Bonsai Tree Care Secrets

The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is Great For Beginners

2009-02-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Selecting The Right Bonsai Pots Is Very Important

2009-01-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

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.

SO YOU WANT TO MAKE A BONSAI

2009-01-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

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!

Introduction to bonsai tree growing: an overview

2009-01-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Information About The Indoor Bonsai Plant

2009-01-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

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.

How To Properly Winter a Native Bonsai Tree

2008-12-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Indoor Bonsai Tree Care

2008-12-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

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.

General Bonsai Tree Care

2008-12-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Caring For The Indoor Bonsai Tree

2008-12-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

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.

Indoor Bonsai Tree Caring

2008-12-08T19:59:00.001-08:00

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.

Bonsai Soil And Additives

2008-11-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

Should I use a special Bonsai soil or just normal soil?

The increased popularity of growing Bonsai trees and plants has brought with it many more specialist shops; the Internet being virtually awash with Bonsai supplies. As a beginner, it is usual for people to go out and buy everything they think they could possibly want to ever grow a Bonsai. However, there is a good chance you may not need it. You can buy Bonsai soil at very reasonable prices now, and this soil is mixed to a perfect combination of nutrients, soil and grit that will help your Bonsai grow, but many practitioners of the ancient art of Bonsai would probably consider this cheating.

As a beginner, it is important that you do what you can to make your first Bonsai as successful as possible. Many people will throw in the towel after just one failure, and when you consider how long a Bonsai can take to reach maturity this really isn’t an overnight hobby. You must get into a regime of regular watering, annual potting and plenty of care and attention in order to be able to enjoy a beautiful Bonsai for your troubles.

Is Bonsai soil expensive?

Bonsai soil shouldn’t be costing you very much more than normal potting compost or bags of nutrient rich soil that you use in your garden. A good Bonsai soil, however, may contain a long list of ingredients including clay, soil and even bark. Some of these ingredients are loaded with the nutrients that your Bonsai will thrive on, and paying that little extra can certainly promote good healthy growth from your beloved project.

Whether you decide you want to use bags of Bonsai soil or make your own soil there are certain things you need to make sure of before planting your Bonsai in the soil. A good Bonsai soil needs to have excellent drainage to make sure the water can seep to the roots and out of the bottom of the soil and through the holes in your pot. It is a good idea to have two different soils, one coarser than the other. This way, the screened soil acts as a sort of irrigation for your plants.

As well as this, you may want to consider buying nutrient supplements that you can add when repotting or mix with the soil that you use. However, if you are growing your Bonsai in a suitable area this isn’t always needed.

Beautiful Artificial Bonsai Tree

2008-11-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Artificial Bonsai trees are usually very small with a height that varies from around two inches all the way up to three feet and the shape of Bonsai trees can be changed by wiring the branches and trunk of the tree.

Japanese have perfected the technique of growing miniature Artificial
Bonsai trees in containers, but many people all over the world have taken up the Bonsai cultivation as a sort of hobby. Artificial Bonsai trees are generally used for aesthetic purposes and are popular as beautiful showpieces or gifts.

Common types of Artificial Bonsai trees include plum, semi-cascade, bamboo, pine, and azalea. Modern techniques have led to five different styles of Artificial Bonsai trees which include cascade, semi-cascade, slanting, informal upright, as well as formal upright. The braided Bonsai money plant tree is one of the most popular out of devoted bonsai growers. This type of tree consists of a group of four or five trees whose trunks have been braided together. Braided Artificial Bonsai trees can be ten to eighteen inches in height, and is said to bring good fortune by Feng shui practitioners.

Artificial Bonsai trees are usually very small with a height that varies from around two inches all the way up to three feet and the shape of Bonsai trees can be changed by wiring the branches and trunk of the tree. You can place your tree in a nice decorative container that matches your d้cor because they can live for literally years if you take good care of it.

Maintaining Bonsai isn’t difficult at all. You will need a decent set of tools such as root trimmers, shears, pliers, and branch cutters if necessary. If you are a first timer you can enlist the help of a skilled professional who is willing to teach you the art of training and maintaining Bonsai.

Your plant can be trimmed using bypass pruners and the roots should be trimmed to reduce the size. All Bonsai trees need appropriate amounts of fertilizers to grow nice and healthy. Be careful not to over water you Bonsai tree. Those who are new can begin with a common variety such as azalea, boxwood, hibiscus, camellia, or cotoneaster.

About tree seeds and bonsai seeds germination instructions

2008-11-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

Learn how to naturally or artificially germinate tree seeds

About Basic Care of Seeds

It is important to maintain the freshness of the seeds in order to facilitate proper germination. This is why we store all of our seeds in a refrigerator dedicated for this purpose. Therefore, in order to preserve their freshness until you are ready to begin the germination process, you can store the purchased seeds in the plastic bag we have provided. You can place the seeds in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.

About Germination Instructions

Once you are ready to germinate your seeds, you have two (2) germination methods: natural germination or forced germination.

Natural germination: Sow seeds outside in autumn. Overwintering the seeds will accomplish all the necessary natural processes seeds require to germinate. Next spring, you should have sprouted seeds.

With forced germination, you are accomplishing the germination process artificially. Therefore, you will need to follow the steps listed below. Each seed is different. However most of them require three (3) steps. Some may require more while others may require less. These steps are: the scarification, the stratification and sowing.

1 - Scarification

Each seed has a shell around the live inner part. Some are harder than others. The goal of the scarification process is to soften the shell and allow water to reach the inner part of the seed. You will scarify the seeds by placing them in water, usually a glass or a bowl, for a period of twenty four (24) to forty eight (48) hours. The norm appears to be the use of warm water. Some seeds require boiling water while others require water at room temperature. Normally, the viable seeds will drown after the twenty four (24) hour period while others will float on top. If there are still seeds floating after the forty eight (48) hour period, you can discard them as they are empty seeds. Once completed, you are ready to begin the next step ( please note that some seeds require you to proceed directly to the third step).

2 - Cold Stratification

The next step is the cold stratification period. This step is where all the magic of nature occurs. In nature, most of the seeds fall from the trees in autumn. Consequently, seeds spend the winter period under colder temperature permitting the chemical in the seeds to develop and trigger the germination process once the ideal temperature is reached in spring. In the forced germination process, you attempt to recreate the winter period. In order to accomplish this process, use the following materials:

Plastic Ziplock bag
Paper towel
Water

Fold the paper towel in two and moisten with water. It should not be dripping wet but humid. Place your seeds on the humid paper towel and fold it over the seeds. Place the paper towel with the seeds in the ziplock plastic bag and store them in your refrigerator for a period varying from thirty (30) to one hundred and twenty (120) days. We suggest that you check your seeds every thirty (30) days in order to prevent rot and allow for proper air circulation. You will also check for germinated seeds. If this is the case, take the germinated seeds and proceed to the next step. If not, wait the required period and then proceed to the next step.

3 - Sowing

Sowing can be accomplished in the ground or in a pot. You can use any soil suitable for planting and growing. Make a small opening in the soil (approximately half (1/2) an inch deep), place the seed in the opening and cover it with a few millimetres of soil. Keep the soil moist.

Extra steps for certain species

If you choose to germinate your seeds via the forced germination process, you may be required to follow this extra step. This step takes place prior to the cold stratification. All you have to do is expose the seeds to ambient room temperature for thirty (30) to ninety (90) days. This is called heat stratification and is accomplished by leaving the seeds exposed in a plate on your desk. After you have achieved this step, you resume with cold stratification.

Selecting the Best Bonsai Plants

2008-10-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

It's important that you are fully aware of what to look for when selecting a bonsai plant. In order for a bonsai to grow in the environment that you intend on placing it, you will need to know a few things to begin with. Aspects of the art of bonsai growing involve care, height, width, and shaping, which can be rather overwhelming if you don't know what to do.

Listed below are some examples of the things you should look for before going out to purchase your very first bonsai plant.

Care Instructions

There are varies kinds of care instructions attached to the several varieties of bonsai plants. This is one of the very first things that you should look at when selecting a plant.

Be aware of the watering instructions. If you think that you may well forget to water your bonsai plant once in a while, then it will be worthwhile selecting a plant that does not require watering as frequently as others. On the other hand, if you tend to over water plants, then select a bonsai that can cope with extra moisture.

Sunlight is another major factor of a bonsai. A majority of bonsai plants will require a large amount of sunlight. Therefore, you must ensure that you have a location of your home in mind for your plant whereby it can receive a good amount of sunlight each day.

Height

Another aspect to look for when selecting a bonsai plant is the height that it will grow to. Depending on where you plan on placing your plant, ensure that you have a sufficient amount of head room to allow it to grow properly. Of course, height may not be a factor if you plan to grow your bonsai plant outdoors. The same consideration applies to the width of the plant.

Shaping

Ensure that once you have selected the bonsai tree that you require, you take a lesson on how to shape the tree. A majority of people enjoy the aesthetic aspect of bonsai tree growing. Therefore, in order to be true to the art, you will need to take the time and effort to shape the tree. You can use many different styles, or invent your very own unique style and shape.

However, regardless of what style and shape you select for your bonsai tree, it is of great importance that you use the correct tools. The tools that are required for shaping bonsai trees are available at garden centers.

If you're looking for information on bonsai trees, you can find more articles by Sarah Duke at All About Bonsai Trees. Learn about the different varieties of bonsai, their care, the accessories you need, and more.

The Great Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree Plant

2008-10-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Maple Bonsai is the most frequently used maple for the indoor and outdoor bonsai garden. There are several reasons why this is considered the perfect maple for a bonsai garden. The Japanese Maple Bonsai features delicate, ferny type leaves, which change to brilliant orange, gold, and red during the fall. Giving the tree the correct care is important. This type of tree will have to be placed in a semi shady area during the summer, but will need full sunlight during the remainder of the season. It is also vital that it be placed in an area where it will be sheltered from the wind.

The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree should be pruned during the spring, cutting the unwanted shoots. Pruning is one of the most significant aspects of successfully growing the bonsai tree. It is by pruning, that you will create the illusion of a miniature tree, so keeping up on this will be necessary, but only prune in the spring.

Repotting and fertilizing is also important to successfully growing the Japanese Maple Bonsai. This type of tree should be repotted and fertilized in the winter, as this is when it will go dormant. Only use a type of fertilizer that is recommended for the Japanese Maple Bonsai, or you may end up burning the roots of the tree. Moreover, you will not want to use too much fertilizer as this may also burn the roots of the bonsai. Another important part of caring for the Japanese Maple Bonsai is watering. You should ensure that this type of maple is kept moist, ensuring that the soil never dries out. When the soil dries it could wither the leaves of your tree.

Further care tips for the Japanese Bonsai include keeping it from getting too cold, and keep it out of windy areas. Though this type of bonsai can tolerate winter better than some varieties, it must be grown in an area that is free of heavy wind. For summer, you should not allow your maple to be in full sun, it should be kept in a place that is mostly shady, and out of the heat of summer.

Once you understand the needs of the Japanese Maple Bonsai, you can grow your own. These are not only beautiful trees for your garden, growing the bonsai tree is also a fun hobby.

Thomas T is the owner of http://www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Get great Indoor Bonsai info and great Japanese Maple Bonsai info. Check it out now.

Growing Your Own Indoor Bonsai Plant

2008-10-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Growing your own indoor bonsai plant is not too hard, once you understand the basic concept of the unique technique used to cultivate these trees. The aim of growing the bonsai tree is to recreate the appearance of a natural tree, in a miniature form.

The Indoor bonsai tree is a bit more challenging to grow than the outdoor type. Essentially, in their natural state, trees are grown outdoors. For this reason, when you are growing an indoor tree, there will be more challenges. To successfully grow the indoor bonsai tree, you must pay special attention to the tree’s environment, including soil, water and light.

There are a lot of different types of trees, and each one of these require their own type of unique care. Though there are many species of the plant, these trees can be placed into three categories. There is the tropical, the sub-tropical, and the temperate bonsai.

From these categories, the tree is then divided again into two sub-categories; those that lose their leaves during the fall and winter, and the indoor bonsai tree that keeps its leaves throughout the entire year. One of the most important aspects to growing the indoor bonsai tree is light. You will need to ensure that your tree has adequate light at all times. An alternative to natural lighting for your indoor trees is fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting does not give off heat like traditional lights do; therefore it will not dry out your tree.

When using artificial lighting, you will need to adjust the amount of time the lighting is turned on to simulate the natural changing of the seasons. For example, in the fall you will want to reduce the amount of time the lighting is on, reducing it even more for winter. As spring and summer approaches, you will again, gradually increase the time the lighting is on. More important considerations of growing the indoor bonsai tree include, paying attention to the type of soil that you use, as well as watering, and pruning. If you plant your tree in fertile soil, you will likely not have to add additional fertilizer for three or four weeks. Watering should be done according to the type of plant that you are growing, but generally, you will want to keep the tree fairly moist through the spring and summer, but can slightly reduce the water during the fall and winter months. Before you attempt to grow your own indoor bonsai tree, learn as much as you can about the type of tree you intend to grow. If you start out knowing what you need to do to be successful, your chances of growing the perfect bonsai tree will be much greater.

Thomas T is the owner of http://www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Find great Bonsai Tree information and great Bonzai information. Have fun.

Selecting the Best Bonsai Plants

2008-09-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Listed below are some examples of the things you should look for before going out to purchase your very first bonsai plant.

Care Instructions

There are varies kinds of care instructions attached to the several varieties of bonsai plants. This is one of the very first things that you should look at when selecting a plant.

Height

Shaping

Bonsai is Fun to Say and Grow

2008-09-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Pachira Aquatica, also known as the Braided Money Tree is a unique and stylish plant that can add an exotic taste to anyone's home. This plant features multiple trunks which wind around each other and can reach up to seven feet in height. There is also a bonsai version which can grow as large as a foot in height.

On top of these winding trunks sits a plentiful patch of green foliage, creating a great contrast of brown trunks against green peak. It's one of the more natural looking plants you can add to your garden, and will do well to offset the often bright, contrasting colors of a variety of flowers. The bonsai version is a great choice for an indoors garden.

Caring for bonsais takes some time and planning. If you're planning on growing one from scratch you'll really need to study up on the matter and make sure you know what you're getting into, as it can be an exacting process. Acquiring an already developed plant would be your best bet, and the one most people will choice.

Even more than most plants, watering is very important. Not just the watering but also the soil and pot as well, as these will facilitate how well the bonsai can drain the water. The pot should contain at least a couple holes for drainage, and these should be covered slightly so as to let water drain through without the soil seeping out. Small rocks should do fine for this purpose. The soil itself should be a loamy mixture of small pebbles and soil.

These bonsais don't need much water, once a week should do the trick, but this depends on the soil and pot. The soil should dry out between watering, and recognizing the proper amount of moisture in the soil will go a long way to maintaining a healthy bonsai. Too much moisture and the leaves will wilt and yellow, too much and they'll become wrinkled and curled. In addition, you should also mist the leaves lightly with a spray bottle to give them some moisture and remove any dust particles.

Placing the bonsai in an area with a good deal of sunshine is perfect, but this should be indirect sunlight. More than a couple of hours of direct sun, or being in an area that is too hot in general is poor for the plant's health. An area with a small bit of sun followed by shade is ideal, and this is most commonly found in the corners of rooms. You can freely move the plant around as needed though if a good permanent spot is proving difficult. The plant should also be kept away from areas that are too cool. If the bonsai is kept on a porch or deck, be sure to bring it in on nights where the temperature is expected to dip below 50 degrees.

Compared to some plants, Braided Money Trees have a fairly simple and easy maintenance routine. By following these few simple guidelines you'll be sure to have a unique and striking plant for many years to come.

Thomas Fryd offers experience and wisdom gained from many years in the business providing advice, helpful resources and tips on subjects like ficus care. Why waste time when you can grow your knowledge with just a click at http://www.ficuscare.com grow and understand better the subject of Ficus trees.

Overview of the Bonsai Tree

2008-09-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

In Chinese bonsai means potted plant and is the art of miniaturization of trees by actually growing them in trees. Cultivation of the Bonsai includes techniques for growing, watering and shaping these trees and this art originated in China during the Han Dynasty. In western civilizations the word bonsai is used to mean the growing and shaping of miniature trees. Bonsai trees were used in the Japanese culture to decorate homes and gardens. The oldest known Bonsai trees can be found in Tokyo, where they are said to be four hundred to eight hundred years old.

Today the Bonsai is considered a miniature or dwarf tree; however it was not always this way. They are kept small by being cultivated and confined to pots. There is a technique that can be used to grow dwarf bonsai and keep it small. This is the art of pruning the leaves of the tree and also the roots. However, if you are pruning the leaves and roots you must do so properly because incorrect pruning can result in killing the roots and the tree.

If you are growing your tree in a confined space such as bonsai pot, then you must be sure to water the tree appropriately. If you are growing your bonsai in an area that has a great deal of sun and where the temperature gets quite hot, it is important to keep watering your tree on a regular basis. These trees have a tendency to dry out quickly if they are exposed to wind, sun and heat. However, on the other hand watering too often can cause problems as well. If you water your bonsai frequently you are taking the risk of leaving the soil wet and soggy and as a result fungi can grow in the soil, which essentially can kill your tree. It is important that you use free draining soil to prevent water logging the soil.

There are specific bonsai trees that have been designed specifically for indoor cultivation. These trees still require a great deal of sunlight and therefore an artificial environment must be created inside that will provide them with all the things that they need. There is a risk of the tree not surviving however as there is a high incidence of death amongst these trees that are grown indoors in an artificial environment. Compared to other more traditional houseplants that are grown in containers, the bonsai does not require as much soil for planting. However they do require more frequent watering due to the fact that they have less soil to draw water from. Bonsai is a named used to denote a dwarf tree that is grown and shaped in a specific way. There are a number of different species of trees that are used in bonsai trees. For example, the Fir tree is a species of tree that is used in created a bonsai design, as is the Cedar. While some of these species tend to grow taller and larger than one would of think for bonsai, they are shaped to resemble the traditional bonsai trees of the Orient.

For more information on ,tips bonsai tree related information visit http://www.MyBonsaiTree.com

The Art of Bonsai Shaping

2008-09-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

One of the key characteristics of a bonsai tree is its shape. Bonsai gardening is not only a hobby, it is an art form, and this is demonstrated by the way you choose to guide and shape your tree. Bonsai trees can be shaped into almost any form that you desire. However, there are several profiles that are more widespread than others when it comes to bonsai gardening.

Literati

The most common shape of bonsai tree is the literati style, and this is what most people visualize when they think of a bonsai. The literati shape consists of a bare trunk and hardly any branches. The branches of this style are all positioned near the top. The lower part of the trunk, which is bare, is usually elegantly twisted.

Formal and Informal Upright

Upright styles, both formal and informal, are another familiar approach to bonsai shaping. Trees in these forms are guided into an erect, upright position with a tapered trunk. The informal style features the well-known curves and bends which distinguish it from the formal shape.

Slanting

This style starts out the same as the formal upright shape with its straight trunk. The only difference is that the trunk slants at an angle, either to the right or left of the base.

Forest

An advanced form of bonsai gardening is the forest style, which consists of artistically grouping several bonsais in one container. The trees are of varying heights, which gives the perception of depth. It is typical for three or more trees to be used in the forest style, usually an odd number. However, four trees are never used in one pot, as the number four has implications in Japan.

Cascading

One of the most striking shapes of bonsai trees is the cascade style. The cascade style imitates the trees that grow on mountains or over the water, and is very beautiful. The top of the tree flows to one side and grows to the foot of its container or just beneath it.

Although these shapes are the most frequently used for styling a bonsai tree, you may discover a new fashion that you prefer. However, it is always advised to begin with a common style when you first attempt to shape a bonsai tree. Once you have mastered this, then you can begin to add your very own personal touches to lend uniqueness to the tree. Remember, it's an art, not just a plant.

How to save a dried bonsai tree

2008-09-15T22:33:00.001-07:00

Keeping a Bonsai tree takes a lot of work and dedication. Since these trees have to constantly be trimmed and taken care of.

Here are some tips on caring for a Bonsai tree:

1. Bonsai trees are usually kept in pots or trays. They would need to be repotted once a year. This is to promote the growth of new roots. Eventually, they would need to be moved into a bigger container as the need arises.

The best containers are the ones specially designed for Bonsai trees. These have holes on the side that allow excess water to drain out of the holes, so the plants do not suffer from too much watering.

2. Watering a Bonsai tree is tricky. Since they are contained in pots, there's not much room to water them in. Also, too much watering can cause growth of fungus. The moisture level of a Bonsai tree should be closely inspected everyday, and moderated.

A Bonsai tree should never be allowed to completely dry out. A good method to check for moisture level is to put in a toothpick right inside the soil. This way individuals will now if it is still damp.

3. Bonsai trees need sun light! But be careful, since too much exposure to the sun can also damage the Bonsai tree. That is why individuals must make sure that their Bonsai trees achieve the proper balance of watering, sun exposure, and pruning, so the trees will remain healthy.

4. Remember that there are many types of Bonsai trees. Each will need to be individually cared for according to their type. This especially applies when it comes to the amount of sunlight they receive. So it is important to identify exactly what type of Bonsai tree one has, so they can find proper instructions on how to best to take care of it!

5. Do not trim Bonsai trees with just a pair of scissors! There are a lot of tools available that are especially designed to trim Bonsai tress. Each specific tool serving a different purpose, such as shaping the tree, cutting the leaves, tweaking its branches, etc.

Growing a Bonsai tree is an art form. So much work, attention, skill goes into maintaining its appearance. The trick is to make it appear that not a lot of work has been done to achieve their shape and symmetry. This is why these trees are so special and priced greatly for their beauty.

We have tons of rare bonsai tree care techniques to share with you from decades of experienceLearn from the Bonsai tree legends the best care tips and tricks

Using Container Pots and Plants to Make a Great Container Garden

2008-09-15T22:32:00.001-07:00

Flowers, vegetables, herbs, trees and some fruits can be grown in containers and pots. Containers can be hung from porch railings and some can be used as window boxes.

Keep in mind that containers and pots generally dry out much faster than a garden, especially on hot days or long stretches of dry weather. Water regularly and remember that it is also important when watering the plants to get some advice from your local garden center about the watering preferences of the plants. It is very important to ensure that you understand how much wetting each plant needs.

Watering rates are so important that it might be a good idea to divide the containers and pots into groups with similar sizes and similar watering needs. It is also advisable to separate groups of containers and pots into groups that are split between those that need full sun and those that need more shaded areas. The key to success, as in any kind of gardening, is to put things in the sun that like sun and things in the shade that like shade.

Mixing water-retaining granules with the compost will reduce watering chores but you'll still have to water the baskets once a day in hot, dry weather.

Planting flowers in your garden containers adds immediate color and liveliness to your yard. However, you may find that some of your plants are so special, they deserve special treatment and pride of place at certain times. I move my containers around a lot as the season progresses so that, the best are always in the most visible positions, but be assured that every one of them are beautiful when blooming. Limited visible exhibiting space in some back yards can also make this option appealing to the gardener.

I am always grateful that weeding is not the problem for containers and pot grown plants as it is in garden beds. It is a wonderful to enjoy plants you've successfully started from seed, but again in flower beds the weeds can easily overpower young seeds and weeding can become a chore. Not so with container gardening!

Pot plants are great for adding color to a spot in a garden that 'needs something,' and they can also be moved around for when you are entertaining in a certain area.

Terra Cotta has been the classic material for a garden pot since ancient times. This porous material breathes and provides drainage for optimum growing conditions. You can put plants closer than you would in a garden, but with pot plants much more so than with plants in the ground - you'll have to be vigilant about food and water.

Many may the mistake of thinking that container pots would be a minor accessory in a garden. You need to realize that they can be a major focal point. Not to say that a pot plant will always remain so. As plants get larger and larger, giving them more root room becomes impossible and the act of planting them in the garden may be the only solution.

A large variety of containers are available for all gardens, but be aware of limitations in very dry and hot gardens. For example in the dry, Colorado climate, moss baskets don't do well.

Here is a plant we like. It is sometimes referred to as "Garden Orchids" ( Spathoglottis). This plant offers year-round color and can be used in landscaped ground beds in warm climates as well as an interesting summertime flowering patio plant for cooler climates.

In container gardening you need to prune and re-pot late in the afternoon out of the sun, or on cool days. We have a lot of hanging baskets with mostly south/southeastern exposure. We find that attractive, well-planted containers are an essential component of today's garden. In his new book, Pots in the Garden, award-winning horticulturist Ray Rogers offers a fresh approach to container planting and explains the basic design principles of container gardening.

Another tip is to make an arrangement of plants in your basket at the garden center before you buy. You'll easily find many plants suitable for pot and container gardening at garden centers. Remember, if you cannot make up your mind on what pot would suit the plant, experiment, and don't be afraid to try something original. If you decide you do not like the result you can always re-pot the bonsai the following year into a more preferred style. Equally, a low ground-hugging container can be planted with an annual to match or complement its neighbors, seemingly seamlessly. Or a wide-based and tall container can be placed as a contrast, with larger plants to be a focus rather than a background.

We have many more great ideas for you including about Container Pots at the Container Gardening Magazine.

We have many more great ideas for you including about Container Pots at the Container Gardening Magazine.

Bonsai Care – the right environment

2008-09-15T22:31:00.001-07:00

Why is temperature important for bonsai?

During winter months it is vital that you keep your new indoor bonsai warm -- Not hot -- but warm, somewhere between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Where your bonsai falls on this guideline depends on where your bonsai is from "originally" and by this I mean where in the world your bonsai is indigenous... the warmer the native climate, the warmer the area in your home it should be located.

How can temperature be monitored?

The thermostat on the wall is a good place to start. However, a small thermometer can better monitor the actual temperature of the location where the bonsai tree is located in. Most garden centres will have small thermometers available for a reasonable price and purchasing a couple is a worthwhile investment, especially if your indoor bonsai are located in a couple different areas of your home.

What is helpful to avoid temperature fluctuation?

Doors, windows, fans, heating systems and draughty hallways will all affect the actual temperature of a particular area. It is important for the health of your bonsai to be maintained at stable temperature. A sudden drop in temperature, as well as, a sudden spike in temperature can injure your indoor bonsai trees. Indoor bonsai should not be kept near a door that is frequently opened during winter months to avoid harmful cold drafts. It is important that you read the care guide that comes with your bonsai to help establish the best environment to maintain a healthy and thriving bonsai.

Air Circulation

Why is air circulation important for a bonsai?

A location with adequate air circulation is very important for the long-term health of your new bonsai. The life sustaining process of photosynthesis requires an unrestricted exchange of fresh air and stagnate environmental conditions could compromise your bonsai's ability to continue its photosynthetic processes, by clogging the pores or stomata, located on the bottom of leaves, which bonsai trees use for this vital air exchange, through dust and debris accumulation.

What else is air circulation responsible for?

A closed or confined space is the perfect environment for pests and disease, two of the most terrible enemies of bonsai trees. The regular movement of fresh air helps prevent pests, like spider mites, from establishing their webs and infesting and damaging your bonsai trees. Air circulation also assists your trees in the transportation of essential fluids from the roots to the leaves, by osmosis, which is a vital process. Air also prevents possible root rot conditions, from soil saturation, by assisting in water evaporation.

How can air circulation be improved for a bonsai?

If your bonsai is kept indoors or inside a greenhouse, you might consider leaving a door open, or cracked, and a fan, or fans, running. Spraying and misting your bonsai off regularly will help to remove all dust and debris from the bottoms and tops of leaves, allowing your bonsai to "breathe" freely and to continue its photosynthetic processes.

Pests and Disease

How can I prevent pests & disease?

When working to prevent the possible injury or death of your beloved bonsai, the best defence is a strong offence. Put simply – do the obvious - keep your bonsai clean, dust and debris free and cleared of fallen leaves and flowers. Ensure there is sufficient lighting as well as good ventilation and lots of fresh air. A healthy bonsai tree is without a doubt the most important preventative of pests and disease.

How can I treat pests & disease?

Unfortunately, even the best cared for bonsai can come across some type of pests or disease over the months and years. The first thing to try to change is your bonsai's current environment. This technique is the simplest and safest. Quite often a change of location can help an struggling bonsai tree and if it does not, at the very least, you know that your bonsai's problem is probably not environmental. The second incremental step would be to try, if possible, to introduce biological controls such as ladybugs. Ladybugs are of no danger to your bonsai and they will eat nearly all pests that are. Of course, this technique is limited to outdoor locations.

The third incremental step would be to use chemicals, also in levels of increasing toxicity. To start, you can try spraying a very mild solution of warm water and liquid dish soap on your trees. This technique is an excellent way to prevent a wide variety of diseases and helps in discouraging many types of pests. Multiple applications may be required to achieve and maintain a healthy bonsai, but the rewards will far out-weigh the efforts.

The fourth incremental step would be to try using a mild insecticidal soap. This multi-purpose soap derivative offers effective control over most pests. This type of insecticide is one of the mildest and safest, for humans, animals and bonsai - something of a vital importance, especially if you have children and pets.

The incremental step of "last resort" would be to use an actual "chemical" spray – i.e. an insecticide. It should be handled carefully and used as per manufacturer's instructions.

Peter's website - Bonsai Care - provides tips & hints , links, resources and so much more. How to look after your miniature bonsai tree. How to Water a bonsai. How to Feed a bonsai. Where to Locate a bonsai. How to keep a bonsai tree healthy.

Bougainvillea Bonsai

2008-09-15T22:30:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants their living space to be graceful. One of the many ways to do it is growing an indoor Bonsai tree. Bonsai Tree helps a person to bring nature's beauty into his home. There is a variety of bonsai trees available. Bougainvillea bonsai is one of the most grown bonsai trees. It is a popular houseplant, which can grow as much as four meters. It has bright magenta blossoms among lush green leaves. The bougainvillea prefers warm and dry conditions, that makes it appropriate for homes and offices. It is easily available in nurseries or getting it from bonsai growers isn't a bad option either. But a better source is from old gardens and from trash piles.

Different species of bougainvillea are used as bonsai. Some of them are

1. Golden Glow - It has dark yellowish bracts that can fade. 2. Louis Wathen - It is full of orange bracts. 3. Orange King. 4. Mrs. Butt - It has beautiful crimson bracts. 5. Paper Flower - It is the most widely and commonly used species. It has hairy leaves with magenta coloured bracts. 6. Snow White - It is rich in white bracts. 7. Magnifica - It has lovely rose pink bracts.

Many factors like watering, lighting, temperature and feeding are of much importance for the bougainvillea bonsai. As far as watering is concerned, the bougainvillea bonsai mostly likes it dry and has to be watered sparingly. However, during its blossoming, the bonsai requires more amount of water. Bonsai likes to be in full sunlight but never let the sun burn the leaves of the plant. In colder climates bougainvillea becomes deciduous. This bonsai should be kept at a temperature of 49F to 54F. The pests should also be kept in mind while growing bonsai. In this case, pests are rare but still why take a chance? Greenflies and whiteflies can be removed easily with some insecticide.

The feeding for bonsai may range from a week to two weeks. Don't just go on feeding the plant unless it needs it. Bonsai can be pruned at any time of the year. When the plant is young, new growth must be cut every month for a healthy plant. If you find your bonsai being a bit big, this is the right time to cut down the branches. The colours found are pink, red, yellow, purple, lavender, orange, and white. The double forms carry the blooms near the end of stems, rather than being evenly distributed.

Bonsai is basically a tree that is grown and shaped in a particular way. There are other species as well that are used in bonsai trees. Like the Fir tree and the cedar are used to create a bonsai design. Some of these species grow taller and larger than a normal bonsai. But they still resemble the traditional bonsai trees. But, like any other plant, the proper care of it is very important so that it remains healthy and look its best.

Bougainvillea Growers International (BGI) is the Nation's largest bougainvillea grower offering bougainvillea plant care , trellis, trees, hanging baskets.

Bougainvillea for Your Backyard

2008-09-15T22:29:00.001-07:00

Bougainvillea is a very famous flower from Brazil and belongs to the family of Nyctaginaceae. It is also known as paper flower because of the multi-coloured bracts that look like paper encircling the flower. Many variant names of bougainvillea include Bougainvillea spp.(scientific name), Bunga kertas, buginvila in Malaysia, kembang kertas in Indonesia and Ye Zi Hua in Mandarin.

Bougainvillea is an evergreen and a woody vine. Most of them have spines and are very thorny. Bougainvillea has a nice fragrance which is similar to that of the Honeysuckle plant. In cool or dry conditions, it can be semi-deciduous. The shoots, that have been overgrown, may attach themselves to the surroundings. The leaves of bougainvillea are ovate, alternately arranged and simple. The flowers are trumpet shaped, small, white and occur in group of threes. Large colourful bracts surround the flowers to make it even more beautiful. The fruits that they bear are small, dry and have one seed. The plant has bright violet leaves that are deep green and very long. Its blooming starts in September and continue till May. They grow very quickly. It is so popular because of this quality only. Its coloured flowers and quick growth makes it appropriate for indoors as well as outdoors. Bougainvillea is a terrific plant that is planted for terrace and flowery decorations.Its trimming might result in bonsai.

The two most common species of bougainvillea are: Bougainvillea spetabilis and Bougainvillea glabra. These two species have been cross-bred to give rise to various hybrid varieties of the plant. In South America, one can find upto 14 different species of bougainvillea. In countries like Singapore and Malaysia, the most common varieties, apart from Bougainvillea glabra and Bougainvillea spectabilis are Bougainvillea mrs butt and Bougainvillea peruviana. Also, many hybrid varieties have become very popular lately. These include Bougainvillea spectoglabra and Bougainvillea x buttiana hybrid. Bougainvillea is extensively used all over the world because it is one of those few plants that flowers round the year in hot and wet weathers. Flowering can be done by proper watering and fertilizing. No plant grows well if it is either over fed or under fed.

Bougainvillea can be put to use in numerous ways. They can be used in trellis or in hanging baskets. They can also be used as Bonsai. They can either be used as small flowering trees or as hedges. Bougainvillea can also serve the purpose of lawn specimens. They are woody ornamental landscape plants that add beauty to the surroundings.

Being so useful and so easily available, growing bougainvillea can really be a tedious task. Its blooming requires ample sunlight and water. One needs to give it proper care, time and love. Its blooming can surely make anyone's backyard look attractive and special. So take some time out so that you have the backyard you desire.

Bougainvillea Growers International (BGI) is the Nation's largest bougainvillea grower offering bougainvillea plant care , trellis, trees, hanging baskets, .