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.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
General Bonsai Tree Care
Instructions and information on the general care of bonsai trees.
Bonsai trees need care similar to any other plant below is a basic outline of care for a Bonsai tree.
Lighting
Many people do not realize that most bonsai trees should be kept outdoors year round. The few exceptions are the non-traditional tropical trees which need kept inside if you are not in a tropical environment.
Outdoor bonsai should be positioned where they will get six or more hours of light each day.
Indoor bonsai should receive two to four hours of natural or artificial sunlight. For inside bonsai full spectrum flourescents can provide the necessary light levels but the treen needs to be placed close to the light.
Watering
More trees die from a lack of water or low humidity than anything. The soil used to raise bonsai is normally a porous soil that drains well. The type of soil as well as the shape and design of the pot will affect quickly the soil dries out. Different tree types will require different amounts of water to thrive. You will need to research your specific species of tree for a general guideline and then closely monitor how the tree grows to determine if it is being watered correctly. If you take your pot and place it on top of some rocks in a tray full of water this will help increase the humidity around the tree and will aid in it's growth. Along with normal watering about once a week you should fully submerge the bonsai tree pot until no more bubbles escape from the pot or the soil.
Pruning
Pruning serves dual purpos in the care of bonsai trees. Pruning removes branches that clutter and hamper the aestetic design of the tree. Pruning is
also used to direct and control the growth of the tree. You will also have fine pruning sucha s pinching and leaf pruning to help encourage branching. Always remember when you are pruning your bonsai that you can always remove something later but it is very difficult to put it back after you have cut it. So if in doubt leave it for now. You should start with a light pruning then give it two or three weeks and wait for the bounce back to decide if you need to do more. pay special attention to developing the trunk, any where on the trunk that a branch is allowed to grow will thicken. When pruning you need to keep the top and bottom (roots) balanced for optimum results.
Fertilizing
Your average bonsai will need fertilized once or twice a month. You should only ferterlize during the normal growing season. Us a water soluble ferterlizer and apply it when the soil is already wet.
Soil
Proper soil choice is critical optimum bonsai tree care, the soil affects the roots, feeding, and watering of your tree. The size and shape of the pot affects both the appearance as well as growth and health of the bonsai. As a rule of thumb be about 3/4 as wide as the tree is tall and about half as deep. The height of the pot should be roughly the same as the diameter of the trunk. Bonsai soils are designed to optimize drainage. They are usually a mix of coarse sand or gravel with peat or bark added for an organic element. Different trees will need various ratios of grit to humus. Usually dedidious trees need about 70% humus and 30% grit while evergreens will thrive better with 30% humus and 70% grit.
Re-potting
Re-potting is a critical element of bonsai care. It is crucial to help keep the roots and top of the tree in balance. Bonsai trees should be re-potted every two or three years. When you re-pot the bonsai you need to trim the roots. You will normally want to remove about 1/3 of the root ball. You need to trim all away around the ball to keep it in balance.
Bonsai trees need care similar to any other plant below is a basic outline of care for a Bonsai tree.
Lighting
Many people do not realize that most bonsai trees should be kept outdoors year round. The few exceptions are the non-traditional tropical trees which need kept inside if you are not in a tropical environment.
Outdoor bonsai should be positioned where they will get six or more hours of light each day.
Indoor bonsai should receive two to four hours of natural or artificial sunlight. For inside bonsai full spectrum flourescents can provide the necessary light levels but the treen needs to be placed close to the light.
Watering
More trees die from a lack of water or low humidity than anything. The soil used to raise bonsai is normally a porous soil that drains well. The type of soil as well as the shape and design of the pot will affect quickly the soil dries out. Different tree types will require different amounts of water to thrive. You will need to research your specific species of tree for a general guideline and then closely monitor how the tree grows to determine if it is being watered correctly. If you take your pot and place it on top of some rocks in a tray full of water this will help increase the humidity around the tree and will aid in it's growth. Along with normal watering about once a week you should fully submerge the bonsai tree pot until no more bubbles escape from the pot or the soil.
Pruning
Pruning serves dual purpos in the care of bonsai trees. Pruning removes branches that clutter and hamper the aestetic design of the tree. Pruning is
also used to direct and control the growth of the tree. You will also have fine pruning sucha s pinching and leaf pruning to help encourage branching. Always remember when you are pruning your bonsai that you can always remove something later but it is very difficult to put it back after you have cut it. So if in doubt leave it for now. You should start with a light pruning then give it two or three weeks and wait for the bounce back to decide if you need to do more. pay special attention to developing the trunk, any where on the trunk that a branch is allowed to grow will thicken. When pruning you need to keep the top and bottom (roots) balanced for optimum results.
Fertilizing
Your average bonsai will need fertilized once or twice a month. You should only ferterlize during the normal growing season. Us a water soluble ferterlizer and apply it when the soil is already wet.
Soil
Proper soil choice is critical optimum bonsai tree care, the soil affects the roots, feeding, and watering of your tree. The size and shape of the pot affects both the appearance as well as growth and health of the bonsai. As a rule of thumb be about 3/4 as wide as the tree is tall and about half as deep. The height of the pot should be roughly the same as the diameter of the trunk. Bonsai soils are designed to optimize drainage. They are usually a mix of coarse sand or gravel with peat or bark added for an organic element. Different trees will need various ratios of grit to humus. Usually dedidious trees need about 70% humus and 30% grit while evergreens will thrive better with 30% humus and 70% grit.
Re-potting
Re-potting is a critical element of bonsai care. It is crucial to help keep the roots and top of the tree in balance. Bonsai trees should be re-potted every two or three years. When you re-pot the bonsai you need to trim the roots. You will normally want to remove about 1/3 of the root ball. You need to trim all away around the ball to keep it in balance.
Caring For The Indoor Bonsai Tree
This article will describe how to care for your indoor bonsai tree.
The indoor Bonsai Tree is a beautiful addition to any home or office, and once you learn how to care for these unique trees, they are a great hobby.
Indoor Bonsai Trees are actually a miniature replica of a natural outdoor tree. The cultivation of the indoor Bonsai Tree first began in China and Japan centuries ago, but today growing the Bonsai Tree has become a popular hobby in many parts of the world.
One of the best aspects of the indoor Bonsai Tree is that it only becomes more beautiful with time with the right care. The indoor Bonsai Tree must receive enough sunlight without being exposed to temperatures that are too high or too low. If you live in a fairly mild climate you may want to place your tree on a patio or porch when temperatures permit.
If you live in a climate that reaches extreme temperatures, you may have to place your indoor Bonsai Tree in a room that receives plenty of light, but not right next to the window.
Watering your indoor Bonsai Tree is another important element to properly caring for it. Your tree should be watered when the soil begins to appear dry, and it is very important that you never let the soil get too dry.
Using the proper soil for the type of indoor Bonsai Tree that you have is also an essential element to caring for your tree. Always ensure that you have the right soil when planting or replanting your tree.
The correct use of liquid fertilizer may also determine how healthy your indoor Bonsai Tree will be. To guarantee that you are using the right fertilizer and applying it correctly, seek advice for the type of tree that you have.
For the indoor Bonsai Tree to grow properly, it is extremely important that you trim it at the appropriate times. Tropical and sub tropical indoor bonsai trees have to be trimmed throughout the year. Not only do the branches need to be trimmed but also the roots. Nevertheless, as different plants grow at diverse rates, you will have to assess your tree’s growth and change the trimming accordingly.
With proper care, your indoor Bonsai Tree can grow to be beautiful and healthy. Once you get the hang of caring for your Bonsai Tree, you may even want to add several more to your collection.
The indoor Bonsai Tree is a beautiful addition to any home or office, and once you learn how to care for these unique trees, they are a great hobby.
Indoor Bonsai Trees are actually a miniature replica of a natural outdoor tree. The cultivation of the indoor Bonsai Tree first began in China and Japan centuries ago, but today growing the Bonsai Tree has become a popular hobby in many parts of the world.
One of the best aspects of the indoor Bonsai Tree is that it only becomes more beautiful with time with the right care. The indoor Bonsai Tree must receive enough sunlight without being exposed to temperatures that are too high or too low. If you live in a fairly mild climate you may want to place your tree on a patio or porch when temperatures permit.
If you live in a climate that reaches extreme temperatures, you may have to place your indoor Bonsai Tree in a room that receives plenty of light, but not right next to the window.
Watering your indoor Bonsai Tree is another important element to properly caring for it. Your tree should be watered when the soil begins to appear dry, and it is very important that you never let the soil get too dry.
Using the proper soil for the type of indoor Bonsai Tree that you have is also an essential element to caring for your tree. Always ensure that you have the right soil when planting or replanting your tree.
The correct use of liquid fertilizer may also determine how healthy your indoor Bonsai Tree will be. To guarantee that you are using the right fertilizer and applying it correctly, seek advice for the type of tree that you have.
For the indoor Bonsai Tree to grow properly, it is extremely important that you trim it at the appropriate times. Tropical and sub tropical indoor bonsai trees have to be trimmed throughout the year. Not only do the branches need to be trimmed but also the roots. Nevertheless, as different plants grow at diverse rates, you will have to assess your tree’s growth and change the trimming accordingly.
With proper care, your indoor Bonsai Tree can grow to be beautiful and healthy. Once you get the hang of caring for your Bonsai Tree, you may even want to add several more to your collection.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Indoor Bonsai Tree Caring
It is essential to care properly for your Indoor Bonsai, but by simply following a few growing procedures, you can grow some really beautiful bonsai trees (for example like Japanese Maple Bonsai). If you just keep these few basic tips in mind you should have no problem growing the indoor bonsai tree (also spelled bonzai).
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, which is not too hot and not too cold. Furthermore, the room should have a source of natural light. You should to keep your indoor bonsai in a room with plenty of large windows to allow your tree to receive as much indirect sunlight as possible.
Another factor, which is important, to growing your bonsai plantis using the right 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 find out which soil is right for the type of indoor bonsai 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 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. Moreover, it is recommended that you use the highest quality fertilizer available.
Another, and one of the most important elements of growing the tree successfully, is watering your indoor bonsai correctly. 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 bonsai 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 your 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, which is not too hot and not too cold. Furthermore, the room should have a source of natural light. You should to keep your indoor bonsai in a room with plenty of large windows to allow your tree to receive as much indirect sunlight as possible.
Another factor, which is important, to growing your bonsai plantis using the right 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 find out which soil is right for the type of indoor bonsai 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 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. Moreover, it is recommended that you use the highest quality fertilizer available.
Another, and one of the most important elements of growing the tree successfully, is watering your indoor bonsai correctly. 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 bonsai 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 your 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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