Bonsai

If you are new to the hobby of growing bonsai, you may be overwhelmed by the wide bonsai plant selection. It is recommended to start with a plant that is common in your area and that meets general bonsai plant requirements.

Some popular bonsai plant subjects include the Juniper tree, the Japanese and Chinese wisteria, the Japanese black pine, and the Japanese flowering cherry. Obtaining a bonsai plant from a nursery is a good idea since the roots of the plant have already adapted to confined conditions. Make sure you choose a bonsai plant with good root systems and branches.

Choose a protected area in your yard where to plant your bonsai specimen. The bonsai plant will be ready to be transplanted in a container after a year. During potting of the bonsai plant, you may do some light branch pruning but it would take another year for bonsai training to start.

You can also obtain a bonsai plant from the wild but this carries more risks because it will be difficult to determine certain factors important to growing a bonsai such as the plant’s age. A bonsai plant must be collected when it is in its dormant phase and would be hard to tell this of a wild plant. Nevertheless, when you collect a wild plant make sure you have all the necessary tools because after digging you need to do the following: pack moss around the root ball, wrap the plant’s root ball with a plastic bag, and then water it to keep the bonsai plant material moist. You can replant the specimen after digging. You may also need to pry loose the roots with a crowbar.

If the bonsai plant specimen is on someone else’s property, make sure you have permission to dig. Also, you need to ensure that the species is not endangered. It is illegal to take a plant from protected areas such as national parks and other sanctuaries.

Seasonal Bonsai Plant Care

SUMMER: Avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat, sunlight, wind and rain. Water daily but do not keep it soaked. Three up to five hours of direct sunlight daily is beneficial to the bonsai plant but place it in a shaded area during the afternoon.

FALL: Prepare the bonsai plant for winter. Water less to slow growth and stop applying fertilizer. Do not prune branches starting late August.

WINTER: If the temperature drops below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, store the bonsai plant in a greenhouse or another suitable area. Keep it cool in order to maintain its dormancy. Watering is still necessary but should be done only on alternating days.

SPRING: This is the time for pruning and training an old bonsai plant. It is also the time to start a new one.

How many people know that bonsai can be grown from seeds? Although there are no magic bonsai seeds which can turn into the perfect-looking bonsai tree after being planted, the bonsai seeds can still grow into the “dwarfed trees” that we have all come to love. That is, with certain growing procedures and every bit of your patience.

Most people will probably tell you that growing a bonsai tree from bonsai seeds is a clear waste of your time. But even if this is known to be the most time-consuming among all methods, this is also the one that will give you the most rewarding experience.

The Japanese has a term to define the cultivation of bonsai from bonsai seeds – misho. This process may take a lot of time, but it allows one total control of the tree’s growth right from the start.

Initially, you need to gather the “right” kinds of seeds according to the type of bonsai tree that you like to grow. Various horticultural shops have plenty of these available. Once you have gathered the bonsai seeds, it is necessary to place them in water for the night in order to differentiate which seeds are potentially viable and which ones are not. Those that will float are not usable, but the ones that will sink are those that you will be working with.

Before sowing your bonsai seeds, make sure that you have chosen a pot that is about has a depth of 15 cm or 6” and features a drainage hole. The lowest portion of the pot, or a quarter of the pot’s total volume should contain an earth mix, a mixture of akadama and fine gravel in equal proportions.

On top of that layer, you need to put a mixture of fine akadama, potting compost, and fine gravel in ½, 1/4, and ¼ ratios respectively. This particular layer should be about 1” below the pot’s rim. Place the bonsai seeds on top of this layer, making sure that they are about 1” to 2” inch apart from.

Finally, put in the last layer which is composed of a mixture of potting compost and akadama in equal ratios. Spray water on top of the seedbed using a nozzle with fine spray.

It may take years before you can finally see a nice bonsai tree. However, what can be more fulfilling than knowing that you grew it from “scratch” yourself?

The most crucial factor in growing a bonsai plant is the art of styling it. While styling a bonsai is a very subjective process, there are actually some principles and techniques to follow which will help you come up with the perfect “look” for your bonsai.

Styling a bonsai can be done in any of the five basic techniques: “chokkan” or formal upright; “moyogi” or informal upright; “shankkan” or slanting; “kengi” or cascade; and semi-cascade.

Before styling a bonsai, figure out which side is front and which one is back. Take a look at all the styling techniques, and figure out which one you would like your bonsai to have. Remove surface soil to know where the root starts and how large the trunk is before the first branch.

Get rid of dead leaves and wood using a pointed pair of scissors. Also, remove any leaf that may have grown at the lower end of the branches. Make sure that the side you consider as the bonsai’s front should have its first major branch standing around 1/3 towards the top of your tree, either to the right or left side. When styling a bonsai, it is important that you can see much of the trunk from the front. There should be no branches or roots that will come straight at you.

The branches are special elements in styling a bonsai. Thus, it is advisable that you choose which ones are best to use in your design. Most beginners tend to preserve more foliage than necessary. Since you are styling a tree, not a shrub, keep in mind that the gaps found in between the foliage serve as much importance as the foliage. Since the first major branch should be about 1/3 towards the top of the tree, the next one should be a little bit above the first, but on the other side. If possible, branches should not be in the same height and opposite each other, a characteristic known as bar branch and which is not considered ideal. The third branch should again be higher than the previous one and should be located at the back of the tree. This pattern should be followed as much as possible until you reach the top of the tree. Unwanted branches should be removed and your tree should achieve a somewhat triangular shape.

Styling a bonsai does not really let you conform to strict rules. After all, art does not mean adhering to standards.

Although some people view wiring as a form of torture, this act is actually necessary to enhance the bonsai plant’s shape and design. The process may seem barbaric, but once the desired “appearance” is achieved, wiring bonsai will not seem as cruel as people think it to be.

When wiring bonsai, it is advisable to try imitating the natural shape of plants. That is why you should only attempt wiring those branches that are not likely going to break when applied with pressure. Wiring bonsai works to bend the wood or branch. In doing so, you put stress on the plant’s cells. Thus, it is entirely pointless to wire a plant that is unhealthy or one that is not strong enough to withstand such stress.

Wiring bonsai is wrapping a wire around the branch or trunk in order to bend it into the desired shape or position. The wire will stay wrapped until the particular shape has set. This could mean a couple of days for new foliage, or as long as one year for larger subjects.

Wiring bonsai is mostly done in the middle or late summer, when the plant is actively growing and shapes set in quicker. During wiring, take note that the wire will not press too hard on the truck or branch hard enough to cause it to scar.

There are a lot of important things to consider when wiring bonsai. For one, try not to start bending near the trunk, otherwise the branch will likely break. Also, if you’re wiring branches that have foliage, avoid wrapping the wire around the foliage as well as this will cause damage to the leaves and is a potential cause for infection.

The most common wire which can be bought from bonsai suppliers is aluminum. This particular wire is likewise available in two kinds: plain or silver, and anodised or one with brown coating. The anodised may be less obvious than the other but the plain kind allows you to see clearly how the wiring is carried out. That is, whether it is properly wrapped around the branch or is biting hard into it. When the wire has done its job, it is ideal that you cut it off from the branch rather than try to unwind or unwrap it.

Wiring bonsai is a commonly misunderstood technique. But if you want to let your bonsai tree achieve a style of its own, wiring is one of the best methods to do it.

Because bonsai pots are small and shallow, the root system of the tree is limited so watering bonsai trees properly can be difficult. The frequency of watering bonsai depends on the specie of the tree. Some needs watering almost constantly while other can manage dryness in longer periods.

Watering bonsai too often will soak the soil and can result in root rot and fungal infections. On the other hand, you should monitor the tree daily to prevent it from becoming completely dried out, which can easily happen with exposure to sunlight, wind and heat.

When spring begins, bonsai trees can be somewhat trained to grow on certain amount of water. Watering bonsai sparingly at the start of their growth will make it require less water throughout summer. Likewise, watering bonsai heavily when it is starting to grow will require you to maintain that frequency all year.

Because the tree has grown accustomed to its water intake, it is important not to change the watering schedule suddenly. In deciding how often to water the bonsai, you may want to consider the fact that heavy or frequent water will turn out larger needles and leaves.

There are many factors to consider when figuring out just how often your bonsai needs to be watered. The key to watering bonsai properly is routine checking. Just because the day is overcast or windy does not mean it is it is not as drying as a sunny or hot day so you need to regularly check on your bonsai.

The ideal way to do this is to water the bonsai first thing every morning and then, in the evening, check the bonsai to see if it needs water. Keep this routine even on a rainy day because sometimes the rain does not go through the thick foliage. As a general rule of thumb, watering bonsai must be done just when the tree is almost dry or just starting to dry.

It is ideal to collect rain water and use this when watering bonsai but using tap water is completely fine. Remember to that soil must be thoroughly wet so that water drains from the holes beneath the container and washes away built up of salt and other deposits at the bottom. While watering bonsai can be done at any time during the day, avoid spraying the foliage when the sun is to prevent scorching. In winter, bonsai trees will of course require less water. Be sure to keep them in an area that is sheltered and cool but not freezing. The tree can still dry out even if it is winter so do not forget your routine checking. Water the bonsai in the morning whenever necessary.

Growing a bonsai tree is a great hobby and in culturing them, you will need to use a bonsai tool kit. Shaping and styling a bonsai tree should be done in a very artistic manner and the use of the right bonsai tool can make a difference. Several different bonsai tools have been developed over the past years and they can be obtained from a nursery or a gardening shop near you.

Just bear in mind that buying the more expensive ones can actually cause you to save more. This is because the cheaper the bonsai tool is the more chance that the materials used is not that good causing you to buy a new one just after a few uses.

A particular bonsai tool is designed to perform a specific task. Once you are accustomed to their usage, which can be shaping, styling, pruning and trimming, you can expand your collection of bonsai tools. Bonsai tools are actually sold separately from the plant but these days, starter kits for beginners have them included.

Starter kits should include the following bonsai tools:

Bonsai Wire Cutters

A very basic bonsai tool, the bonsai wire cutter is designed specifically for removing wires from the plant. Bonsai wire cutters have a round head perfect for systematically cutting the wire, preventing damage to the plant.

Bonsai Trimming Shears

This bonsai tool is used for trimming the twigs, branches and roots. The handle is quite big so that it will fit the hand. Also, this tool should always be kept sharp so that cutting the stem will be easy.

Concave Branch Cutter

This razor sharp bonsai tool is used for cutting the branches. This will cause the branch to heal fast because of small scarring. This tool is also considered very essential in growing a bonsai tree.

Spherical Knob Cutter

The Spherical Knob Cutter is used for removing roots and trunk knobs. Its head is shaped like a sphere that produces a hollow, round cut that heals quickly due to small scarring.

Bud Trimming Shears

This tool has a long and narrow body that is perfect for cutting the buds of the bonsai tree. However, it is not suitable for general trimming because the blades will rapidly become dull.

Root Hook

This bonsai tool is used for disentangling the roots of a big bonsai tree. Because of its rounded end, you can re-arrange the roots of the bonsai plant without damaging them.

Proper use of a bonsai tool does not only guarantee that your bonsai tree will grow healthy and beautiful but it will also be convenient for you when taking care of them. To obtain more information about these tools, it is best that you visit your local nursery or gardening center and ask assistance from an expert.

Bonsai originated in Asia several centuries ago. Japanese calls it “tray planting”, while the Chinese calls it “tray scenery”. But bonsai is actually both. Bonsai is defined as the art of dwarfing trees by planting them in basins. Although this is usually linked to the Japanese, bonsai really originated from China, a form of art derived from Chinese “penjing”.

Most people believe that the bonsai is not meant to be grown outdoors. However, this seems to be a common misconception. Although, it is still possible to grow your bonsai indoors, there are several things that you need to consider. For one, there are only two kinds of indoor bonsai plant – the tropical and the semi tropical. The tropical kind requires a constant temperature, that is, one that should not go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with less than 10 degrees fluctuations between day and night. Semi tropical ones necessitates two distinctly varied seasons within the year. Its growing period between April and October should be bright and warm. The remaining months should be bright but cooler. An indoor bonsai plant also allows you to choose between a flowering plant and one that simply grows leaves. Personal preference dictates the choice of bonsai type, as well as its shape.

Not a lot of people know that the site of the indoor bonsai plant is crucial. While bright light is vital, bonsai needs a good protection from the sun’s heat. If you intend to place your indoor bonsai plant in a dark area of the house, make sure that it is provided with a grow-light not less than 10 hours everyday.

Humidity is another important element in successfully growing an indoor bonsai plant. Since central heating can be a problem during the winter, ensure that your bonsai is not anywhere near the heating vents. You may regularly spray your bonsai to give it the necessary humidity.

Caring for you indoor bonsai plant shouldn’t be that difficult. A fertilizer that is water-soluble, plus a weekly foliar feeding should keep it nice and healthy. Wiring and pruning are dependent on the type of bonsai you are growing and the desired shape you want it to have. The importance of water is undeniable. However, it is recommended that your indoor bonsai plant be given water in the morning so it won’t have to stay wet all throughout the night.

When grown and cared for well, the indoor bonsai plant adds beauty to every home.

Living things need more than just water to grow and live – plants included. Bonsai, regardless if they are merely the “dwarf” versions of normal trees still require some sort of food to keep them healthy and alive.

Fertilizer is considered as the plant food. And since bonsai does not differ much from other plants, they need fertilizer as well. As with any plant specie, natural bonsai plant food include sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. These are converted into sugar and carbohydrate and will serve as food for the plants.

Fertilizer is a bonsai plant food that is capable of providing the bonsai trees with necessary vitamins and minerals. For example, in order to help with the various enzyme processes and cell division, the fertilizer supplies three elements: potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorous.

Nitrogen is an important element in the bonsai plant food. It is responsible for the tree’s green color and the elongation of its leaves. It is known to assist in the bonsai’s growth, is proven to influence internodes growth, and is vital for the production of protein.

Phosphorous is likewise necessary for the division of cells. But on top of that, this element is also required for fatty substances, DNA, and RNA, and contributes to giving the leaves a darker shade of green. Potassium works to develop cell enzymes and is responsible for making cell activities healthy.

Fertilizer is taken in by the tree through absorption via the roots. This process called osmosis points out that the bonsai plant food being absorbed has less concentration. The resulting solution consists of water and fertilizer which has the ability to move farther within the plant. Although fertilizer can be absorbed via the foliage as well, it is a given fact that major absorption happens through the plant’s roots.

Due to this fact, it is recommended that bonsai plant food be in liquid form as it is easier to absorb, and is proven to provide direct results. If you intend to use fertilizer often, diluting the solution will benefit the plant more as this lessens the salt content.

You now know that the three elements in bonsai plant food are necessary for its optimum health. So, don’t just buy the first fertilizer you see on the shelf. Before you make a purchase, ensure that it contains potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen. Otherwise, the chosen bonsai plant food will not be of much use to the plant.

Bonsai is a Japanese word that came from the Chinese words “pun sai”, which means ‘tree in a pot’. It can also be a shrub or a vine and not just trees. Many people mistakenly think that a bonsai tree is a naturally small plant or some kind of a special plant when in fact a bonsai tree is an average tree or plant that has been trained to retain its small size. They still go through the same stages of growth each season. A bonsai tree bears flowers or fruits and shed leaves just like its normal-sized counterpart.

Another common misconception about bonsai tree is that it originated in Japan. The growing of a bonsai was a Chinese practice that was brought to Japan some 5 centuries ago where it was transformed as an art form. The West came to know of it only in the early 1900s and since then, it became not only a favorite hobby by many but was also considered a serious art form in horticulture. Today, bonsai tree exhibits and shows, bonsai stores, bonsai auctions all abound in the West.

An important concept that every beginner should understand in cultivating a bonsai tree is pruning, which is the technique that allows the tree to stay small. Without regular pruning, the tree will by all means grow to its normal height and size, doing away with the whole idea of a bonsai tree.

The roots of a bonsai tree must be pruned annually so that it will remain healthy. When the roots are pruned, it produces a tiny dense ball or pack of root that allows it to be transplanted to a suitable container. In root pruning, one-third of the roots are removed yearly so that you can introduce new soil and give space for new roots to develop.

The height of a bonsai tree can vary. There are trees that are a few centimeters high and some reaching up to a meter. There are no limitations as long as the bonsai tree is grown in a pot and achieves the image of a full grown tree as it would in nature.

One of the first things you will learn in growing a bonsai tree is that it has two aspects – aesthetic and horticultural. There are plenty of rules under these two but when it comes to aesthetics, do not be too focused on following the rules. Do not be afraid to experiment and be creative. Just remember that the key to a beautiful bonsai tree is creating a miniature image of a tree that looks so natural as if no human intervention was involved.