not the normal practice) is seldom due to the time it takes to reach a mature or aged look to the plant. Knowing the environment (cold, warm, dry, raining, etc…) the plant will live in is essential to source material selection. Ideally, any source material used will be indigenous to the location where the tree will be displayed. This applies mostly to trees intended for outdoor display but should be kept in mind for indoor display. However, Bonsai tree can be created from any woody plants the final selection has to fit the creative palette of the grower. Go to your local nursery for starter material until you are comfortable finding your our source material.
Containers Style and Size
The container is an essential aspect for the display of the final Bonsai Tree. Any container used should have holes in the bottom to allow water to flow through. The size of the final display container should match the aesthetics of what you see in the final product. In addition, training containers should be used while growing or training the plants to attain the final desired form. Training containers hold several plants and require a large volume of soil. The larger volume of soil allows the roots to grow more freely during the training phase and creates as healthier root system for the tree. If you are only growing one Bonsai tree, the final display container and training container can be the same.
Pruning Tools and Training/Pruning the Trees
Generally come in sets and can be found locally. Buy a starter kit and add the tools you need as your knowledge and skill increase. Pruning or training/shaping of any Bonsai tree is essential in the care and development of the tree. The basic pruning techniques are leave trimming, pruning of the roots, trunk and branches, wiring and clamping. Root prunning and repotting are essential skills necessary to the overall appearance of the Bonsai tree. The tools you will eventually use are important to make each technique as productive and easy as possible.
Buying vs. Growing your Own Bonsai Tree
The biggest, single drawback to buying a ready for display Bonsai tree is the care. If you buy a completed Bonsai tree, you will not have developed the skill set (pruning, trimming, replanting, etc…) to maintain the tree. You can always pay to have the tree maintained, but the enjoyment for me was always in the work and sense of accomplishment. Growing/training a Bonsai tree requires patience and commitment to a long term goal. Years can be spent training and eventually maintaining your Bonsai tree, but it is time well spent.
So, learn everything you can and you may find that growing Bonsai Trees is hobby for life.
The term Bonsai tree is used as a broad sweeping term for all miniature trees withseveral other cultures have similar traditions. China has a similar tradition in penjing and Vietnam has the tradition known as h
Bonsai are miniature trees grown in pots. The goal of bonsai culture is to develop a tiny tree that has all the elements of a large tree growing in a natural setting. A presentable bonsai can be created in a few seasons. Cultivating these miniature potted trees is both an intriguing hobby, and a means of adapting a wide range of plants to specialized and decorative uses.
How Do I Care for My Bonsai 4 Easy Ways to Love and Care for Your Bonsai
1) New bonsai are started in the spring. This is the time for any pruning and training of last season’s bonsai.
2) Cool nights, sunny days and mist (or rain) each day help them thrive in the summer. Place your Bonsai where they receive 3-5 hours of direct sunlight a day. Water the entire bonsai — plant and soil — daily.
3) Be sure to water the trees less frequently, in the fall season, to slow their growth for the approaching winter. Do not prune or cut branches after mid-August. To reduce winter die-back of flowering trees and maples, make a light application of 0-10-0 fertilizer.
4) Bonsai can only be left outdoors where the temperatures drop no lower than 28 F degrees — so you may need a pit or coldframe, if necessary. Winter frosts will seldom bother bonsai that are sheltered under the foliage of a spreading tree.
Bonsai require daily watering during their growing season, and, because the plants are rooted in shallow pots, they need careful pruning. Bonsai are kept outdoors most of the year, but from time to time these miniaturized versions of nature are brought indoors for display.
Indoor Bonsai Concepts
American gardeners have taken bonsai concepts and have applied them to houseplants. You can combine traditional procedures for handling houseplants with bonsai concepts of design. Only certain tropical trees, shrubs, and vines can be continuously kept indoors full time.
Outdoor Bonsai Concept
These are plants that are suitable for traditional bonsai. This is not intended to be a complete list. Specialty nurseries often have a wide selection of dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties of many of these species. Dwarf plants, however, do not always convey the same impression as their full size counterparts Ix-cause their growth habit is quite different.
Show Off Your Bonsai
Your indoor bonsai needs to be placed on a raised stand in front of a plain wall. If you bring your outside bonsai inside for a short visit, place it on a raised stand too. Try placing a small Japanese folding screen behind the bonsai.
For your outdoor garden, display bonsai on simple shelf set on concrete blocks. Bonsai in large containers look better displayed alone. Place these on some kind of a stand too.
Where Can I Buy a Bonsai Tree? Here is a Great Web Site
You can look at all the beautiful and graceful Bonsai trees and accessories and select the perfect Bonsai tree for your home or for that special person at Essential Bonsai
Info Lady has a passion for writing and writes articles on a variety of subjects. She enjoys her retirement and is finding her way through the internet maze. Her articles are informative, essential, up-to-date and helpful.