If you have always found the Bonsai Tree to be a fascinating plant but have thought that you just don’t have the skills necessary to grow one yourself, you may want to consider the Japanese Maple Bonsai. These are not only beautiful trees, but perfect for beginners as they are easily grown and cared for.
The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree comes in several different varieties, and all of these different trees offer some great color during the spring and fall. Just like outdoor maples, the Japanese Maple Bonsai tree will have leaves that change color in the fall. The tree will also lose its leaves and become dormant during the winter months.
These trees are not only easy to care for but very colorful. The Japanese Red Maple Bonsai has red leaves all summer that become brighter in the fall. The trunk and branches can also become different shades of green and red.
Another popular species of the Japanese Maple Bonsai is the Bloodgood Japanese Maple. This beautifully shaped tree has leaves that are reddish purple during the warm months and become a bright crimson color in the fall.
For a Japanese Maple Bonsai that you can keep outdoors on the patio, the Crimson Queen Maple is a good choice. This tree is actually a dwarf and grows to be about ten feet. When pruned properly, this type of maple also can make a good indoor Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree. Its leaves are long and have a feathery appearance that transforms from dark red in the summer, to a deep red in the fall. It has a charming, sweeping shape.
Though the Japanese Maple Bonsai is the most popular of the Maple Bonsai Trees, there are other Maple species that work beautifully as Bonsai Plants. This includes the Sugar and Norway Maple Trees. Another option is the Red Sunset Maple. This tree offers a good red fall color as well as a nice balance of proportion.
All different types of Bonsai Trees are available from specialty nurseries; or you can try growing one yourself from seed. It is advised that you find out all you can about growing and caring for the Bonsai Tree before you start. This will help avoid unnecessary frustration.
If you want to try growing a Bonsai Tree for yourself, take a closer look at many of the Maple species, especially the Japanese Maple Bonsai. You just may find that it is much easier than you would have believed.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Selecting The Right Bonsai Pots Is Very Important
As with all types of plant pots, Bonsai pots are available in a huge array of sizes, shapes and colours but making sure you select the correct pot for your Bonsai tree can make the difference between a good looking Bonsai and an incredible looking Bonsai. Be warned, though, the pot you pick can have either positive or detrimental effects to the growth of your beloved Bonsai tree.
What type of Bonsai pots should I be considering?
Firstly, if you have a juvenile Bonsai that is still growing quite rapidly you will need to consider several training pots before you decide on a final show pot to exhibit your Bonsai. However, when selecting a Bonsai pot you should never pick one that means you will need to drastically trim the roots. If you do want to reduce the size of your pot or the roots then you need to take it in gradual steps, moving down a pot size at a time before eventually reaching the size you want.
Make sure the pot you are considering has very good drainage and is entirely frost proof, this will help keep your Bonsai safe and healthy all year round whether it is kept indoors or outdoors. If you are selecting a glazed pot, be sure that only the outside of the pot is actually glazed, because the Bonsai will need the rough surface on the inside for the roots to grab onto and establish themselves.
What pot for what tree?
The type of pot you should buy is indicated by the kind of tree you are growing as well as the style you want. Conifers lend themselves brilliantly to naturally coloured, unglazed pots whereas deciduous trees look good in glazed or unglazed and in just about any colours. Experiment a little to find the right pot for you, and especially consider pastel colours for your deciduous trees or a bright coloured pot for a flowering tree.
Also, consider how much room the roots will need for your particular choice of tree. Cascading trees will require a deep pot with plenty of room for the roots to grow down but also so the branches can hang over the side without draping on the floor.
If you have a heavily glazed pot, remember that the colour of the glaze will age and ware off slightly over it’s lifetime and many people wipe the glaze with French polish in order to speed the process up giving your glazed pot a slightly more natural and aged feel.
What type of Bonsai pots should I be considering?
Firstly, if you have a juvenile Bonsai that is still growing quite rapidly you will need to consider several training pots before you decide on a final show pot to exhibit your Bonsai. However, when selecting a Bonsai pot you should never pick one that means you will need to drastically trim the roots. If you do want to reduce the size of your pot or the roots then you need to take it in gradual steps, moving down a pot size at a time before eventually reaching the size you want.
Make sure the pot you are considering has very good drainage and is entirely frost proof, this will help keep your Bonsai safe and healthy all year round whether it is kept indoors or outdoors. If you are selecting a glazed pot, be sure that only the outside of the pot is actually glazed, because the Bonsai will need the rough surface on the inside for the roots to grab onto and establish themselves.
What pot for what tree?
The type of pot you should buy is indicated by the kind of tree you are growing as well as the style you want. Conifers lend themselves brilliantly to naturally coloured, unglazed pots whereas deciduous trees look good in glazed or unglazed and in just about any colours. Experiment a little to find the right pot for you, and especially consider pastel colours for your deciduous trees or a bright coloured pot for a flowering tree.
Also, consider how much room the roots will need for your particular choice of tree. Cascading trees will require a deep pot with plenty of room for the roots to grow down but also so the branches can hang over the side without draping on the floor.
If you have a heavily glazed pot, remember that the colour of the glaze will age and ware off slightly over it’s lifetime and many people wipe the glaze with French polish in order to speed the process up giving your glazed pot a slightly more natural and aged feel.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SO YOU WANT TO MAKE A BONSAI
Growing your own bonsai need not start by being expensive. Plants are free if grown from seed or cuttings and the rewards to be had in terms of appreciation of the final result, and the experience gained, is a joy beyond compare.
Creating a bonsai is a fairly simple procedure, if you follow the necessary steps for growing and shaping the selected tree. It is also important to select a tree for the climatic conditions in your region – some trees will thrive in certain regions while others may not survive. After deciding on the desired bonsai material, the next step is to prepare the appropriate size pot. A pot that is too small, or a pot that is too large can hamper the growth of the bonsai. In addition the pot should have an outlet or opening at the bottom to allow water to drain freely. The amount and type of soil is also an important consideration, usually a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. To allow for proper placement in its container, you may have to cut some of its roots. By reducing the mass of roots in the pot, pruning provides space for young vigorous roots to grow and absorb water and minerals. Remember, it is the trimming of the roots while confining the tree to a shallow container that keeps the tree miniaturized.
After setting the tree in its container, pruning the leaves, trimming new shoots and wiring the branches into an aesthetically pleasing form follows. There are six classic bonsai styles and a growing list of non-classical styles as bonsai art involves new cultures and new species. Aesthetics, however is not an end in itself, but is linked to the physiology and good health of the bonsai.
Once you have proudly completed your work of art, you should become familiar with the basic rules for maintaining your tree in good health so that it can reward you with many years of pleasure. Method and frequency of watering, lighting requirements, trimming and repotting, prevention of diseases and insects, and plant fertilization are just a few of the topics with which you should become familiar. There are numerous books on the subject of bonsai which can provide step-by-step instructions on these subjects . Happy Growing!
Creating a bonsai is a fairly simple procedure, if you follow the necessary steps for growing and shaping the selected tree. It is also important to select a tree for the climatic conditions in your region – some trees will thrive in certain regions while others may not survive. After deciding on the desired bonsai material, the next step is to prepare the appropriate size pot. A pot that is too small, or a pot that is too large can hamper the growth of the bonsai. In addition the pot should have an outlet or opening at the bottom to allow water to drain freely. The amount and type of soil is also an important consideration, usually a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. To allow for proper placement in its container, you may have to cut some of its roots. By reducing the mass of roots in the pot, pruning provides space for young vigorous roots to grow and absorb water and minerals. Remember, it is the trimming of the roots while confining the tree to a shallow container that keeps the tree miniaturized.
After setting the tree in its container, pruning the leaves, trimming new shoots and wiring the branches into an aesthetically pleasing form follows. There are six classic bonsai styles and a growing list of non-classical styles as bonsai art involves new cultures and new species. Aesthetics, however is not an end in itself, but is linked to the physiology and good health of the bonsai.
Once you have proudly completed your work of art, you should become familiar with the basic rules for maintaining your tree in good health so that it can reward you with many years of pleasure. Method and frequency of watering, lighting requirements, trimming and repotting, prevention of diseases and insects, and plant fertilization are just a few of the topics with which you should become familiar. There are numerous books on the subject of bonsai which can provide step-by-step instructions on these subjects . Happy Growing!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Introduction to bonsai tree growing: an overview
The art of growing bonsais is an ancient oriental tradition, in which bonsai means "tray gardening". There are traces of bonsais (miniature trees or bushes) in Egypt, Japan and China, and it was considered that the miniature tree would have concentrated the powers of the actual-size tree.
Bonsai trees require a lot of care. The branches, leaves and roots need regular pruning to maintain the shape of the plant. Pinching is also required and even the use of small wires to keep the branches growing in a certain way.
Because the root system is very small, bonsais need to be watered regularly and properly. They are also very sensitive to excesive heat (which makes water evaporate quicker), sun and wind.
Keeping bonsais in their shape is all an art and there are different styles that apply to different types of bonsai trees. The basic five styles are: formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, and windswept.
The cascade style is probaby the most interesting to display, as the branches of the tree eventually reach a level below the base of the pot.
For the Japanese, bonsais have aesthetic beauty and are meant to evoke the spirit of the plant being used. This may also include the use of rocks, mountains or water features to recreate the surroundings of the actual tree in reality.
This also includes choosing the most appropriate bonsai for an environment. There are indoor and outdoor bonsais, and the Japanese placed them to suit a certain space with a type of spirit. Not all bonsai trees should be, according to this tradition, displayed in any place.
A bonsai is a very elegant tree to display outdoors, and it makes an interesting choice for an indoor spot. Get yourself started today with a Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (considered by some as the best bonsai for a beginner) and enhance the appearance of your chosen spot.
Bonsai trees require a lot of care. The branches, leaves and roots need regular pruning to maintain the shape of the plant. Pinching is also required and even the use of small wires to keep the branches growing in a certain way.
Because the root system is very small, bonsais need to be watered regularly and properly. They are also very sensitive to excesive heat (which makes water evaporate quicker), sun and wind.
Keeping bonsais in their shape is all an art and there are different styles that apply to different types of bonsai trees. The basic five styles are: formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, and windswept.
The cascade style is probaby the most interesting to display, as the branches of the tree eventually reach a level below the base of the pot.
For the Japanese, bonsais have aesthetic beauty and are meant to evoke the spirit of the plant being used. This may also include the use of rocks, mountains or water features to recreate the surroundings of the actual tree in reality.
This also includes choosing the most appropriate bonsai for an environment. There are indoor and outdoor bonsais, and the Japanese placed them to suit a certain space with a type of spirit. Not all bonsai trees should be, according to this tradition, displayed in any place.
A bonsai is a very elegant tree to display outdoors, and it makes an interesting choice for an indoor spot. Get yourself started today with a Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper (considered by some as the best bonsai for a beginner) and enhance the appearance of your chosen spot.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Information About The Indoor Bonsai Plant
Do you have a green thumb, or just the desire to grow your own plants, but find that you are restricted by lack of space? The Bonsai Plant may be the answer to your dilemma. Cultivating the Bonsai Plant has become very popular, partly for the fact that they don’t take much space, and they are a very decorative addition to the home.
There are several types of Bonsai Plants that can be grown indoors, including the Chinese Bird Plumb, Fukien Tea Tree, Chinese Privet, Fig Tree, Sacred Bamboo, Buddhist Pine, along with several others.
You can decide the size and shape of the Bonsai Plant by growing them in little container. Doing this will manage the growth of roots. In addition, you must trim them frequently; this will ensure that you Bonsai Plants remain healthy and beautiful.
There is a specific method to pruning the Bonsai Plant. With Bonsai Trees, there is a minor bud at the beginning of the leaf. The Bonsai Plant must be trimmed in the direction in which the bud is facing, as the new shoot will grow from there. With the small trees, to shape the tree, you simply must trim it. With bigger trees, you will have to bend the branches and trunk to give it a shape. The shaping and structuring of Bonsai Plant is done during the growing season only.
The Bonsai Plant needs plenty of sunlight, but must be kept in moderate temperatures that are not too cold, or too hot. If you cannot keep them in a bright room with large windows, you may choose to keep them outdoors in a semi shady location.
One of the major differences between growing the Bonsai Plant is that unlike many other houseplants, or outside garden plants, fertilizer is a necessity for these types of plants. You should only use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for the Bonsai Plant, and use it weekly during the summer and monthly during he winter.
Proper watering is also extremely important. These plants should only be watered when the soil begins to dry, then they may be saturated but not watered again until the soil becomes semi dry.
Keep in mind that too much fertilizer or water will kill the roots of your Bonsai Plant. These beautiful plants are somewhat delicate, but once you learn how to care for them, they are a great hobby, and add a fantastic touch to your home while bringing you closer to nature.
There are several types of Bonsai Plants that can be grown indoors, including the Chinese Bird Plumb, Fukien Tea Tree, Chinese Privet, Fig Tree, Sacred Bamboo, Buddhist Pine, along with several others.
You can decide the size and shape of the Bonsai Plant by growing them in little container. Doing this will manage the growth of roots. In addition, you must trim them frequently; this will ensure that you Bonsai Plants remain healthy and beautiful.
There is a specific method to pruning the Bonsai Plant. With Bonsai Trees, there is a minor bud at the beginning of the leaf. The Bonsai Plant must be trimmed in the direction in which the bud is facing, as the new shoot will grow from there. With the small trees, to shape the tree, you simply must trim it. With bigger trees, you will have to bend the branches and trunk to give it a shape. The shaping and structuring of Bonsai Plant is done during the growing season only.
The Bonsai Plant needs plenty of sunlight, but must be kept in moderate temperatures that are not too cold, or too hot. If you cannot keep them in a bright room with large windows, you may choose to keep them outdoors in a semi shady location.
One of the major differences between growing the Bonsai Plant is that unlike many other houseplants, or outside garden plants, fertilizer is a necessity for these types of plants. You should only use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for the Bonsai Plant, and use it weekly during the summer and monthly during he winter.
Proper watering is also extremely important. These plants should only be watered when the soil begins to dry, then they may be saturated but not watered again until the soil becomes semi dry.
Keep in mind that too much fertilizer or water will kill the roots of your Bonsai Plant. These beautiful plants are somewhat delicate, but once you learn how to care for them, they are a great hobby, and add a fantastic touch to your home while bringing you closer to nature.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
How To Properly Winter a Native Bonsai Tree
Many people do not realize that most bonsai plants are outdoor plants. To properly cultivate and maintain most bonsai trees they should not be kept inside but should be outside year round.
There are a group of what are called indoor bonsai trees. These are from warmer climates and are usually non-traditional species such as palm trees. Because they are from a warmer climate they do need to be kept indoors in most locales.
However if you are keeping traditional native bonsai trees in the US then chances are that tree needs to be outside. Most people do not realize how important it is for these trees to be wintered outside in a natural climate. For your tree to have a healthy and natural growing cycle it is critical for it to have this period of winter dormancy.
To give your plant this necessary period you will need to winter it someplace outside. The best way to accomplish this is to remove the tree from it’s container and plant it in your yard.
In most native trees the roots are the part of the tree that is most sensitive to the cold. Most plants will start experiencing root damage at about 23 degrees Fahrenheit. To help avoid root damage you will need to take the plant out of its container and then bury it in the yard or garden.
If you bury the plant so that the bottom branches are just barely exposed this should help keep the roots below the frost line. You should bury it in a shaded area. During the winter days the sun can cause the plant to lose it’s water and the frozen roots will not be able to replenish it.
If you do not have a yard to plant the tree in for the winter you can use a large container. A large container about the size of a vegetable crate should be sufficient.
You bury the plant in the container just like you would in the yard. And set it somewhere outside where will be exposed to natural elements. If you use a container it is very important that you monitor the soil moisture closely and do not allow it to dry out.
You can also winter your tree in an attic or garage as long as it is not heated and has windows. Be sure to place the plant where it is exposed to the light from the windows. You will still need to water the plant almost daily if you choose this method. If you plant is a conifer you will want to rotate it about once a week to so that all sides of the plant will be exposed to the sunlight.
You can prepare your tree for it’s winter storage as soon as the last leaves have fallen off. At that time the plant is dormant and ready to be moved.
In the spring you can remove it from the yard and place it back in a container as soon as you see the first buds appear. If you allow your plant to winter indoors they will bud early. When they bud early the days will still be too short for proper growth and the leaves will have long gaps between them.
There are a group of what are called indoor bonsai trees. These are from warmer climates and are usually non-traditional species such as palm trees. Because they are from a warmer climate they do need to be kept indoors in most locales.
However if you are keeping traditional native bonsai trees in the US then chances are that tree needs to be outside. Most people do not realize how important it is for these trees to be wintered outside in a natural climate. For your tree to have a healthy and natural growing cycle it is critical for it to have this period of winter dormancy.
To give your plant this necessary period you will need to winter it someplace outside. The best way to accomplish this is to remove the tree from it’s container and plant it in your yard.
In most native trees the roots are the part of the tree that is most sensitive to the cold. Most plants will start experiencing root damage at about 23 degrees Fahrenheit. To help avoid root damage you will need to take the plant out of its container and then bury it in the yard or garden.
If you bury the plant so that the bottom branches are just barely exposed this should help keep the roots below the frost line. You should bury it in a shaded area. During the winter days the sun can cause the plant to lose it’s water and the frozen roots will not be able to replenish it.
If you do not have a yard to plant the tree in for the winter you can use a large container. A large container about the size of a vegetable crate should be sufficient.
You bury the plant in the container just like you would in the yard. And set it somewhere outside where will be exposed to natural elements. If you use a container it is very important that you monitor the soil moisture closely and do not allow it to dry out.
You can also winter your tree in an attic or garage as long as it is not heated and has windows. Be sure to place the plant where it is exposed to the light from the windows. You will still need to water the plant almost daily if you choose this method. If you plant is a conifer you will want to rotate it about once a week to so that all sides of the plant will be exposed to the sunlight.
You can prepare your tree for it’s winter storage as soon as the last leaves have fallen off. At that time the plant is dormant and ready to be moved.
In the spring you can remove it from the yard and place it back in a container as soon as you see the first buds appear. If you allow your plant to winter indoors they will bud early. When they bud early the days will still be too short for proper growth and the leaves will have long gaps between them.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Indoor Bonsai Tree Care
Properly caring for your Indoor Bonsai Tree is essential, but by simply following a few growing procedures, you can grow some really beautiful Bonsai Trees. If you merely keep these few basic tips in mind you should have no problem growing the indoor Bonsai Tree.
The First thing you should keep in mind when growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is choosing the right growing environment. Your Bonsai Tree should be kept in a room that is just the right temperature, not too hot and not too cold. In addition, the room should have a source of natural light. You will want to keep your indoor Bonsai Tree in a room with plenty of large windows to allow your tree to receive as much indirect sunlight as possible.
Another important factor to growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is using the correct soil. Not only do you want the highest quality soil available, but also you may need to use different types of soil for the various Bonsai Trees. The best way to determine which soil is right for the type of indoor Bonsai Tree that you intend to grow is to visit a gardening store and ask them. Make sure that you inform them exactly which type of Bonsai Tree you need the soil for.
Not applying fertilizer correctly can be devastating to your indoor Bonsai Tree. This is a common mistake for beginners. The indoor Bonsai Tree needs to be given a water-soluble fertilizer at various times. It is also important that the fertilizer be applied only when the soil is wet. In addition, it is recommended that you use the highest quality fertilizer available.
Watering your indoor Bonsai Tree correctly is easily one of the most important elements of growing the tree successfully. If you don’t water enough the tree becomes dehydrated and soon dies; watering too much drowns the tree with a similar result. A good rule to follow when watering your indoor Bonsai Tree is to wait until the soil begins to dry out but is not completely dry. At this point you want to add enough water that it saturates the soil and seeps out the bottom. Don’t water again until the soil begins to dry out.
Pruning the indoor Bonsai Tree is also important to successfully growing these trees. There are two different steps to pruning the Bonsai Tree. In the spring the branches of the trees should be trimmed, leaving only those branches you wish to keep. Root pruning should be done when the roots have bound up in the pot.
Once you have learned the basics of caring for the indoor Bonsai Tree, you will find these to be wonderful plants for your home.
The First thing you should keep in mind when growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is choosing the right growing environment. Your Bonsai Tree should be kept in a room that is just the right temperature, not too hot and not too cold. In addition, the room should have a source of natural light. You will want to keep your indoor Bonsai Tree in a room with plenty of large windows to allow your tree to receive as much indirect sunlight as possible.
Another important factor to growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is using the correct soil. Not only do you want the highest quality soil available, but also you may need to use different types of soil for the various Bonsai Trees. The best way to determine which soil is right for the type of indoor Bonsai Tree that you intend to grow is to visit a gardening store and ask them. Make sure that you inform them exactly which type of Bonsai Tree you need the soil for.
Not applying fertilizer correctly can be devastating to your indoor Bonsai Tree. This is a common mistake for beginners. The indoor Bonsai Tree needs to be given a water-soluble fertilizer at various times. It is also important that the fertilizer be applied only when the soil is wet. In addition, it is recommended that you use the highest quality fertilizer available.
Watering your indoor Bonsai Tree correctly is easily one of the most important elements of growing the tree successfully. If you don’t water enough the tree becomes dehydrated and soon dies; watering too much drowns the tree with a similar result. A good rule to follow when watering your indoor Bonsai Tree is to wait until the soil begins to dry out but is not completely dry. At this point you want to add enough water that it saturates the soil and seeps out the bottom. Don’t water again until the soil begins to dry out.
Pruning the indoor Bonsai Tree is also important to successfully growing these trees. There are two different steps to pruning the Bonsai Tree. In the spring the branches of the trees should be trimmed, leaving only those branches you wish to keep. Root pruning should be done when the roots have bound up in the pot.
Once you have learned the basics of caring for the indoor Bonsai Tree, you will find these to be wonderful plants for your home.
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