Bonsai Tree Care Secrets

Bonsai Organic Gardening Techniques

2009-08-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

Because of the toxins associated with fertilizers and pesticides, many people are turning to organic gardening. The Bonsai is one plant that people are adding to their organic gardens. Originating in Asia, this procedure has become very popular throughout the world. The plants require a lot of loving care. Growing them is often considered an art form.

Organic Soil and Fertilization The proper soil mixtures and fertilizers are essential for healthy bonsai growth. Research shows that the best bonsai soils are soils that have organic matters. Bonsai soil tends to be a loose, quick-draining mix of natural and non-chemically treated soil. The foundation is a mixture of sand or gravel, fired clay pellets, or shale, which is mixed with an organic compound such as peat or bark. Volcanic clay soils are a preferred selection in Japan. Kadama and Kanuma are two popular choices.

The trees require a fair amount of organic fertilizer. Fertilizer should only be given after watering. Feeding is usually performed once every two weeks during the summer months, and then reduced to once a month for the remainder of year. Organic fertilizers, organic liquid fertilizers are available at many online organic plant stores. You should call your local plant store to see if they have any organic bonsai supplies in stock. Manure and compost are two examples of organic feeds that can used when growing a tree. It is important to work organic mixtures into the soil.

You use your own compost in your procedure mix. To do this, you will require more than one type of compost. According to most bonsai experts, the best organic soil mix is 40% compost, 30 % seramis clay granule, and 30% grit.

Watering Your Bonsai With minimal space in a pot, careful and frequent attention is required to make sure the tree is adequately watered. Sun, heat and wind can dry trees in a short time which ca result in permanent damage. You need to know the needs of your particular tree because some trees can survive short periods of dry spells, while others need constant moisture. Deciduous trees are more susceptible to dehydration. Evergreens can appear to handle periods of dry conditions better, but do not display any signs of damage until it is has occurred. One indication of damage is that the leaves will start wilting.

The process of watering is different than how you would normally water regular houseplant. Trees require submersion of the whole pot in water for several minutes. Once you remove the pot, allow to drain. Too much watering can result in root rot and fungal infestations. Free draining soil prevents water-logging. To maintain proper soil, provide water in small amounts frequently because there is a flushing effect when the water is added. Plants are repotted regularly during their development. This encourages new feeder root growth so that the tree will be able to absorb moisture better. When they mature, they are repotted less often.

Young bonsai, known as potensai, are placed in 'growing boxes.' The large boxes permit the roots to grow which allows for food and water consumption as well as adding life to the tree. When this has outgrown the 'growing box,' it is then replanted in a 'training box.' This box is smaller allowing for a denser root mass. This makes replanting in its final pot much easier.

Growing bonsai trees can be a very peaceful and spiritual experience. With the right care and trimming techniques, you can grow a beautiful living piece of art.

Organic gardening guide features tips and solutions to common garden issues - Redenta's is committed to a natural and sustainable approach to organic gardening and organic gardening supplies.

The Art Of Bonsai - What Builds it Becoming Interesting?

2009-08-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

It is no doubt that the art of bonsai is a exclusive and charming tradition that has lived for many centuries especially in Japan. The design and the tradition of bonsai have been used well in Japan. Shrinking a lot of varieties of plants to keep them small is what people call the art of bonsai. But you have to know that todays, many people like applying full grown plants better to get the bonsai look.

Actually, the entire process of Bonsai is the thing that manufactures a large appreciation for the gardeners.

The Beginning rules of The Art Of Bonsai

The art of bonsai begins with selecting the appropriate container as the starting point to grow your Bonsai plant. The first planter that is applied is named a training pot. This pot can actually be formed in the classic Bonsai styles like round, oval, square, hexagonal or even square. It is a nice plan to get the appropriate form for the plant that you want to grow. Some cascading plants look better in round or rectangle pots.

Placing the plant is also an important part of the art of bonsai. If the plant is a tree, locate it well so that it is slightly off center in the pot. Cascading plants have to be located rather different so that they can flow over the side of the pot. It is a good plan to place them in the center of the pot.

The later instructions in the art of bonsai are the developmental ones that will offer you the final look of the plant. Firstly, you have to form the plant. Take a close look at the natural flow of the plant and use that as a guide to begin forming your Bonsai plant. By trimming off excessive branches and gently nipping off excessive leaves, you can form the plant prettily.

You can also form your plant by applying wire. generally, a heavy duty wire is utilized to pull and also mold the plant into the prettiest form you need. So, using wire in the starting point is going to set your plants to grow in the appropriate direction.

Not only the branch, in the art of bonsai, the roots of the plants also have to be pruned tomaintain
the plant from cultivating to its mature height. Just make sure to prune off unneeded roots to the main trunks growth. While surface roots can put to the appeal of the Bonsai plant and may be left.

Keep in mind to offer your lovely bonsai plenty of water to create it thrive on time. Just leave outside the plants that are generally live outside in the summer. And slow down your watering when it achieves the end of August in order to reproduce the winter months. So, if you are bonsai lover, you will be fascinated more and more about this hobby just since of the art of bonsai!

Thus, does the above-mentioned information still not satisfy your need in knowing about the art of bonsai? Explore more the suitable information herein!

For additional benefits you will get with the the art of bonsai, testimonials and the reason why people need to know more about Bonsai to decorate their home, just click the links on Bonsai Gardenia.

Tips for First Time Bonsai Gardeners

2009-08-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

It's essential that you are aware of exactly what you are looking for when picking indoor bonsai trees. In order for a bonsai to grow in the surroundings that you mean to situate it, you must be aware of a few points to start with. Aspects of the skill of bonsai growing include maintenance, height, width, and shaping, which can be somewhat overwhelming if you don't comprehend what to do.

Here are several illustrations of the points you need to be on the lookout for prior to going out to purchase your very first bonsai tree.

Tending: Every type of bonsai plant has its own specific treatment directions. This is one of the very first things that you must consider when selecting a plant. Pay attention to the watering advice. If you think that you may well fail to remember to water your bonsai plant now and again, then it could be advisable to go for a tree that does not call for watering as regularly as others. On the other hand, if you are apt to over water your plants, then choose a bonsai that can cope with additional moisture.

One more important component of bonsai care is light. Most bonsai trees will call for a significant quantity of sunlight. Consequently, you must make certain that you have a location in your home in mind for your tree where it can receive a fair amount of natural light every day.

Size: Yet another issue to take into account when buying a bonsai tree is its final stature. Depending on where you intend to put your plant, make certain that you have an adequate amount of space to allow it to develop properly. Needless to say, height may not be an issue if you intend to raise your bonsai tree out-of-doors. The same considerations apply to the width of the plant.

Shaping: Once you have made a choice on which bonsai tree to purchase, you will need to think about taking a workshop on how to correctly sculpt the plant. A number of individuals enjoy the artistic facet of growing bonsai plants. Therefore, in order to be true to the art, you ought to spend some time and energy to sculpt the tree. You can employ many different looks, or invent your own distinctive style and shape.

Nevertheless no matter which style and shape you select for your bonsai tree, it is very important that you make use of the proper tools. The tools that are necessary for shaping bonsai plants are available at nurseries.

Growing bonsai isn't as easy as you might think. You need to put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that your trees are healthy and attractive. It's really more of an art than a hobby. Learn more at the Indoor Bonsai Tree site.

bonsai gardening secrets guide

2009-07-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

"Who Else Wants to Discover the Step by Step Secrets the Bonsai Masters Use to Create Stunning Bonsai Trees - With Very Little Work? " Ever wanted to learn how to grow bonsai? There's finally a quick and easy, Step by Step, A to Z guide to creating your very own Bonsai Trees...even if you're new at it and you're not exactly a "green thumb".

Every single step...from the types of trees & plants that are suitable for Bonsai, to the over dozen different styles and techniques are laid out for you in a groundbreaking new book called:"Bonsai Gardening Secrets:The Insider Secrets to Creating Beautiful Bonsai!"

"Bonsai Gardening Secrets"

An easy to understand quick-start guide

In fact, you'll be amazed at how simple it is to create authentic Bonsai in no time flat...even if you're not a "master gardener".

Here's Just a Small Portion of What You'll Discover in "Bonsai Gardening Secrets":

Why Bonsai trees are formed and trained the way they are. (Hint: There's a reason why different plants are used for different forms in Bonsai Gardening. Just knowing what type(s) of plants to use with which form really makes a huge difference!)

The fourteen major styles of Bonsai (with full-color photos)...and how you can create each one in your home.

What are the "rules" of true Bonsai Gardening. You'll know the symbolism and effect of every plant, stone, and grain of sand in your Bonsai.

The insider secrets of Form Pruning, Maintenance Pruning, Plucking, Defoliation, "Jin and Shari" (which makes even a very young trees look like a classic "old" bonsai) and more! Plus you'll quickly decide which is right for you.

The Top Bonsai Choices to get started today (and where to get them)!

How to choose your first tree. Dwarf Pomegranate or Ficus? Satsuki Azalea or Japanese Maple? Find out here!

How to create a Bonsai tree the right way (Hint: This is much easier than it seems...once you see how it works.)

How do you choose the right accents for your Bonsai? From dwarf grass and rush, to lichen and moss, you'll discover the best accents for each and every one of your Bonsai!

Do you live or work in a hectic environment? Need a little sanctuary? Discover the types of Bonsai that are known for their soothing properties.

Over 20 different bonsai-friendly plant species you can use in your garden... So you can find out which plants are right for you in a snap!

Discover the difference between cascading style bonsai, and broom style bonsai (not to mention over a dozen other styles).

Think you can't grow indoor bonsai? With this detailed bonsai care guide...you can now!

Dozens upon dozens of full color photo's!

You'll have a virtual encyclopedia of Bonsai Gardening know-how at your fingertips...and it's all written in easy-to-understand language so you can actually use it!

Bonsai - The Journey East To West

2009-07-22T00:08:00.001-07:00

Since its beginnings in China, during the Han Dynasty over two thousand years ago, the art of growing miniature trees in containers, bonsai, has had an interesting history. Initially, penjing – as it is called in China, was considered too spiritual for the common folk and only nobles were permitted to own one. During the 14th century, the Chinese invaded Japan and brought with them many aspects of Chinese culture, including religion, calligraphy and penjing. Even today, the Japanese characters for bonsai remain the same in Chinese.

The Japanese developed and refined this art form, still remaining the privilege of the nobles. When they began to lose interest, the art form almost died out completely and was only practiced by a few people. Bonsai rose in popularity, but with the leaning towards coloured flowers and variegated leaves. The development of bonsai as we know it really began during the last century.

Although Westerners had encountered bonsai on their travels in the Far East, and a few had even written articles about them, it wasn’t until the end of WW2 that the hobby really began to catch on in the United States. GI’s returning from Japan brought with them small samples of these fascinating trees.

Many of them only survived for a short time, but there were enough people curious about bonsai to try to find out how to care for them correctly. The large Japanese-American population in the United States was the major source of information and encouragement, and for many years their knowledge and skills were in demand.

Today bonsai has become a household word. Small cuttings planted in shallow pots are sold as bonsai in department stores, garden nurseries, open air markets and even at gas stations. These are not true bonsai such as produced by artists in Western countries as well as Japan, but they are a start. They at least introduce newcomers to the idea of growing a miniaturized tree in a pot. It is then up to the individual to read books, join clubs and meet other bonsai enthusiasts in order to learn and improve their skills.

As your knowledge and enthusiasm grows, you will surely become more ambitious and begin to create your own bonsai from native plants. You will find the art of bonsai a hugely absorbing and satisfying pastime that will give years of pleasure.

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, .

All About Bonsai

2008-09-15T22:28:00.001-07:00

If you are a nature lover and admirer, and if you love trees, Bonsai trees are definately made for you. Bonsai are like a tiny version of big trees, bougainvillea bonsai being the most famous. Differently styled and shaped bonsai trees make its surroundings graceful and full of nature. The size and style of the bonsai must be kept in mind while choosing a container for it.

When going out to buy a bonsai, three aspects must be kept in mind i.e. the type of container, position of the plant, choice of the plant type variety.

The bonsai is available in different styles. Some of them are slant, cascade, semi-cascade, windswept, formal upright and informal upright. The slant style is the most easy and common of all. In this, the trunk extends in one direction and the lowest branch to the other. Slant style can be done on almost any bonsai tree.The cascade types have a sloping effect in which the trunk is vertical and turned to one direction. The branches are cascaded lower than the surface of the container. The semi cascade is a bit similar to the cascade. The only difference in the two is that the trunk gradually slopes rather than turning to one direction. The windswept style looks as if the tree has been beset by strong wind blows. It looks beautifully unkempt. The formal upright style is the one in which trunk is straight upwards and the lower branches are wider than the rest. The next branches are slightly narrower than its preceding braches so that a triangular appearance of the tree is achieved. Pine, Larch, Juniper and Spruce are the trees that have this kind of arrangement. The informal upright style gives the tree, an appearance of motion where the top branch is extended forward instead of upwards. Beech, Japanese Maple and Trident Maple trees have informal upright style. These styles have been practiced over the ages and grace any place with their unique appearance.

There are basically four sizes of flowering bonsai. These sizes are miniature, small, medium and average. Miniature bonsai is about two inches tall. It usually achieves this within two to three three years. Small bonsai can grow to three to six inches in height and take around five to nine years to grow. Medium bonsai grow to six to twelve inches tall. They grow quickly and mature in around three years. Average sized bonsai may grow to even two feet, attaining maturity in three years. It is easy to find various types of bonsai trees available in these styles for shaping and training.

Some famous Bonsai trees are

Flowering Quince - It has white and red flowers on its branches and the leaves have teeth with the flowers growing in tight clusters. It has green and yellow fruits. It normally belongs to asian countries.

Mt. Fuji Serissa - It has beautiful white colourings on the outer leaves.

Okinawa Holly - It has small pink flowers and grows from 60F and 85F.

If you dont have much time to take care of your bonsai properly, artificial bonsais are available too. These artificial bonsai look exactly like the real. Its better to have an artificial bonsai at home than a real one of which you cant take care of.

Bougainvillea Growers International (BGI) is the Nation's largest bougainvillea grower offering bougainvillea plant care .

Decorative Flowering Bonsai Trees

2008-09-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Indoor or Outdoor Decorative Flowering Bonsai Trees

Some bonsai trees – like any other tree – flower and produce fruit. A regular apple tree for example produces a lovely apple blossom and later yields a crop of apples. The huge difference however is the size of the tree! A well cared for bonsai tree is an extremely attractive and decorative tree whether it’s kept indoors or outdoors in a highly visible area.

The Flowering Crab-apple or Malus Sargenti is an excellent example of an outdoor bonsai tree. The miniature tree produces a beautiful white apple blossom in the spring, followed by the small crab-apples, and then in the autumn the crab-apples will turn in colour to various shades of red, yellow and orange.

The Flowering Pink Hibiscus or anisodontea scabrosa is an excellent example of an indoor flowering bonsai tree. This bonsai tree originates from South Africa and produces wonderful pink flowers for most of the year.

If you are going to display your bonsai indoors then you can add to the quality of the display in a number of ways. The first and most obvious is to choose a suitable container for your bonsai tree – this will usually be a ceramic pot – frequently decorated with an oriental pattern! Choose whatever you like to see in your home – ensuring that it has suitable drainage holes. You then most likely want to have a drip tray or similar (I used to call them saucer!). This will prevent water draining from the pot onto the standing surface. The drip tray / humidifier should hold a little water at all times. Maintaining humidity around your bonsai tree will provide an excellent bonsai growing environment. Once you have made your choice for pot and drip tray then you may want some sort of stand – which could be anything from a simple wooden stand to a beautiful revolving purpose built stand enabling you to easily and frequently change your bonsai tree’s aspect within the room. Some of the very elaborate displays for indoor bonsai are almost breath-taking. Frequent use of stones and pebbles will provide a simple but attractive display background for your bonsai tree. Some of these displays, however, are a true art form in themselves and represent a miniature mountain and / or river landscape. With your miniature landscape and miniature tree you really have a "Landscape Penjing" meaning "landscape in a tray".

If you are going to display your bonsai outdoors then you have many more options depending on your own ‘outdoor area’. You may have a small balcony to your flat (or apartment), a large timber decking area, a stone (maybe concrete) patio or just a very pleasant garden. Whatever you situation you can be creative using attractive pots. Many bonsai displays involve pebbles or small stones. Again the choice is yours and the ideas are almost limitless for outside bonsai. If you are a real bonsai fanatic then you can easily create an entire bonsai display with several trees of different sizes and characteristics. Another alternative for out-side bonsai display is a purpose built display bench. A display bench could simply consist of 2 or more solid pieces of timber, suitably treated, laid across two small walls or purpose built wooden frame. The idea of the bonsai bench is to enable you to display the trees to their best advantage whilst making life is easy as possible for you - the bonsai carer. With a suitable bench you’ll be able to access the bonsai tree or probably trees easily for watering, pruning etc. without having to continually bend to the tree or move the tree to where is convenient for yourself.

For more information about indoor bonsai and outdoor bonsai trees visit Peter's website Bonsai Care. Many other information packed pages and bonsai pictures. How to feed a bonsai tree. How to water a bonsai tree plus lots more ....

Tips to Help You Care for a Bonsai Tree

2008-09-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

Growing and caring for a bonsai tree can be both easy and difficult at the same. Therefore it is important that you know how to properly care for a bonsai tree. Care for this type of tree involves watering, pruning and proper planting. A bonsai tree requires a certain amount of sunlight and water. Too much of either can cause more harm to the tree than good and it can actually kill the tree. This is why it is important to know how to take care of the tree before you decide to grow one in your home. One of the most favourite of the bonsai trees is the ficus bonsai tree.

Caring the for the ficus bonsai tree requires a great deal of patience. This type of tree needs to be kept inside all year long. Since it is a small tree and is planted in a small pot, you can occasionally bring the tree outside to give it some fresh air. Just like with other bonsai trees the soil should be given a chance to dry out in between watering. To test the soil you can stick your finger into the soil about an inch down; if you feel moist soil then you should wait to water your tree. However, the key is to not let the soil stay dry for an extended period of time because this could kill the tree. There is a specific way to water a bonsai tree as well. You should allow the tree and the container it is in to soak for about ten minutes. Once it has soaked, you should allow the water to drain from the soil until no more water drips from the bottom of your container.

Replanting of a ficus bonsai tree is an important part of caring for a bonsai tree. It should be repotted once every two years. This is a type of tree that has a tendency to grow slowly but there are times when the bonsai tree will go through a growth spurt and if its container is somewhat small you might want to consider repotting before the two year period has expired. If you allow the tree to grow in a small pot it will begin take over the pot and as a result it will cease to grow after a period of time. If you need to change the pot in which you are growing your bonsai tree you should wait until the early months of spring to do so. After it is in the new pot, it should be watered thoroughly and then kept in the shade for at least a period of three weeks. This will give the root system time to take hold in the new pot.

Caring for the Ficus Bonsai tree means that you need to understand how your tree will react to the different temperatures and weather conditions during the different seasons. It is important that the bonsai tree is kept indoors during the winter months because it is not able to withstand cold temperatures. However, while indoors the tree must be kept in a sunny area so that it does get the proper amount of light. The temperature should be kept between 60 and 65 degrees at all times.

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

How to Grow Bonsai Trees- The DIY Home Guide

2008-09-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

How can I grow bonsai dwarf trees? You can learn how to trim, prune and shape bonsai branches. Read about materials, pots, leaf trimmer, rake with spatula, root hook, coir brush, concave cutter, knob cutter, wire cutter, small, medium and large shears and other tools you need to make a perfect bonsai garden. There are also articles, tips on shapes like formal upright, slant, informal upright, cascade, semi-cascade, raft, literati, and group/forest.

There are many bonsai trees shapes that can be designed from certain types of trees. Most people think that bonsai trees are dwarfed types of trees. They are actually not a special type of tree but they are just normal trees that have been given a lot of care and attention to keep them dwarfed and trim. It involves pruning of the crown and roots and being grown in a pot.

Methods of growing Bonsai trees: There are some plant species that are preferred for growing as bonsai trees through pruning of leaves and roots. Some of the best bonsai growers know that the best trees need some time in a dormant phase where no roots and leaves grow to ensure the stem develops a hardy structure.

The key to cultivating a perfect bonsai tree is to use aluminum or copper wires to tie around the roots and restrict them from growing. The pots used to grow bonsai trees are usually provided with 2 or 3 holes at the base to avoid water logging. The roots can be wrapped in a wire gauze or special plastic bag to avoid the soil from being swept away.

The type of soil used to grow bonsai trees is should be relatively porous to discourage water logging. Avoid exposing the plant to long hours of sun, wind or heat since the plants are fragile and easily dry out. Bonsai actually require a lot of close attention that you may have to watch over it on a daily basis.

Changing bonsai tree pots: The bonsai trees are first plated in what are called bonsai grow boxes, require to be planted in boxes. These are boxes are made from loosely made wood planks or cardboard planks that allow more room for initial root growth. After sometime in the growing boxes, the bonsai trees are repotted into special shallow pots which could round, hexagonal, square or even elliptical.

Application of fertilizer to bonsai trees: The bonsai trees can either be organic or by chemical fertilizers. Some of the bonsai growers insist on using organic material as fertilizer. Volcanic soils are usually the best type to use. Most of the bonsai trees are tropical trees and are used to the sun. in temperate climates the bonsai trees should be taken out to the sun always and placed in a dormant phase during winter to ensure they survive for the next season.

You can grow bonsai by reading one of the most best illustrated online eBooks here: Click Here Please!

Robert reviews new online products and is a successful internet marketer. He has written over 10,000 articles on reviews of many products online. He is married with two kids.

Your Bonsai Can Outlive You - Theoretically

2008-09-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

YOUR BONSAI CAN OUTLIVE YOU - THEORETICALLY

Can A Bonsai Tree Live Forever? Trees, in general, can and will outlive all of us - many times over. The giant redwood trees, indigenous to the West Coast of America, are some of the oldest living creatures on the planet. It is understandably difficult for some people to associate or identify a 200 ft. tall redwood tree with a 12 in. tall bonsai tree, but nevertheless they are both trees. In the case of bonsai trees, the simple fact that they are "trees" genetically, and "bonsai" trees by way of human intervention, gives them the inborn capability, under favorable circumstances, to live for several centuries - at least and forever - theoretically.
Of course, there are scores of conditions and variables, some controllable and many others not, that all have the capability to allow or to prevent a tree, be it a bonsai or not, from living for very long.
A tree in nature and growing under what we will deem are "perfect" conditions, will grow until it reaches the natural predetermined height for that species. Once this height has been gained the tree starts its natural habit of growing or, to put it another way, spreading sideways, allowing the tree to support as much foliage as possible. After centuries of this continued growth pattern, what happens is that the distance between the active and effective roots at the edge of the trees root system and the now gigantic amount of foliage at the countless number of branch tips is just too huge. As a result of this natural process, the tree starts to weaken and will eventually die. Why? Because the foliage has grown too far away from the active roots - its leaves are now receiving inadequate amounts of life giving water and nutrients and, in turn, the leaves are unable to supply adequate sugars to the root system. In due time, this course being centuries long, the heartwood will rot and the tree will collapse.

How Can A Bonsai Live Forever? The main difference between a bonsai tree and a tree growing naturally in the wild, as mentioned above, is human intervention. A tree in nature, growing in unimpaired conditions, will grow until it reaches the top dimensions for that species, with consideration given to the specific environmental conditions that it is exposed to, and inevitably it will die. Alternatively, a bonsai tree, which it is not a "species" of tree, but rather a traditional set of techniques and styles for growing and caring for a tree - almost any kind of tree can be trained as a "bonsai" tree - is prohibited from ever reaching its maximum dimensions through regularly pruning of both the root system and branch structure. A non-bonsai example of this pruning technique lengthening the life of a tree is that of trees that are grown as hedge. Hedges live much longer than their full-size counterparts growing in their natural habitat, because they are never allowed to reach their maximum dimensions. While the custom of trimming hedges is not exactly like the practices of branch and root pruning in a traditional bonsai sense, it is a creditable "Western" gardening style example of how the life of a tree can be extended through regular and meticulous human intervention.

Meticulous and calculated care management keeps the bonsai in a continual state of growth, because the bonsai, just like its full-size cousin on the front lawn, is genetically programmed to attain maturity. The essential difference is: by stopping the bonsai from reaching maturity, you are stopping it from ever reaching old age and falling victim to the troubles that inevitably go along with aging process.
A bonsai tree - your bonsai tree - if given the befitting and necessary care, will always stay healthy, growing, and youthful. And, if everyone that is responsible for its care, after you become mulch, continues to care for it properly, it will and should out live them, as well!

For more information please visit Alfie's Bonsai Garden.

Robert Williams writes regularly about gardening related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.

Bonsai care and the right environment.

2008-09-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

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 â€" 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 â€" i.e. an insecticide. It should be handled carefully and used as per manufacturer's instructions.

Peter Williams has his own website with many useful tips & hints, resources and links about bonsai care and how to look after your bonsai tree. Some nice pictures too!

What You Must Know Before You Plant A Bonsai

2008-08-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

You’ve surely seen the beautiful Bonsai tree somewhere in your life, even if only watching Mr. Miagi on the Karate Kid. It’s probably likely that if there’s a Japanese restaurant in your town, then you’ve sent them there. The art and dedication that it takes to plant and do the necessary upkeep with a Bonsai Tree is enormous, and sometimes much too daunting for those with a green thumb.

Bonsai’s are dwarf-potted plants that have been cultivated for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese. Since the end of World War II this art has taken off as a great hobby and pastime in the United States.

It not only take’s much patience to properly raise a bonsai, but also a good amount of artistic skill as well. It’s time-consuming, and there is a lot more to it than one might think. You could say that a bonsai is the marriage between plant and container, and nurturer…al forming the bond to create a distinct and lovely picture of nature in miniature form.

It is true that the bonsai is actually a hardy tree or shrub that is grown outside within a pot; however other tropical woody plants such as dwarf pomegranate can be developed as bonsais too. It’s important to note that only fairly small-leaved species should be used for bonsai trees - otherwise, the leaves will be out of scale with the rest of the plant. Using Ginkgo, Zeikova, and some of the pines and maples can give you outstanding bonsai trees.

Your best bet, and the most interesting bonsais are created from already runty plants with considerable, narrowing trunks and naturally twisty or gnarled branches. Also using young but otherwise normal plants can be effective as well. You can find such trees in either the wild or in a nursery.

An important part of a bonsai, bonsai pots, come in an array of designs. They can range from two inches to around twenty-five inches in diameter, and from one to ten inches deep. You can get these in glazed styles, or more popular porous red clay style. Either way, your pot should have a hole for draining.

The mixture of soil varies, but in any case it should be able to hold moisture and food, while also allowing for good drainage and aeration. Bonsai experts usually will layer the soil, beginning with a quite coarse mixture at the bottom of the bonsai pot, and then working their way up to a finer mixture. Then, the soil is topped off with either small ground-cover plants, moss, or fine pebbles.

Many people steer clear of the thought of raising a bonsai tree because they have been conditioned to believe that it takes years and years to nurture a bonsai to beauty. This actually is far from the case. In fact a bonsai can be made quite beautiful in only a few hours if you’ve taken care in choosing the right tree, the best pot for you, and giving it a try to prune your tree into your very own creation.

Vince Paxton pens predominantly for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a web page with topics around woodworking machinery . You can come across his writings on workbenches over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com .

Bonsai Vitamins: Fertilizers And Your Growing Bonsai

2008-08-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

In using fertilizer for your growing bonsai, you need to exercise proper balance and lots of attention to detail. Your determination to make your bonsai grow lies in many factors but it ultimately boils down to your determination and consistency.

It’s not just humans that need tender loving care. Bonsai plants need that extra care too especially when it is during their growing period. It is very important to note that bonsai will not grow on its own with mere fertilizer alone. It mainly grows from carbon dioxide and water. But this does not mean that fertilizers are no longer important. Just like vitamins are to the human body, fertilizers give vitality to bonsai plants that cannot be attained by mere infusion of carbon dioxide and water.

The elements of fertilizer must include phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. These nutrients in fertilizer are incorporated in the mixture to aid in cell division of the bonsai and other processes that are vital for effective photosynthesis. As a bonsai owner, you must know what these particular elements do to your bonsai plant. It’s like getting to know what your own vitamins do for your body.

Fertilizers naturally come from soil, but there is still a need to put more fertilizer through absorption in the roots or in the foliage. When you are growing bonsai, in a way it is unnatural to make use of soil from containers to grow it. Garden settings are different from naturally grown settings. Thus you will really need the fertilizer to recreate the same amount of nutrients that can be found from healthy soil with lots of manure in it.

In using fertilizers, find the trusted brand in your area. Check for which brands work best under the particular soil you are using. Consult expert advice and team up with other bonsai enthusiasts so that you can maximize your experience. You don’t have to do trial and error to find the perfect fertilizer. Other peoples’ experience may be just as valuable and time-saving, so make sure you did find other people who are experienced in growing bonsai before you start out.

When you have finally settled with what fertilizer brand to use, read the manual. Don’t underestimate the written things in the fine print. Make sure you have read and understood all the instructions written there. It is attached to the ingredient to aid you in using the product so don’t just disregard it and place the fertilizer in any way you choose.

While it’s always possible to be precise up to the last drop, make sure that you have estimated as properly as you can the amount you will place on your soil. Too much fertilizer may do much harm. On the other hand, too little may not help you achieve the desired growing results. Do everything in the right measure.

Bonsai growing requires a lot of balance, even in applying fertilizer. It is really an art in itself and something that you can get used to as you go along with your bonsai-growing hobby.

Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com , has been practicing bonsai for over 8 years. Found a distinct interest in propagation, especially seeds. Mishobonsai.com sells tree seed and provides bonsai tree informations.

Bonsai Trees Plants and Care - Learn About Convenient Advice

2008-08-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

The first image that comes to mind when you hear ï¿½bonsaiï¿½ is a very small tree. Japanese, Chinese and Korean practice this art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees that are grown in the containers.

For the Korean ï¿½bunjaeï¿½, whereas for the Japanese, the term is ï¿½bonsai.ï¿½

The first to grow miniature-size trees in containers were the Chinese. They began doing so around 200 CE. That was the way medicinal plants were transported by herbal healers|herbal healers transported medicinal plants}.

The practice streched to Japan during the Heian period. Landscape gardening started to be significant during the Tokugawa period. Azalea and maples were cultured as a pastime activity by the wealthy.

The term used at that time was ï¿½hachi-no-kiï¿½ which means ï¿½a tree in a pot.ï¿½ The term Bonsai was utilizes in the Meiji period during the late 19th century.

There are different kinds of bonsai. These are the formal upright , informal upright , slant, raft, cascade, semi-cascade, literati and the forest/group.

The slant category bonsai is like the straight trunk of any upright trees. The summit extends to the right or the left of the base. The formal upright is similar to a straight and tapered trunk. This is contrasting with the informal upright that has curves and bends with the apex normally found on top of the roots. The raft bonsai is known to be a phenomenon since it takes place after a tree has collaps from natural force or erosion. The branches then show the edge of the trunk. Roots grow from these buried parts.

A literati is when the trunk line is exposed and there are few|minimum} branches on a somehow discontorted trunk. Cascades are sorts of trees that develop on the side of mountains and the waterï¿½s surface. The tip or the apex of a cascade bonsai reaches beneat the lip of the pot. Finally, a forest or group bonsai is a group of trees that grow altogether in a container. These are generally of similar types.

Bonsai are categorized according to their sizes. There are styles and techniques related to the shito and mame bonsais. These are the bonsais that grow in pots as miniature as thimbles.

The bonsai enthusiast must know that the smaller the height of the bonsai, the greater the care he must use. The miniature sized bonsai often demands special care.

Bonsai is often found in the center of a garden when set alongside an urban or wild landscape. Bonsai collectors put high value on the bonsai because of the plantï¿½s ability to exhibit age as they mature.

If you desire a bonsai tree or if you are thinking of getting one but don't have enough knowledge about it, you might want to rein yourself in before getting one. You first need to learn the basics about bonsai tree care. Taking care of a bonsai trees isn't as easy as taking care of any other plant that needs the usual watering, sunlight exposure, and fertilizer. In fact, it is quite challenging since it involves a number of different factors beginning with the type of bonsai tree that you have. You have to be vigilant when taking care of your bonsai tree. Its container provides little protection, water and nutrients can easily be depleted.

When giving water your bonsai, you have to consider the species of your tree. Some species can tolerate constant moisture while others thrive in instances of dry periods. As a general rule, avoid heavy watering because it makes your bonsai tree more vulnerable to fungal infections and may cause the roots to rot.

Meanwhile, there should also be some protection to keep the moisture in the soil and prevent it from quickly drying due to wind and sun exposure. Excessive drying of the soil will produce massive damage to the roots of your bonsai tree and is the quickest way to kill your plant.

This busy author is an Internet researcher and really enjoys to share his info with people like you. Read more now about Bonsai and regarding Bonsai Care ideas at his web site http://www.bonsaitreesandplants.com

Bonsai Trees Mastery - Different Styles In Bonsai Gardening

2008-08-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

We all know about the basic Bonsai gardening, but that's just the beginning. To really own a masterpiece Bonsai, one must require good styling skills. Styling in Bonsai trees can be broadly categorized according to the number of trunks they the tree has. This can be divided to single trunk and multiple trunks.

Single trunk styling

The single trunk styling in Bonsai can be further classified into four types namely, Formal upright, Slanting, Cascade, and Twisted style.

Formal upright bonsai gardening

The formal upright style is also called the Chokkan style. This style is adopted only by the experienced Bonsai artists. If you are a beginner you are advised not to go for this style. The Chokkan style is considered as the most complex style of Bonsai trees. Tachiki, Hokidachi, Sabamiki, Saramiki, Sekijoju, Ishitsuki, and Neagari are some the sub categories in the Chokkan style.

Bonsai gardening style for beginners

The slanting style called the Shakan style is more common for the beginners to use. In the slanting style all the branches can come to one side of the trunk (windswept style) or a few branches will come out of the top while the main trunk is long.

Cascade style of Bonsai gardening

The Cascade style or the Kengai style has the bottom trunk below the pot. The other trunks are formal upright. Two sub categories called the Formal cascade and the Semi cascade are available in this type. These are also called the Dai Kengai and the Han Kengai.

Twisted style of Bonsai Gardening

The twisted style is called the Bankan style, which is a favorite of the Chinese. This style is referred to as the dragon style, as the tree coils itself like a dragon. Sub categories to this style include partially twisted and the octopus style (where the branches twist around themselves).

Multiple trunks style

The multiple trunks style simply means this Bonsai has multiple plants in the same pot. The styles in these types include Soju style, Yose style, and the Korabuki style.

Soju style

with Soja style there are two trunks in a pot.

Yose style

Bonsais With more than two trunks are categorized as the Yose style. The Yose style also varies depending on the number of trunks that are available in the pot. 3, 5, 7, and 9 trunks are called, Sambon Yose, Gohon yose, Nanahon yose, and Kyuhon yose respectively.

Korabuki style

There are styles where the different trunks arise from the single root. A style called the Korabuki style is also a part of the multi trunk category. The style looks very different in that it looks as if the tree as fallen down and the branches of the tree look like individual trees.

Whatever be the style of your bonsai gardening it is necessary to maintain them properly with professional care.

Come and learn more about Bonsai trees at the net's best Bonsai Tree care Blog at http://bonsai-tree-care.blogspot.com

About The Origin Of Bonsai

2008-07-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Miniature trees are originally rooted in the mountains of China, where only a specific species of plants and trees grow. Because of its hostile weather conditions, the trees were often stunted and contorted. The strong mountain winds also left these trees twisted in ice and the cold. Essentially, it is nature that has rendered the inspiration for the art of potting trees as students of the art do their best to mimic what nature has created. By “training” trees through specialized means of pruning and shaping them to a desired height and structure, these students of the art were able to recreate the sample nature has provided.

Bonsai, a Japanese term for “miniature potted trees”, actually originated from the Chinese. Called “pensai” in China, these miniature trees first appeared in artworks and poems in this Asian country in 200 B.C. Early own, the mini-tree, or rather, the work of art, has already become a symbol of harmony and tranquility. Chinese Monks and the nobles or upper class, who appreciated the beauty and significance of plants and trees or nature in general, cultivated mini-landscapes of mountains, rivers and little tree houses placed on big plates. Sometime in the 15th or 16th century, this artistic hobby grew among the people of Southeast China. Many of them have become master designers and experts of the art of tree potting. What was first known as a hobby for Chinese artists, monks and nobles in those days became a significant part of modern day Japanese tradition.

How this came to Japan was made possible through the officials of the Japanese government, who often come to China at the height of the Tang Dynasty and have brought the art back home. During the Kamakura period, while Zen Buddhism was introduced in Japan, these Zen masters also introduced the hobby of tree potting to its people. As a result, it became widely popular among the wealthy class (daimyos or feudal lords), the merchants and even the Samurais. In addition to this, daimyos even sought pottery masters on their employ, to make one of kind pots for their miniature plants.

Initially popular among the Japanese priests, the ruling class and those on the upper hierarchy, Bonsai eventually reached popularity with the middle class. As Japanese culture and their way of living dictates it, where the Japanese have always believed in keeping a harmonious relationship with their surroundings as beneficial, miniature gardening became one of Japan's favorite pastimes. The fact that these potted trees took up just a small space inside the house was also compatible with how the Japanese lived. It was during these times too, that the word “bonsai” was coined.

Today, the art of Bonsai is still practiced in China. It is characteristically different from the Japanese versions as they are somewhat bigger than the popular Japanese Bonsai. And while thinking of potted trees, one easily attributes this to Japan, the hobby/art form appeals not only to the people of the East today, but students and enthusiasts all over the world have also become devotees to the art of tree potting.

Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com, a website with ressource for bonsai seeds and tree seeds.

Bonsai Vitamins: Fertilizers And Your Growing Bonsai

2008-07-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Bonsai growing requires a lot of balance, even in applying fertilizer. It is really an art in itself and something that you can get used to as you go along with your bonsai-growing hobby.

Bonsai Trees Mastery - Different Styles In Bonsai Gardening

2008-07-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Single trunk styling

The single trunk styling in Bonsai can be further classified into four types namely, Formal upright, Slanting, Cascade, and Twisted style.

Formal upright bonsai gardening

Bonsai gardening style for beginners

Cascade style of Bonsai gardening

Twisted style of Bonsai Gardening

Multiple trunks style

The multiple trunks style simply means this Bonsai has multiple plants in the same pot. The styles in these types include Soju style, Yose style, and the Korabuki style.

Soju style

with Soja style there are two trunks in a pot.

Yose style

Korabuki style

Whatever be the style of your bonsai gardening it is necessary to maintain them properly with professional care.

Come and learn more about Bonsai trees at the net's best Bonsai Tree care Blog at http://bonsai-tree-care.blogspot.com

The Secrets To Growing A Bonsai Tree

2008-06-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

An Introduction To Growing Your Own Bonsai Tree

Most people associate the word 'art' with either painting or maybe sculpture. However, there is a largely forgotten art that draws its natural source not from stone or wood but from an ordinary tree. Incase you haven't guessed yet, I'm refereeing to the almost forgotten art of Bonsai...

In Japanese the word Bonsai roughly translates to 'tree in a tray' and is the art of sculpting by systematically pruning a bush or tree to achieve a miniature or dwarf like copy of a tree in its natural environment. Often people assume that Bonsai trees are naturally small but the reality is far from natural. Only the careful pruning of both roots and branches will determine a Bonsai tree.

As Bonsai trees are sculpted and grown in a small container or pot from ordinary species like maple or pine, its extremely important that proper care is given to help stimulate the trees natural living conditions.

With this in mind, growing your own Bonsai tree is a relatively straight forward process. Perhaps then this is why the art of Bonsai is such an exciting and worthwhile hobby that many people around the world appreciate.

But where do you start...?

If you want to grow your own Bonsai tree then you need to be on the lookout for a young sapling from a slow growing tree. Ideally, you are looking for a tree with small leaves too; these tend to make better Bonsai trees. Something like a maple, pine or hawthorn are good Bonsai choices.

Its advisable, initially anyway to plant your sapling in the garden until its more established and actively growing. Once you are happy your sapling is maturing, its time to think about transferring your young Bonsai to a pot or container where its likely to spend the rest of its life.

When choosing a Bonsai pot careful attention to the size and shape should be given. The art of Bonsai is to mimic a naturally growing tree in miniature. Therefore, make sure your Bonsai pot complements your Bonsai tree perfectly in terms of its appearance. Also make sure its sufficient enough to support growth of your Bonsai tree and to fully support it.

Before transferring your Bonsai tree to a pot or container make sure there isn't a long tap root in the root ball, carefully look at the roots and trim any obvious offenders.

A good potting compost can be used to house your Bonsai tree. A good tip here is to mix in some sand or grit to help with drainage. Also ensure that your Bonsai pot has adequate drainage holes. This will hopefully ensure your Bonsai tree doesn't get waterlogged, which if left unattended is likely to rot the entire root system.

growing a Bonsai tree is a fantastic hobby that anyone can enjoy. Why not visit us today at http://www.growing-a-bonsai-tree.co.uk for the very best help and advice.

Techniques For The Bonsai Plant Care

2008-06-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

Although there are techniques in successfully growing a bonsai, taking care of this dwarfed tree is basically the same way you would care for your other household plants love them and they'll love you back.

Watering is known to be the heart of bonsai plant care. In fact, most bonsai plants that die or go into permanent dormancy are those that had dehydration issues, that is, those that were not given enough water or those that were placed in areas with low humidity for a long time.

Water requirements are varied according to the type of plant, type of soil, and even the kind of pot used. That is why if you're using different types of plant, soil, and pots, it is essential that you do regular checks on each in order to become familiar with their individual water requirements.

The proper bonsai plant care does not mean over-watering though. Too much water can cause as much damage as lack of it. Thus, it is necessary that the right balance of water, air, and soil be achieved in order to have a healthy plant.

Watering is crucial to bonsai plant care because it does three important things. First, it provides water to your tree. Second, the water is responsible for carrying nutrients essential for plant growth, and works to remove excess salts that may likely build up. Third, the water takes out old and used gases contained within the soil, and brings in a fresh new batch.

The Japanese believes it is necessary for bonsai plant care to water three times, once each for the pot, the soil, and the plant. This way, the water gets to soak the pot and the soil, while providing some more for the plant to absorb.

Most people simply water the soil. But the right bonsai plant care requires us to humidify all parts of the plant. Each part is capable of absorbing water to certain degrees. In fact, around 35%of a plant's water intake does not happen through its roots. Washing or watering the entire foliage also prevents dust and dirt from blocking the breathing holes on the leaves. But if you have a flower-bearing bonsai, keep water off the flowers.

Water is indeed a major factor in proper bonsai plant care. Fact is, in Japan, a beginner may learn to prune a bonsai on the first day, but it may take him years to finally learn the skill of watering it.

If you want to get more information about gardening, please visit my blog at http://gardenflowerpower.blogspot.com

Caring for Your Indoor Bonsai Plant

2008-06-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

It is hard to argue the beauty of a bonsai plant. The beauty of bonsai is one of the reasons that so many people opt to care for an indoor bonsai plant. If the thought of keeping an indoor bonsai is appealing to you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Indoor bonsai plants will need additional care since they will not be receiving as much sunlight and natural weather. It is also worth noting that some variety of bonsai are not as hardy as others and may have special concerns regarding light and water.

Watering and Light for Your Indoor Bonsai

An indoor bonsai plant will need a light to simulate sunlight and careful monitoring for watering. Find a well ventilated area to place your bonsai plant. The species of plant will determine the amount of water needed and how you should maintain the soil. There are species that can thrive even in a drought, while others require damp soil at all times.

Reproducing a rain forest type of humidity by misting your plant may be necessary. You could also consider a humidity tray, however care should be taken to make sure that it is not exposed to the water. Try placing it on a bed of pebbles or on a stand.

Pruning and Cutting

Regular pruning and cutting is just as important to an indoor bonsai plant. Remember, your bonsai plant is a living and growing being! If you wish to maintain size and style, you will need to care for your plant properly. Repotting will be necessary once every one to three years depending on the variety of bonsai tree you have chosen.

Did you know that some species of bonsai trees hibernate during winter season? Some species require fewer nutrients during winter and will not require as much fertilizer as they would during the spring and summer months. Keep in mind though, an indoor bonsai will not experience the seasons the same way an outdoor plant would.

Watch for signs of pest contamination or disease. Mites and spiders love an indoor bonsai as it brings the outdoors in to them! Don't hesitate to clean your bonsai's leaves and branches with a brush or damp cloth.

This should be enough to get you started with your indoor bonsai garden. Remember, the hard work you put into your bonsai now will reward for years to come with a peaceful and serene companion.

A bonsai enthusiast herself, Ava Connor is now the webmaster and author of Bonsai Garden Tips.

Join Ava for more information on Indoor Bonsai Care.

Tips on Growing Bonsai

2008-06-10T02:02:00.000-07:00

Bonsai is the fine art of "growing miniature trees in pots". It is an ancient art that has its origins in the Far East. Bonsai is the Japanese translation of the Chinese word pen- jing, which means 'plant in pot'

To be more exact, Chinese pen-jing literally means "tray scenery"), also known as tray landscape, potted scenery, potted landscape.

Miniature trees and rockery is the ancient Chinese art of growing trees and plants, kept small by skilled pruning and formed to create an aesthetic shape and the complex illusion of age.

As an art form, pen-jing is an extension of the garden, since it enables an artist to recreate in miniature parts of the natural landscape. Using artificially dwarfed trees and shrubs, these arrangements are created in special trays or pots, which are placed on ornately, carved wooden stands. Often, rocks and porcelain figurines are added to give the proper scales as part of the natural scenery.

Although it has been said that anyone can grow Japanese bonsai tree and that they make a wonderful gift for children, the pleasure of growing bonsai is not restricted to a certain age group or a certain fraternity. It is open to all who have the interest, and are willing to learn and grow along with their bonsai trees.

It doesn't require much in the way of space and makes for a perfectly enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Growing bonsai is an enjoyable and personally satisfying experience.

Also creating a bonsai micro garden in your home doesn't require much space. That's the beauty of bonsai. Any kind of tree that can be adapted to grow in miniature form can be grown as bonsai.

Whether you are just taking your first steps in growing bonsai or an expert, you can be sure that growing bonsai is about creativity and experimentation. The most common bonsai styles include: formal upright, slant, informal upright, cascade, semi-cascade, raft, literati, and group/forest.

There are more than a dozen styles of traditional Pen-jing. Styles of the traditional Pen-jing in China are mainly classified and named after the regions of their origin.

Pen-jing or Bonsai, as it is known in the west is not limited to describing the sculptured miniature tree. Bonsai means both the tree and the pot, and to be successful the pot itself must complement the style of the tree. Pots can come in a variety of shapes and colours and can be glazed or unglazed.

Most evergreen bonsai are placed in unglazed pots, while deciduous trees are planted in glazed pots.

It is important in design that the colour of the pot compliments the tree. Some pots are highly collectible, such as ancient Chinese or Japanese pots made in regions with experienced pot makers such as Tokoname, Japan.

Containers with straight sides and sharp corners are generally better suited to formally presented plants, while oval or round containers might be used for plants with informal shapes.

Japanese Bonsai For More Information on the Art of Growing and caring for bonsai. Go To:- http://www.go-to1.com/bonsai

Feng shui and bonsai power

2008-06-05T01:57:00.000-07:00

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice as old as Chinese culture itself (believed to utilize the Laws of both heaven and earth to help one improve life by receiving positive "spiritual energy" that is part of every living thing.

Feng shui literally means "wind and water," but this is merely shorthand for an environmental policy of "hindering the wind and hoarding the waters."

The elements, water, rain, wind, fog and sun were believed to be the energy of heaven and earth. Therefore Feng shui is frequently translated simply as "energy flow.

Most of today's feng shui schools teach that it is the practice of arranging objects (such as the placement of furniture) to help people achieve harmony with their environment.

By manipulating our position in our environment we can control the electro-magnetic energies that surround us

Taking all that into consideration, the origins of bonsai can also be found in the classical Chinese gardens over two thousand years ago.

These creations of carefully pruned trees and rocks are small-scale rendition of the natural landscape. Their artistic composition captures the spirit of nature and distinguishes them from potted plants. They are often referred to as living sculptures or as three-dimensional poetry.

Chinese gardens were created in the same way as a combination of landscape and paintings together with poems - this was the so-called "poetic garden."

The design of Chinese gardens was to provide a spiritual utopia for one to connect with nature, to come back to one's inner heart, to come back to ancient idealism Chinese gardens are a spiritual shelter for men, a place they could be far away from their real social lives, and close to the ancient way of life, their true selves, and nature.

By joining the two cultures, Feng shui and bonsai we can create a unique ancient corner of our garden or home to relax from the frustration and stress of our modern western world

The appeal of including bonsai into the Feng shui equation is that it offers something very practical and unique.

In other words, different trees work best with certain styles and can be placed in the position according to the energy flow of that location.

Each location and environment is different too for each bonsai, and have to be considered when choosing where to place you're Bonsai Tree.

Many garden plants have essential symbolism. Pine trees represent wisdom and bamboo represents strength and upright morality. Plum trees are also extremely valuable to the Chinese for their beautiful pink and white blooms during winter. By incorporating Feng Shui and bonsia in a corner of your garden or home you can create a special place to relax and live more harmoniously with nature The living bonsai will change from season to season and from year to ... and as time goes on it will become more and more beautiful. Enjoy

Japanese Bonsai For More Information on the Art of Growing and caring for bonsai. Go To:- http://www.go-to1.com/bonsai

Bonsai Gardening Secrets To Success

2008-05-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Bonsai gardening is a very fine art and can prove to be very enjoyable. It will allow your creative skills to flow to their hearts content. Bonsai are generally grown in placed in pots, these pots should be able to be placed indoors during winter time and then when it comes to summer should be able to be placed outdoors during periods of mild weather.

Bonsai would be a great skill that you can add to your resume of gardening traits.

Bonsai gardening is an art where the gardener is able to create miniature plants and tress that look like aged, old outdoor tress. This art first began in Japan during the 12th century, a few of these plants can be grown outdoors but in general most bonsai are potted.

It is easy to purchase bonsai plants bit it provides much more fun and enjoyment when you create your own. For the very first bonsai you buy I would recommend the Japanese maple, this is because it is quite easy to work with and once you have learnt to skills required you will be able to move onto other plants.

The first bonsai gardening experience will require a few pieces of equipment. You are going to need a Japanese maple limb, sphagnum moss that has been soaked in water, a sharp knife, string, a mini sheet of heavy plastic and the rooting hormone which you should be able to purchase from most garden centers or hardware stores.

You can study the various traditional styles of bonsai gardening by reading a book on the subject or reviewing the styles online. However, you can have just as much fun by simply starting your bonsai garden and learning as you go.

To start of your bonsai gardening, first of all select a branch that has a nice structure and shape to it. The branch should be roughly about the diameter of your little finger. Begin to cut around the branch when you want the roots generated. Cut in a circle motion through the bark and into the wood that underneath, take extra care in making sure that you do not cut through the branch because you are going to air layer the branch.

Make another cut that is exactly like your first cut but about two inches below the initial cut. Then make a straight cut connecting the two cuts. Peel away the bark in this two inch area. It should come away easily but do not remove any of the green layer beneath the bark.

When you root your bonsai gardening specimen, dust the rooting with the hormone around the same area of the top cut and then wrap the bark around the area that has been removed with sphagnum moss. To do this you should wrap the moss is a thick piece of the heavy plastic and then you will be able to tie the plastic in place.

While rooting your bonsai specimen, keep the moss wet. It will take about two or three weeks before roots begin to appear and you'll be able to see them through the plastic. As the roots thicken and begin to turn brown, separate your bonsai by cutting it from the main plant just below the new roots.

Now you are just about ready to begin creating your bonsai garden. First of all choose a container that is shallow and then place pebbles at the very bottom for drainage. The partially fill the pot with high quality top soil. Then place your bonsai into the container and fill it up with soil. When planting it is very important that you do not damage any of the newly developed roots.

You should always support the bonsai with a stake until it becomes stronger.

Begin shaping your bonsai garden specimen after it becomes firmly rooted in the pot. You can study fully grown trees and, using string, pull parts of the bonsai into the desired shape. After the plant has taken on the shape desired, remove the string.

All that there is left for you to do now is to prune your bonsai so that it will maintain the desired shape and will develop into the shape that you have desired. Bonsai gardening is a lot of fun but it does require a great deal of patience. When creating your bonsai it is always right to remember that it will not become great overnight.

It is going to take a lot of time and effort so that you can create a bonsai that will appear to look as though it is a fully grown tree. You can do this successfully as long as you apply you know how and gardening skills to your bonsai creation.

Learn the step by step process to creating the perfect bonsai tree by visiting bonsai gardening tips Discover the vital aspects to gardening that will ensure you have a great garden to be proud of. Visit best gardening tips

Advanced Bonsai Tree Styles

2008-05-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Those little trees with the matured and seemingly put-on roots around them are aptly called bonsai. They make for a very good indoor or outdoor décor for any home or commercial establishment. Every person who sees a bonsai will probably wonder whether they created by nature as such or if they are a product of the creative hands of man.

Bonsai is a Japanese word which refers to a tree placed in a tray, much like the way the modern bonsai plants look like. It is not just enough that an ideal tree species is chosen and dwarfed but the container where it is grown also adds to its value.

Bonsai growing usually starts as a hobby until a person gets enough experience and expertise in bonsai making to make his hobby a business. Bonsai growing is much like gardening but the difference lies in the skills necessary to produce the dwarfed trees.

The trees are dwarfed by regularly pruning the branches as well as the roots of the tree. A little bit of shaping and tugging is also necessary to keep the bonsai in the desired shape.

Bonsai growing is a painstaking hobby because a person can not produce beautiful bonsai trees in a day or two. A bonsai grower must wait for a long period, sometimes years to see the beauty of his creation come to life.

There are basically five bonsai styles which include the formal upright style, the informal upright style, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade style. These basic bonsai styles can already produce beautiful bonsai trees but growers are looking for more advanced styles to keep up with the growing demand for bonsai.

Bonsai growing is so dynamic that growers have developed advanced styles of bonsai trees. The advanced styles of growing bonsai however get their inspiration from the basic bonsai styles.

One of the advanced bonsai styles is known as Fukinagashi or what is commonly known as the windswept style. This style aims to personify the effects of nature through the bonsai design. The

The Bankan or Twisted style aptly follows the shapes taken by a dragon as the style seems to have gotten inspiration from the Chinese. Bonsai trees following this style may look like a roaring dragon or other forms taken by the dragon.

The Bunjin or Literati style of pruning bonsai is the simplest of the advanced styles of bonsai growing.

Growing bonsai can be therapeutic but it can also be a good money-making venture. The hobbyist should keep himself abreast of the latest bonsai styles so he will be able to present new designs to his clients. Bonsai growing basically stems from love of plants but somehow, it is also tied up with creativity and patience

Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com , he been practicing bonsai for a decade. Found an interest in seeds. Mishobonsai.com sells tree seed and provides bonsai supplies.

Bonsai, an Exquisite Japanese Art Form

2008-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

The art of bonsai tending embraces the growing of miniature, usually in small trays, or small pots.

By precision pruning and growing them in small containers, it is practicable to retain their small forms.

It takes but a short time, to learn the basic art of pruning a bonsai tree and give you great satisfaction, but perhaps a lifetime to master the art.

Japanese, 'shin zen bi' combines the three forces, beauty, truth and essence, as part of the philosophy,
behind their form of bonsai.

In their long quest for perfection, the Japanese aim for a perfectly natural, though miniaturized look to the tree, or plant. Their bonsai look as though they grew that way, without human help. That is the aim.

The Chinese tend toward the artistic and more imaginative with their bonsai, growing them into Chinese lettering and mythical lifeforms, as well as wildlife. Personally, I much prefer the more challenging, but natural miniaturized Japanese form, as it is more pleasing to my eye and senses.

The bonsai art form goes back a long, long time.
Discovered in China, over 3,000 years ago, traders quickly found bonsai markets and eager pupils outside of Asia, from as far away as the middle east and even Africa. Medical practitioners in the
Orient and even Egypt (where samples have even been found in their burial chambers, used bonsai to make many medicines).

There are many different forms and types of bonsai, especially trees. They vary from curved trunks and trailing branches, similar to a tree grown high on a windswept cliff, above a stormy sea, to the more formal, straighter trunk and carefully cut branches of a cosseted tree, found in a peaceful garden.

Care of Your Bonsai Tree

Bonsai growing is a wonderful way for you to to 'connect' with nature, on a spiritual level, or simply
enjoy a worthwhile challenge and peaceful, pleasurable pastime.

To help smooth your bonsai road a little, here are seven good tips for you.

1. Watering.
Very important, as too much, or too little can kill, or stunt your creation. Don't worry, with a little thought, it is easy to get the balance right and you will always have a healthy friend growing on your window sill, or table.

Two easy watering methods. Your finger, or a water meter.

Your finger method.
Simply stick your finger into the bonsai soil. That's it!
If dry, water until it starts to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot. Obviously, you would
water less during the winter and more in the summer.

The alternate method is to use a water meter. They always come with full, but simple instructions,
so you should have no problems getting the moisture balance right, every time.

2. Feeding and fertilizing your tree/plant.
Generally best done in the spring and autumn (fall).
Basically, it comprises adding, phosphoric acid, nitrogen and potash.
Fertilize twice monthly, in the spring and monthly in late autumn and winter.

3. Use the correct container.
Consider, the size and shape and how your bonsai will look in it.
Match up the shape and size of the proposed tree and container, to enhance the overall effect.
For instance, it would be a mistake to use a small, delicate container to hold a heavy trunked and
larger bonsai.

4. Lighting needs of your bonsai friend.
Optimally, most bonsai need a certain amount of sunlight. The exception being if your tree has been
heavily trimmed, or recently potted in fresh soil. Then, limit the sunlight temporarily. You may even
wish to take it outside for its dose of vitamin D. If you live in a sunlight deprived area, my advice would
be to choose a bonsai which is not dependent upon direct sunlight. Some need very little indeed.

5. Study up on the different seasonal, nutritional requirements, for your bonsai.
They grow at many different rates and their nutritional needs vary throughout the seasons. It's not difficult.
You just need to be aware, that's all.

6. Plan the shape and style of your tree.
Remember, you have a large say in the eventual shape and form your bonsai will take.
Early planning will save later disappointment.

7. Plan the placement of your little bonsai buddy.
You will give time, love and effort to your bonsai and this will be returned to you, many time over,
by its shape, size and beauty. Therefore, it will need to be perfectly placed in its own, special spot
somewhere, to take advantage of all your effort and to let its beauty shine forth and brighten your home,
or office.

About The Author, Ray Cunningham.
Ray is a very enthusiastic, but new, bonsai lover. If you wish to learn, along with him, you will find other fascinating bonsai gems at his web site at http://raygc.com/bonsai
He is also very excited about his new Squidoo lens at. http://www.squidoo.com/growbonsaitrees
Go and see his latest efforts. He would appreciate any comments and suggestions at both his
site and Squidoo lens.

History Of Bonsai Trees

2008-05-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Trimming and sculpting trees to bonsai has a long history. The first bonsai trees should have been planted in China already about 2000 years ago in trays. People mentions the miniaturised creation of bonsai trees in China Pensai. Besides, the typical growth forms of the tree vegetation are postformed in some provinces as a Pensai. In other provinces Pensai are formed rather in weird, symbolical shapes, for example, in dragon's figure.

China had traditionally a great influence on the cultural development of Japan. Thus the Buddhism could gain a foothold beside the state religion of the Shinto rather early in Japan. Walking monks of the Zen Buddhism brought therefore the first Pensai to Japan. In the culturally very open imperial city Kyoto noble ladies and gentlemen soon dealt beside the art of the ikebana and the tea ceremony with the small bonsai trees.

In the 17th and 18th century the Japanese bonsai art reached their peak. It had become a part of the Japanese way of life. Bonsai had served to better understand the nature and to improve in appearance. The main factor in the development of the bonsai was the restriction on the most important parts of the plant. All apparently dispensable parts were removed. The removal of all insignificant and the reduction on the essential elements for the final improvement was symbolic for the Japanese philosophy of that time. Bonsai developed in different style directions which considerably differed of each other. Bonsai artists attempted more and more culturally important elements like rock to realise accent works.

After more than 230 years of the global isolation Japan opened at the middle of 19th century to the rest of the world. The travellers came back from Japan and had seen the miniature trees in the ceramic containers which copied ripe, high trees in the nature. Then at the end of the century exhibitions followed in London, Vienna and Paris. Especially the Paris world exhibition in 1900 announced bonsai to the wide world public. The inquiry for bonsai started to rise rapidly. The lack of natural small-grown trees led to the commercial production of the bonsai. Several basic styles asserted themselves. The bonsai artists made use of wire, bamboo canes and other technologies to influence growing, shaping and developing.

Still today bonsai is highly respected as a symbol of the japanese culture and ideals. Nowadays in Japan bonsai is not left any more only to the upper class, but has asserted itself in all social classes. Japanese incline especially with pleasure to use only native species for their bonsai trees. In particular pines, azaleas and maple are looked as the traditional bonsai trees. In other countries people are not fixed and uses also many other tree species for growing bonsai under the most different climatic conditions. Particularly in last decades the development of the bonsai was going on. The bonsai world has become smaller. All over the world people began, whether in Asia, in Europe, in the United States and even in Greenland, to discover bonsai as their hobby. In the meantime, bonsai art also reflected the great variety in predilections and characteristics of the most different countries and their cultures.

With proper care bonsai trees can become hundreds of years old. Such highly respected specimens are transmitted from generation to generation and are admired for their age and revered. The aging of the bonsai trees is often connected also with the events in the life of the people that have looked in the course of the centuries after them. Such old bonsai trees are extremely beautiful. Nevertheless, with the bonsai tree the age hasn't the highest priority, however caring bonsai for years away and developing of the knowledge about the tree. It is most important that a bonsai tree can generate his desired artistic effect and grows up in the right proportion to the suitable container, so that the tree can develop with good health.

John Fisher, the owner of Bonsai Care, like to share information and advices on growing, trimming, sculpting and pruning bonsai and will introduce you to bonsai techniques and how to grow your own bonsai tree.

An Introduction To Indoor And Outdoor Bonsai Trees

2008-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Bonsai, literally "tree planted in a tray", are miniature versions of larger trees. Depending on the type of bonsai tree under consideration, their height can range from a few inches to a few feet. Like regular trees, bonsai trees can also bear flowers and fruits.

There are two types of bonsai trees: indoor and outdoor. While most bonsai are outdoor plants, certain varieties are adapted well enough to survive in an indoor setting. These would be the tropical or subtropical varieties. If you plan on raising these, be sure to put them in a spot where they can get some sunlight in the mornings and shade in the afternoon. Avoid exposing them to too much sunlight – many varieties of bonsai do not bear up well under intense heat. Indoor varieties of bonsai include the ficus, baby jade, sago palms, serissa, fukien tea, pachira, gardenia, and some elm varieties.

Outdoor bonsai are further divided into two groups. The first group consists of the evergreen trees, which include the pine, the juniper, and the azalea. As the name evergreen suggests, these trees retain their foliage no matter what the season is. They usually undergo a dormancy period during winter, which creates a yellow tinge around their leaves.

Deciduous trees include elms and maples. These trees shed their leaves during the fall and re-bud at springtime. Most elm species fall into this category, as does the apricot, hornbeam, and gingko. Like evergreen bonsai, deciduous bonsai also go through a dormancy stage at winter. Deciduous bonsai are not well suited to being grown indoors – the levels of light and humidity are too different from those in their natural habitat.

There are many types of bonsai trees, but they do have one thing in common. All bonsai trees, with few exceptions, need specific care if they are to thrive. You will need to protect them from both excessive cold and heat, depending on the climate in your area. Also, levels of humidity have to be monitored, and as much as possible you should provide the specific humidity level that your bonsai needs to grow. As long as you know what you are doing, however, it shouldn't be a problem for you.

Taking care of a bonsai tree is not a task for amateurs. Bonsai trees are unusual trees and they require unusual care. Most types of bonsai are not particularly hardy, especially when compared to other types of plants. If you are considering acquiring your own bonsai tree, or if you already have one, you need to know what to do to increase your plants chances of survival.

Taking care of a bonsai tree requires specialized knowledge. If you are serious about growing your own bonsai plants, you need to take time to conduct a little research. But a few books and read up on the subject. If you know anyone who has had experience in raising bonsai, you should try to discuss the matter with him or her as well. Taking care of a bonsai is hard enough; being ignorant certainly isn't going to help you.

Be sure to find a local bonsai nursery. Avoid the bonsai trees sold in department stores and malls. Although they may seem to be in good condition and sell for less, they are often close to death and will not survive in your home for long. Retailers, after all, are interested only in selling the plant, not maintaining it. It would be far better for you to find a nursery that sells seedlings or small bonsai plants. This will allow you to experience the joy (and hardship!) of raising your own plant. Additionally, you will be able to shape the tree the way you want to, which is not always an option with the more mature plants.

Don't skimp on the tools that you need. For most people, raising a bonsai is more of a hobby than anything else. This does not mean, however, that you should skimp on the tools that you will need to raise your plants well. One example of bonsai tool is a concave cutter. A concave cutter is a tool designed to prune the plant without leaving a stub. Shears, pliers, and branch bending jacks are common as well. For shaping the tree, you will need aluminum and copper wires.

Taking care of a bonsai tree involves a continuous learning process. While this article is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to bonsai care, it should give you the idea that there is much to be learned in order to be successful. However, don't be discouraged. If you truly love bonsai trees, learning will not be difficult for you at all! And once you've mastered the art of raising a bonsai, you can look forward to many beautiful days with your miniature tree.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about bonsai trees and their care.

Bonsai Care Requires Attention to Detail

2008-05-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

The pleasurable experience off Bonsai gardening is gaining in popularity increasing numbers of people in all ages and cultures are experimenting and learning the art. Once practiced by only the elite class of royalty, bonsai are now easily affordable on nearly any budget. But proper bonsai care does entail considerable planning and patience. If you want to create your own bonsai garden, then it is important you understand that bonsai care is a time consuming art and patience is required to slowly produce the wonderful little work of art that you will envision. Bonsai gardening is not ideally suited to anyone who spends much of his or her time away from home. Your Bonsai tree will require constant care.

Bonsai Care Basics

There are four main elements of bonsai care that you should fully understand before you decide whether or not to purchase your first bonsai tree. Your bonsai tree will require constant monitoring of the moisture in the soil. A bonsai tree will not tolerate dry soil conditions. There must be moisture at the root level at all times or the fine root structure will die quickly. Proper bonsai care entails watering your tree at frequent intervals that will be determined by environmental conditions. You must not allow the roots to become dry and brittle or the tree will quickly wither and returning your Bonsai to health will be very difficult.

Another important fact that you need to know about bonsai care is that your tree will require regular feeding. A liquid fertilizer, the physical elements balanced especially for bonsai trees is highly recommended. The solution should be diluted with water rather than applying at full strength. You can purchase fertilizer that is specially made for bonsai care at nearly any home and garden center or one of the many online gardening stores dedicated to bonsai care.

It may seem obvious to some but not understood by others, your new bonsai tree is just that. It is in fact a tree and not your ordinary house plant. You may wonder about the significance of that small difference. Being a tree, your bonsai will require a dormant period each year. This will occur naturally for those who keep their trees outside in a bonsai garden. For those who grow their bonsai indoors, you will need to be sure to give your tree a cool and dark place to complete the normal life cycle of a typical tree. That should occur over a period of a few months during the winter.

An essential but pleasurable element of bonsai care is the pruning. In order for your new tree to grow into the work of art that you have envisioned, you will need to prune your bonsai on a regular basis. Even if you have purchased a bonsai from a home and garden center that has previously been trained to a shape, you will still need to regularly trim off the new growth in order to maintain the desired shape. If you creating your own shape from a young tree, you will need to prune it regularly until it is growing takes the shape you are looking for. After that shape has been established simply trim on a regular basis to manage the new growth.

Bonsai care can be very time consuming, but it can also be very rewarding.

For more information about Bonsai Gardening please visit Bonsai Gardening For more information about Houseplants and Gardening please visit Houseplants and Gardens

Bonsai Tree - Black Pine / Pinus Thumbergii Tips And Information

2008-05-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hello all bonsai devotees. How are you? My name is Suhendra. I want to tell you my experience on how to keep, treat and create black pine bonsai. Perhaps this experience is only suitable for tropical area and I hope those who plant black pine will also have different experience to share. I have tried to plant black pine since 5 years ago (around 1980) when I got the seed from a friend traveling abroad.

I have known and fallen in love with black pine bonsai, since I had learn about bonsai for two years from a foreign book on how to treat and create bonsai by practicing directly, so that I gradually master it. When I learned that book, I saw a picture of black pine and Cemara (Juniperes) bonsai that were so beautiful and robust. Even more so the black pine with its cracked bark so that it looked old, antique and elegant. According to Taiwanese bonsai grower, black pine could live in both winter and summer. In those seasons, its leaves are still green and thriving, so that we can call it evergreen tree. From books I have read, I'm sure that this tree could grow in tropical area. From that time, I had been determined to get that kind of tree and tried to plant and grow it in Indonesia.

In the mids of 1980 I and my elder went to Taiwan to attend an international exhibition of bonsai. While looking for special new trees to enrich the variety of bonsai in Indonesia, from Taiwan I brought home some kinds of bonsai that I'd been always seen on some foreign bonsai books that we couldn't find in Indonesian market (before 1985). They are: Hokkian Tea (Carmona mycrophylla), Pyracanta (Pyracanta Grenulata), Ulmus (Ulmus Parfiflora), Karet Kimeng (Ficus Microcarpa). After buying those bonsai, one thing I shouldn't forget to be my prime target of searching is Black Pine. Setting aside my pocket money for returning home, I spent the rest to buy various kinds of pine, starting from seeds, young trees, half-grown bonsai, and grown-bonsai.

Some Taiwanese bonsai grower told me that Black Pine (Pinus Thumbergii) grows best compared with any other kinds of pine they plant. There are three kinds of Black Pine:

1. Those with long leaves (which is generally spread out in the market).
2. Those with short leaves (Seu Sung).
3. Those with mini leaves (Zuen Sau Hei Sung).

The three Black Pines are the most preferred by Taiwanese bonsai grower to be dwarfed. Beside that, I have learned some techniques on how to plant and treat black pine that I want to share with you.

PROCESS BEFORE PLANTING

Coming home, I had all my trees washed because it's forbidden to bring the soil from Taiwan. This is the regulation among countries to prevent the spread of plant pest. Then I opened the plastic cover of mos (soil substitute covering the root so it stays moisturized along the trip) one by one. After that all the roots that had been cleaned from mos was soaked with plant vitamin or organic fertilizer liquid for about one hour. Last thing to do was to keep the plant out of soaking liquid and planted it on the pot.

MEDIUM FOR PINE (Suitable for Casuarina=Juniperus too)

3 bg sand of 1-2 mm (do not use powder sand) +
1 bg loose soil (Do not use sticky soil such as clay, etc.) +
1 bg humus (or compost to substitute humus).

After being mixed well, it can be used to plant (you can see how to plant in a pot on article of Loa Variegata). I've got a little story about sands. In around 1990 in Indonesia there has been found a kind of pit sand (pasir gunung) from perimeter of Malang, so that it is called pasir Malang (Malang pit sand). This kind of sand was found by hobbyist and raw-material (bakalan) bonsai hunter in the nature. The specialty of this sand is clean and has no powder or waste. We may say that it's been free from pests and germs that are usually found on soil or pit sand. So there's no need to have it washed it anymore and it has pores to keep water and air. There are several kinds of plant that are better being planted on this sand rather than any other media, i.e. Santigi (Phempis Acidula), Cemara Udang (Casuarina Equisetifolia), Black Pine, Cemara, etc. Naturally Malang pit sand is beneficial for bonsai hobbyists and some devotees of ornamental plants such as cactus, adenium, sansivera, etc. Then I use this pit sand as composite for media to plant Black Pine and other bonsai.

PROCESS AFTER BEING PLANTED

After black pine is being planted in a pot, the trunk always has to be tied tightly into the pot so that the tree is more stable. It's because any repotting tree is in critical period. Its root hasn't been converged with its new media so that it hasn't been normally functioned. Moreover when we cut some of the roots and new roots grow, the latter is still easily snapped off if it is shaken, and the tree will be possibly died. After being tied, put it in the shade then water it perfectly (until the water comes out of the pot bottom hole). Let it be there for about two, but please not to let it be too wet or too dry. We'd better to keep it a little bit dry than to keep it too much wet, in order to prevent its root from getting rotten. This will be different from what we should do to growing black pine (see the description below on watering). After two weeks the trees will look healthy and strong with its green leaves. Now it's time for the tree to have sun bath gradually. Then wait until new bud comes up, which is a sign that its new root has grown and the tree is ready to have a full sun bath.

There are some bonsai hobbyist who don't know the media and the planting process, or don't have much patience in planting and treating black pine (which is different from maintaining ficus or any other kind of bonsai). Doing treatment improperly will lead to the death of black pine. When this happens, they will easily say that black pine could not be planted in Indonesia or will be dead if it's being re-potted. The worst is when there are bonsai hobbyists and sellers who has just seen black pine picture on bonsai books tell the same things. This makes bonsai newbies or collectors being defrauded and don't want to treat black pine.

TREATING GROWN BLACK PINE BONSAI

The pruning (cutting the leaves), can be done when we see the old leaves has been grown yellow or looked a little bit dull. We can do it in two ways: shearing or pulling out. The best way is the second one, that is gradually pull out the old leaves. To prevent pulling out the whole group of leaves, use your left hand to hold the lower end of the leaves group, and use your right hand to pull out the old leaves one by one, and leave the young ones. If you prefer the first way, shear the old leaves at about 1 cm higher from the leaf stalk. This is to provoke the new bud from the rest of those old leaves. Unfortunately, shearing will leave brown traces, and these unsightly traces will stay there for months before they disappeared.

To keep the twigs and the leaves short and dense (to avoid disfigured or to keep the good shape), do the following:

1. Gradually pull out the old leaves every year.

2. Cut the twigs, small twigs, and new buds once every two or three years. This is to keep the shape from being undesirable. Two or three new buds usually come up once a year naturally. Cut off the very thriving (big) bud and the very weak (small) bud by shearing from the lowest part. Leave the moderate growing buds until they release their new leaves. Then cut it at the length we intend to. Two weeks later, there will come up the second bud from the trace of cutting. If it is needed, do the same to the second bud, so that we will get the third bud. The second and the third buds will create the short twigs and leaves. This theory is he same with bonsai tree that will have big leaves in the country but after making it bonsai planted on the pot by cutting its leaves several times, the leaves become small such as Sancang (Phemna Microphylla), Beringin Karet (Ficus Ratusa), etc.

3. When the leaves of the new bud have grown, do not cut off too many twigs when the leaves of the new buds has blossomed because in this phase, the trace of cutting will release much turpentine (sap) that will possibly kill the tree. The best time to shape and shear the twigs is when we start to see its old leaves (looks yellow and dull). This shows that this tree is stop growing temporarily and is saving energy before releasing its new buds. It's the safest time to prune black pine by pulling out or shearing, and cutting the twigs too, because it's the strongest period of the tree.

THE WAY OF REPOTTING / CHANGING THE SOIL OF BLACK PINE BONSAI

The process of repotting bonsai to be black pine can be done once in three or four years, because black pine's root grows slowly. Do not repot before two years because its roots haven't been old enough. If we repot after 4 years, the roots will be too dense in the pot, and this will retard its growth and fertilization.

Please repot this way. After pulling bonsai out of the pot, we may see the lump of root that has been converged with the soil. Throw 1/3 part around the lump by scraping the soil and shearing the roots that is too long. Then put it again into the pot with the medium described above, by scraping, so the tips of the old roots can directly penetrate into and converged with new medium. This will guarantee its life after repotting. Don't even repot by cutting or sowing the lump of soil and root flat as if we're slicing the cake and then plant it again. This way make the old root lump covered by the new medium, causing an undistributed heat in the lump and will finally make the root rotten.

According to my experience in planting black pine, we shouldn't do pruning while repotting. Once my gardener didn't follow my instructions. When I went out of town and didn't supervise him, he was repotting and pruning at the same time. This caused some half-grown black pine trees died.

In Indonesia which has two seasons, the best time to repot black pine is between the end of dry season and the beginning of rainy season (around the beginning of September), but pay attention to black pine condition too. Repotting should be conducted when new bud has just come up before the leaves blossom. When the leaves have blossom, then the tree will be weak and the risk of repotting will be bigger.

Well, that's my experience on treating black pine bonsai. Hope it'll be useful for those who want to treat or collect black pine bonsai.

Suhendra is the owner of Bonsai Star Gallery (http://www.bonsaistar.com) and former chief of Bandung-Indonesia Bonsai Society (2003-2004). In his site you will get information on bonsai Tree, bonsai plant, bonsai for sale and everything about bonsai.

The Art of Making a Bonsai From a Shrub

2008-05-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Many people are considering bonsai simply as a tree, but it’s not. Bonsai is a peace of Japanese art, the recreation of nature in a miniature style, a secret wish to exalt the nature and also to bring the nature into the living space, just accomplishing the outside growing conditions.
bonsai hibiscus

You can have your own bonsai, but you have to love it and put your entire feelings in caring it, because you have to know that bonsai is a pretentious and very spoilt tree.
Not all the plants can become bonsai, but the trees, shrubs or bush plants. It’s not so easy to make a bonsai, especially to care, but you can live with that because it is longeval (can live for few hundreds years) and a real natural inheritance. Here are some steps for you to fallow for a best bonsai tree care.
• For start, take a potted shrub (Hibiscus, Gardenia, Azalea etc.). Depending of what dimension would you like your becoming bonsai to have, choose a junior shrub or mature one.
• Using garden clippers, make the first cutting, following the original shape of the plant.
• Remove the cut shrub in the special bonsai pot. The base of the bonsai tree container has to be perforated, so that the water surplus can flow, assuring the drainage. For the procedure do become easier and the roots do not be destroyed, take out the plant with its soil and put it in a bucket of water. Thus the soil will fall down in water, cleaning the roots.
• Cut 1/3 of the shrub roots.
• Put on the base of the pot a napkin (it will stop the breakthrough of the unwelcome insects) then add a pebbles coating (for drainage and keeping the soil in and also balancing the pot).
• Fill the pot, for 2,5 cm, with pot mix soil (as regards the soil, pay attention of the bonsai species preferences).
• Stick the shrub, disposing well the roots, and add over another soil coating till 2,5 cm from the end of the pot, allowing the watering.
• Cut again the foliage so that the shrub seems like a bonsai tree.
• Then water a lot the becoming bonsai. After the planting, bonsai doesn’t need much water to be beautiful and to grow well. So water it once a day or in two days, depending the species, just keeping the soil moist And fertilize it regular, in small amounts; it’s preferable to use a slow action fertilizer.
• Add above the soil some decorating pebbles.

This is just the beginning, to have a bonsai is very alike caring a pet, because the bonsai tree is a spoilt plant, with particular needs.

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First Time Bonsai: a 5 Points Survival Guide

2008-05-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

More often than not, the approach to bonsai art comes with a present. A friend, a relative or a partner gives a new little tree in a short pot and he can’t tell us how to handle it.
Those bonsai trees are set on a piece of furniture or next to a window and normally die in a couple of months. Here comes the misconception that bonsai trees die after a short time.
But a bonsai can live among hundreds of years (there are specimens of 1000 years and more), so you are not excused if you let your bonsai die. But what to do with that strange thing?
This is a brief kick start guide to help you in the first months with your bonsai:

Establish what species it is: first thing first you have to know what species your bonsai tree belongs to. It is important because every species has different needs. This may be a hard task, there are hundreds of species and each can have a lot of varieties and cultuvar.
To start you don’t need to know the exact variety or cultuvar, you just need to know the general name of the species: it could be a maple, an elm or it could be a pine or a juniper.
Arborday.org has a guide on the trees classification that can help you. Also Wikipedia has a classification list.
Set your bonsai tree outdoor: unless your bonsai belongs to a species native of tropical regions, you have to put it outdoor (of course if you live in a tropical place you can set your tropical bonsai outdoor). A bonsai cannot survive indoor due to a handful of reasons, if you assume your bonsai is an ornament you are wrong. Period.
If you identify the species, you can know the precise spot where to set it. Usually conifers should go in full-sun, the other species should be set in mid-shadow or even shadow. This is a really rough distinction and there are a lot of exceptions, a good cultivation sheet can help you a lot.
Learn how to water it: watering is a crucial task and one of the most difficult of bonsai cultivation. Every species needs different quantities of water, and you should understand the needs of your own bonsai tree.
The bonsai lives in a small pot, there’s a relatively small quantity of soil in it and the tree can certainly suffer dryness and temperature excursions.
As a general rule, if it is summer you have to water your bonsai every evening. If you water it in the morning the soil will dry in no time and the tree will suffer. If you water it in the evening it’ll have all the time it needs to adsorb water and nutriments and, even if the next day the soil will dry, the bonsai will not suffer.
During spring and fall you have to diminish watering, just wait until the surface of the soil starts to dry out and only then water. It is easy to over-water your bonsai tree, so follow the rule above and you should be ok.
During winter the bonsai wants little water, just keep the soil humid, not wet, and water when it begins to dry.
There are two watering methods: the first is giving your tree a shower and continue until the water exits from the drainage holes; the second is to immerse the pot in a can of water and let the soil adsorb.
In both cases remember to bathe the foliage too (never if the sun still hits).
Fertilize your bonsai: fertilizing is the most underrated task by the novice. It is really important to fertilize the bonsai because the soil in the pot will easily loose it’s nutriments for the tree.
The quantity of soil is limited and it is an isolated environment so it’s our duty to provide nutriments. If your matter si if water is sufficient, the answer is no. Can you live just drinking water? No. For your bonsai is the same thing.
Until you become an expert, a balanced fertilizer (10:10:10) will do it’s work. You don’t have to acquire a bonsai specific fertilizer, the bonsai has the same physiology of all the vegetables, every fertilizer will do. Remember just to dilute it more than the recommendations say or you’ll risk to burn your bonsai.
A simple and good solution would be to use the hanagokoro, a Japanese organic fertilizer, very strong, easy and safe to use as it is almost impossible to overfeed.
You should fertilize during spring, when the vegetation begins, until July (in the boreal hemisphere) then stop in the hottest period. Restart in the second half of August until October (November for the conifers).
Get another bonsai: only action will allow you to gain the sufficient experience to manage a bonsai. Keep collecting bonsai and make your own, with try and errors you will become an expert.
Needless to say it is a great satisfaction to produce your own bonsai and a lovely feeling to watch your bonsai garden growing.
You may have noticed I have omitted such tasks as pruning, wiring, jin, shari and so on. This is a primer, a kick start guide, born just to help you keeping alive your bonsai.
Defining what is a bonsai isn’t easy, but we can resume it in the “perfect balance between the tree, it’s form and the pot hosting it”. If you don’t learn how to take care of your tree, and limit your experience to this primer, your bonsai will survive but it’ll loose its “bonsai title” in a couple of years or less.
If you are serious with bonsai art, you want to study. You can buy books - I will soon post reviews - or read some good online resource - in the sidebar there are a phiew -.
Of course keep reading this blog, I will post a lot of things about bonsai.

If you think this list isn’t complete (keep in mind it’s a survival guide), feel free to add your points.

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Getting Started With your Bonsai Hobby

2008-05-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Bonsai is an enjoyable hobby and form of art. However, unlike most other art forms bonsai is unique in that one's canvas is alive and changing. Aside from the art side of things one needs to develop some knowledge of arboriculture. Along with knowing how to make the tree look appealing one also needs to keep it alive. This article will serve as an overview of bonsai basics to help beginners get started with the hobby of bonsai.

Selecting a bonsai tree

From a high level one can classify bonsai trees into two groups; indoor and outdoor. Outdoor bonsai should never be kept indoors for more than a few days as the lack of light and temperature difference will cause it to weaken and it may die. Therefore, if one wants an outdoor bonsai they should make sure they have a suitable outdoor location for it. Outdoor bonsai typically tend to be evergreens and conifers. One of the most popular bonsai trees is the Juniper which is an outdoor tree.

Indoor bonsai can survive indoors, but even they will grow best when kept outside. They tend to have lower light requirements than outdoor bonsai, but still do best outdoors like an tree. If one has a very sunny spot in their home or office that receives a good amount of indirect sunlight from the East or West they should be able to grow an indoor bonsai without any problems. Indoor bonsai are typically tropical trees like ficus, hawaiian umbrella, and succulents like jade.

Can I grow outdoor bonsai inside with grow lights?

One can try to supplement light requirements using grow lights if one wants to grow outdoor bonsai inside. However, most trees that grow in colder climates naturally still need a wintering period. Unless one can simulate that every season the tree will eventually die.

Getting started

The main items one will need are a tree, a pot to put it in, bonsai soil, sharp shears, and a root rake. Anything beyond those items are optional, but will make certain tasks easier to accomplish.

Selecting a pot

If one plans on growing their bonsai outdoors in areas with cold winters they should invest in a stoneware pot. They are fired to a very high temperature when they are made which allows them to better resist cracking in extreme temperatures. Most people will use mica or plastic pots when they are training their bonsai and switch them to ceramic stoneware when they plan on displaying them. Shallower yet wider pots tend to promote growth of thicker trunks. If one wants to train their bonsai into a cascading effect they would want to use a deeper pot.

One always needs a pair of sharp shears for doing any kind of pruning on their bonsai. It is also recommended that one pair for pruning branches and another pair for pruning roots as the soil and grit on roots may dull the shears. One will always want branch pruning shears at their sharpest.

The root rake is used for combing out the roots of the bonsai prior to placing it in the pot. It allows one to gently break apart the root ball so that they can work fresh soil between the roots when they place the bonsai in the pot.

Lastly, the soil selection is very important. Bonsai are unnaturally forced to grow in a relatively confined space so the soil has special requirements. The soil must be free draining yet retain moisture. It must also hold nutrients and resist compaction. Once one has their basic supplies they are ready to begin.
Placing the bonsai in the pot

Start off by covering the drainage holes in the bonsai pot with drain hole covers. This will stop the soil from washing out. Most people will also hook wire through the drain holes at this point so that they can twist them down on the roots later to keep the newly planted tree stable. The proper technique for this is not covered here. Next, start to rake out the roots using the root rake or a chopstick. This should untangle the roots and free them from the compacted soil. After, form a small mound of bonsai soil in the center and place the tree on top of it. Gently twist the tree back and forth and try to work the soil between the roots. After, clamp down the root ball with wire and fill the remainder of the pot with soil. At this point one should avoid moving the bonsai in order to allow the roots to heal.

Once the bonsai is in the pot

Once one has successfully potted their bonsai they should familiarize themselves with the requirements of that tree and do their best to keep it alive and healthy before styling it. A healthy tree always looks best. One should primarily concern them self with keeping the tree alive. Once they have fulfilled that requirement they can start learning about styling it. Most beginners have difficulty when it comes to watering so reading in this area is recommended. I wish you the best of luck in continuing your bonsai hobby.

Written by David Mello for http://www.mellobonsai.com where you can learn more about bonsai care

Bonsai Tree Information and Bonsai Tree Care

2008-05-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

Bonsai trees have often been thought to have originated from Japan. However, records of more than 2,000 years old show that bonsai trees have been growing in China, not only as part of landscapes, but also in shallow containers. Approximately 1,500 years ago, Bonsai trees were first grown individually after being collected from mountainous regions. Bonsai trees can be seen on many ancient Chinese line drawings. It was several centuries later that the Japanese began to grow and train the trees in pots. The Chinese and Japanese styles of Bonsai are very different. The Chinese styles are more freeform and mainly trained by pruning, and the Japanese styles are particularly groomed and shaped, making them appear more natural.

The translation of bonsai growing is "plant in a tray". It is a satisfying hobby which combines both horticulture and art. Bonsai trees are typically described as "living sculptures". As with any pot plant, it is essential that the plant is kept healthy and in excellent condition. It does require a certain amount of artistic imagination to prune and shape bonsai trees. The origin, species and general health are dependent upon the timescale to create an impressive bonsai. It will take longer to grow a bonsai tree from a seed or a cutting.

You can become to appreciate bonsai trees very quickly. They can become a very important part of your life. It is essential not to be afraid to experiment with pruning and shaping. Patience is something which is necessary by each individual when creating bonsai trees, as it is a process which should not be hurried. A good Bonsai can be trained in a very short time, providing that the suitable material is selected firstly.

Something which is fundamental to all plant life is watering. The tree will certainly die of thirst in as little as 48 hours, if it is left in a dry bonsai container. It is essential however, that the tree is not over watered. This is how many bonsai trees die, as newcomers to bonsai growing panic and over water the plant. It is important to water thoroughly, but only when a bonsai needs it. You can test as to whether the bonsai needs water by scratching the surface to expose the soil immediately below. If the soil just under the surface is wet, then do not water it. If the soil is only just damp, then you can water it. And if it is dry under the surface, then it should most certainly be watered.

Bonsai soil contains little or no nutritional value to a bonsai tree. Your bonsai depends entirely upon you for its nutritional requirements. There are a wide variety of plant foods available for your bonsai. However, it is essential that the plant food contains the three basic nutrients of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).

It is essential for the survival of the plant that it receives sufficient daylight or good artificial light. However, it is essential to understand the difference between sunshine and sunlight in order deliver the correct bonsai tree care. Direct sunlight can be harmful for many species of bonsai, especially through a glass window. It is also essential to remember that whether your bonsai tree is inside or out, it will benefit from a certain degree of shade from the hot summer sun.

Find other articles related to Bonsai Tree Care by Anthony Smith at: http://bonsai-tree.relatedinfo4u.com

Bonsai Vitamins: Fertilizers And Your Growing Bonsai

2008-05-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Bonsai growing requires a lot of balance, even in applying fertilizer. It is really an art in itself and something that you can get used to as you go along with your bonsai-growing hobby.

onsai Trees Mastery - Different Styles In Bonsai Gardening

2008-05-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Single trunk styling

The single trunk styling in Bonsai can be further classified into four types namely, Formal upright, Slanting, Cascade, and Twisted style.

Formal upright bonsai gardening

Bonsai gardening style for beginners

Cascade style of Bonsai gardening

Twisted style of Bonsai Gardening

Multiple trunks style

The multiple trunks style simply means this Bonsai has multiple plants in the same pot. The styles in these types include Soju style, Yose style, and the Korabuki style.

Soju style

with Soja style there are two trunks in a pot.

Yose style

Korabuki style

Whatever be the style of your bonsai gardening it is necessary to maintain them properly with professional care.

About the Author

Come and learn more about Bonsai trees at the net's best Bonsai Tree care Blog at http://bonsai-tree-care.blogspot.com

Indoor Bonsai Trees

2008-04-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

An inside bonsai tree is going to be a great looking creature. They are going to be formal plants that sit up and are going to be different from anything else that you have ever seen. You will notice that you are going to love the way that these creations look and how they make you feel as well.

The formal bonsai inside tree is going to be known by the trunk and the tree branches that taper off and look unique. The informal look is the one that will bend and curve over slightly and will be the one that you see the most of. You will notice that many people have these inside bonsai trees in their homes. They are going to be the most popular tree that you see.

The cascade and semi cascade inside bonsai trees are going to be the molded trees that will grow over water and on the side of mountains. The semi cascade does not lean as much downhill as the cascade style does. The raft looking bonsai trees are going to be planted on their side and can also include many others styles like the sinuous, straight, and the group planting styles. These will be the ones that give off the illusion of a group of beautiful trees and will actually be the branches of the tree that is grown on it's side.

The anthurium is the most popular of the bonsai inside trees and the one that will have the lasting flowers. These are going to be a beautiful looking red and will be the best known flowers in the world when it comes to the bonsai style. The Real Hawaiian lava rock is going to be the bonsai tree that is hand selected to give off a happy home for the Anthodium and it will be a special tree that many love for different reasons.

Jasmine is the plant that has the busy vines that have trained to have its own tree form. It is going to have shiny and dark leaves and great smelling white flowers that you absolutely fall in love with from the start. The waxy snow is going to be the flowers that are going to be larger and will have a great looking cluster about them. You can make your home look great with all the different colors of bonsai inside trees and you will love the way that your home looks as well as smells. You will feel good and have a great time placing all of your favorite bonsai trees anywhere that you want.

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Five Things To Consider When Creating A Bonsai Garden

2008-04-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Growing bonsai trees has become a serious hobby for some enthusiasts. For others, caring for a bonsai garden is simply a reflection of their life style, that mirrors the harmony and connection between their human soul and the creative power of nature. It is therefore important that when creating a bonsai garden this balance and connection is maintained to capture the flow of nature. In order to achieve this they are five elements that are essential features of a bonsai garden.

1. A natural look

The first essential feature of a bonsai garden is that it should have a totally natural look in its appearance. You must remember, that a bonsai tree is simply a normal tree that has been created in miniature form. The adjoining scenery must therefore emulated its scale.

2. The flow of a natural tree

A bonsai garden consists simply of a bonsai tree in its natural habitat. This may be a bonsai tree that has been sculpted elsewhere and purchased by the current owner, or a tree that the current owner has grown themselves. In either case, the tree should reflect a natural flow of growth. A natural tree flow reflects a symmetry that blends the limbs at the top of the tree with the lower foundation limbs. This pattern should have the largest branches at the base and move upwards to branches with the least density.

3. A healthy branch structure

The branch structure of all trees allows the sun's rays to permeate the areas amongst their entire limb structure. This helps ensure the health of the tree by nature's design. The bonsai tree located within your bonsai garden should also follow nature's plan. The branches should be properly sculpted to allow the sunlight to reach all parts of the tree. This will allow the tree to remain healthy as well as enhancing the natural appeal of your bonsai garden.

4. Natural looking soil

The soil surrounding the trunk of your bonsai tree should enhance the appearance of a natural look. This look can be attained by adding natural growth typically found at the base of a tree, including greenery such as moss or miniature plants. In addition, stones or pebbles placed at the base of the trunk can add interest if arranged to form island's rising from the dirt.

5. The container

The container selected to halt the tree should add to the natural texture of its trunk as well as complementing your bonsai garden. For example, a tree with a round tree-trunk should be placed in around container, and if the trunk of the tree this move and the texture of the bonsai container should also be smooth. A good rule-of-thumb when selecting a container to hold your bonsai tree is that the perimeter of the tree trunk should closely match the depth of the container.

For more top quality articles and information on a whole host of interesting topics visit Info-Topia.com

An Introduction to Bonsai Styles

2008-04-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

There are five basic bonsai styles that one can follow while growing a bonsai. Formal Upright, Informal Upright, Slanting Style, Cascade, and Semi-Cascade are the five bonsai styles. Some styles are suited for beginners, while others are best for experienced enthusiasts. Before you learn about the various bonsai styles, it is best to familiarize yourself how different trees grow in nature. Beginners should learn to train their bonsai to grow in their natural growth patterns.

Formal Upright It is also known as the Chokkan style. For beginners this is not the best style to follow. a bonsai grown according to the Formal Upright style has a trunk that is perfectly straight and is tapering naturally and evenly from the base to the apex. Its branches are symmetrically spaced. Larches, Junipers, and Pines are best suited for this style.

Informal Upright The trunk of a bonsai grown according to the Informal Upright style is always bent slightly to the right or left. The trunk or the branches should never be pointing towards the viewer. Japanese Maple, Trident Maple, and Beech are some of the species that are suited for this style.

Slanting Style In this style the trunk leans at a definite angle, irrespective of whether it is curved or straight. Strong roots are allowed to grow on the side which is away from the angle of the trunk lean. This is done to provide support for the lean. Conifers are extremely suited for this style.

Cascade Style In this style the tip of the bonsai tapers below the bottom of the base of the pot. Cascade style bonsai gives the impression of branches seeking light. Species that are not strongly upright are best suited for this style.

Semi-Cascade In this style the tip of the bonsai will project over the rim of the pot but will not drop below its base. In natural surroundings you will find this style in trees that grow on cliffs or overhang water. Exposed roots should help in balancing the tree. Species that are suitable for this style include Cedars, Junipers, and flowering Cherries.

If you want to master the art of styling in bonsai, you should study trees in their natural surroundings. Observe their natural growth patterns. When you start with a plant you should observe its natural characteristics. By doing so, you will come up with a suitable style for that plant. When you have got enough experience you can start giving your bonsai more than one style. You can give your own interpretation of a particular style. No wonder bonsai is an artistic pursuit. It is a hobby which will provide you an outlet for your creative energy and bring you immense satisfaction.

Bonsai Bob has been an expert in the growing and caring for Bonsai Trees for over 20 years. For more information click here.

Basic Information about Bonsai Trees

2008-04-24T19:58:00.001-07:00

While the origins of how to create and nurture a bonsai tree come from China the actual name of these potted trees comes from Japan, in fact the word bonsai refers to a small potted tree. The cultivation of such beautiful trees was actually started by wealthy Chinese people who lived during the Han Dynasty which was famous because it lasted for about 400 years in many of the arts flourished during this period.

The Art of miniaturizing this beautiful trees was passed on from generation to generation and continued in other countries such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam. The process of miniaturizing these plans is actually very intricate due to the fact that they are not naturally small, in other words the seeds and plants used to create bonsai trees are not genetically dwarf, instead their size is modified through pruning and what they use of wires.

Literature which describes the entire principle of a miniature garden was developed by the Japanese monk Kokan Shiren, these principles included what is called bonseki which is the principle of creating miniature landscapes on black lacquer with the use of stones, pebbles and other materials.

The stick and yet beautiful shapes of traditional bonsai trees are actually achieved through techniques applied during the process of cultivation, the two most popular techniques used to create beautiful bonsai trees are called jin and shari. The first method which is known as "jin" consists of removing the bark from an entire tree branch in order to create the illusion of a snag of deadwood, the physical appearance of the tree changes as this technique is applied. This technique which is called "shari" involves stripping bark from areas of the trunk which emulates the look of natural scarring which is normally acquired by trees after it loses one of its limbs or its stroke by a lightning.

Not every type of seed can be used in order to create a beautiful looking bonsai tree, the best seeds used to create these trees are: Trident maple seed, hedge maple, field maple, Japanese maple, vine maple, red maple, Barberry, strawberry tree, Bougainvillea, Cedar, Hinoki Cypress, Fig, ginkgo, olive tree, etc.

The list shown above only includes a few of the many types of seed and trees which are actually perfect for bonsai tree cultivation and the appearance will obviously change from one type of tree to another. Due to the many physical differences between one tree to another those who have adopted the creation of bonsai trees as a pastime have also decided to create entire miniature gardens using different types of bonsai trees.

Mishobonsai.com provides more information about bonsai trees as well as tree seeds which can be used for many purposes. Learn more about trees, visit us today.

Add Beauty To Your Home With An Indoor Bonsai Tree

2008-04-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

Bringing nature into your home is a sure way to add tranquility and beauty to your living space, and the indoor Bonsai Tree is the perfect way to do this. The Bonsai Tree is a miniature tree that has been created by a combination of nature and by precise pruning of the crown and roots on a regular basis. The size that the Bonsai Tree reaches greatly depends on the size of the container in which it is kept.

The indoor Bonsai Tree can add beauty to your home in additional ways. Some people trim the trees into animal or other figures to create a true work of art. Indoor Bonsai Trees can be gorgeous focal points for your home or office. You can bring nature into your living environment while adding decorative pieces to your décor. As with many indoor houseplants, the Indoor Bonsai trees usually come from the tropics and must be kept in climate similar, and for this reason they are often used indoors. Some indoor Bonsai Trees include, the schefflera, sago palms, aralias, gardenias, serissa, fukien tea, bougainvillea, bush cherry including some types of elms. These Indoor Bonsai Trees are perfect for those who are just starting out with keeping indoor trees.

Though the indoor Bonsai Tree has grown extremely popular in recent times, they are certainly not recent phenomena. The Bonsai tree has been around for thousands of years; similar miniature trees were found in Egypt and date back to over 2,000 years ago. Indian herbalists also had dwarfed plants that they carried in containers; today, the Bonsai Tree refers to the Japanese technique of growing miniature trees in containers. If you are looking for something new and different to add to your home, the Bonsai Tree could be just what you have been searching for. Not only are they a wonderful addition to any room, growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is a fun and fulfilling hobby.

Growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is a fun hobby, but don't forget that they make wonderful and unique gifts as well. Many people appreciate bringing a little bit of nature indoors, especially in the winter. Having a few of these beautiful trees in your home is like saving a little bit of summer to get you through those cold winter months.

Getting started with growing the indoor Bonsai Tree isn't hard once you learn what you need to know, and the benefits are many. Pick up one and try it for yourself.

Thomas T is the owner of Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Free information about Indoor Bonsai Tree: Indoor Bonsai Tree. Bonzai: Bonzai. Bonsai Plant: Bonsai Plant. Japanese Maple Bonsai: Japanese Maple Bonsai. See www.indoor-bonsai-tree.com for more free information.

Thomas T is the owner of Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Free information about Indoor Bonsai Tree: Indoor Bonsai Tree.

Banyan Bonsai - A Very Fascinating Tree

2008-04-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

The banyan is a very mystical kind of tree in the way that it grows and develops. It looks both reassuring and forbidding at the same time. Many Asian countries have a deep belief that spirits and ghosts reside in banyan trees. When you can apply it's majestic beauty and turn it into a bonsai, you will truly get an exquisite work of art.

The Banyan Bonsai Tree - A Hot Favorite on the Global Market

If you were to do some research on the Internet, chances are you'll see that the banyan bonsai tree would gross the highest global sales. These trees look absolutely beautiful because of their aerial roots which, when minimized look like a magic tree. This along with the fact that the tree will almost grow by itself makes the banyan bonsai tree a hot seller all over the world.

All you have to do to get an exceptionally beautiful tree is to let it grow wild, while you might like to wire train it to grow a bit curved here and there. So in about two to three years, you can have an absolutely beautiful banyan bonsai tree without too much effort.

In terms of popularity, this tree is near the very top. You can do a bit of research on the Internet and see how many times people are looking for this type of tree. There are many local nurseries that will sell starter kits for this species. Why not run down to your local nursery and pick one up. As a matter of fact, giving someone a bonsai starter kit is a fantastic way of making someone's day, or even year.

Once that person receives the starter kit, you can rest assured that you will be remembered as long as the bonsai tree lives. Every time someone praises the tree or the person who grew the tree, they will think of you. This type of gift is not only very popular in terms of giving, but also in demand for getting.

My family for example, always asks me to present them with a bonsai when I come to visit them. As a result, my family has a number of beautiful bonsai trees all over the home. Those trees certainly do add a nice touch to their home. So my advice to you is, the next time you want to give a special gift to someone you love, give him or her a bonsai tree.

Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Bonsai Blog. For more great helpful information about the bonsai visit The Bonsai Blog

Azalea Bonsai is Old World Gardening

2008-04-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Azalea bonsai are some of the more common bonsai adaptations that were introduced when bonsai was first imported over from China to Japan. It is one of the more beautiful plants to adapted to bonsai style gardening. The Azalea bonsai is a member of the genus Rhododendron. This simply indicates that the Azalea bonsai is an evergreen that adapts itself to a shrub type formation. Small shrubs typically grow to less than 6 feet in height.

The Azalea Rhododendron actually can be divided into between 500-900 species. Since they display very large beautiful flowers they present a very stunning and elegant style of bonsai plant. This is the primary reason that the Azalea bonsai has become very popular with Bonsai gardeners.

Care of the Azalea Bonsai

It is critical to peak condition that you avoid exposing this plant to direct sun during the spring and summer months. This plant will reward for your efforts on being placed in an area of filtered or indirect sun light. The plant does not need to be brought indoors during the winter and in fact can perform well outdoors even in winter climates although it will require some protection from severe conditions. An outdoor greenhouse can provide beautiful results.

For those who want to keep their bonsai indoors year-round, the azalea is quite suitable to that application. A cool window and plenty of light is considered optimum for keeping an azalea indoors during the winter months as is the necessity for frequent misting and maintain a higher level of humidity.

When considering watering options you will find that the plants respond very well to rainwater. Collection of rainwater to a storage container will reward you with healthier plants. The azalea bonsai plant will deteriorate quickly if the roots are allowed to dry out so moisture should be maintained in the soil at all times.

You will benefit from repotting as required to maintain appropriate space for full root development and you should monitor the soil to ensure the slightly higher acidity level preferred by the azalea. PH balance needs to be 4.5 to 5.5. It is best to use a soil specifically designed for Azaleas. Repotting should be undertaken in spring after the flowers have died. Repotting is required annually for the first couple of years, and every two or three years for more mature azalea bonsai.

Fertilize your azalea at about every other week in the spring time until flowering diminishes. Thereafter, monthly feedings will satisfy nutrition requirements. You should use an acid based fertilizer such as you would find available by Miracle Gro. In the late summer or early fall, reduce nitrogen from the fertilizer mixture and begin increasing the amounts of phosphorus and potassium. This will assist your azalea bonsai to set buds and blossoms for next season.

Also, if you repot with an amended, peat based soil in spring you may not be required to fertilize until autumn. It is recommended that you discontinue fertilizing your azalea bonsai during the hottest months of the summer in order guard against burning your plants.

Pruning should be practiced in late summer taking care to seal significant wounds. This plant will produce shoots from old wood. These often occur in clumps of 5 or 6. Proper pruning will reduce the number of new shoots to one or two. The number of leaves on these new shoots should also be reduced. This will ensure that these newly formed branches will receive more that adequate nutrition and light to develop in to strong, healthy new branches.

The weakest trait of the azalea bonsai may be that the branches are relatively brittle and the bark thin and tender. For this reason, great care must be taken when wiring and shaping branches. Softer aluminum wire is recommended, accompanied by the liberal use of such as raffia to protect the delicate surfaces.

For more information about Bonsai Gardening please visit Hearing Aids For more information about Houseplants and Gardening please visit "http://http://www.houseplantsngardening.com"Houseplants and Gardening

The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is Great For Beginners

2008-04-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Thomas T is the owner of www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Lots of free info about Japanese Maple Bonsai, and more about Indoor Bonsai Tree.

The Elegant Japanese Maple Bonsai

2008-04-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

If you are creative, growing the Japanese Maple Bonsai is a great way to make use of your creativity. When growing the Bonsai Tree, you have a variety of choices. The best choice for those who are just beginning to get into this hobby is the Japanese Maple Bonsai.

The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is one of the most beautiful and elegant of the Bonsai Trees, and it is easy to grow and hardy. The official name for the beautiful Japanese Maple is Acer Palmatum. This species really is a great first choice for a Bonsai Tree. The typical outdoor maple grows to be very tall, but when pruned properly they make a great Bonsai Tree.

If you are going to buy a Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree, it is best to purchase one that has a trunk of at least four inches in diameter. With this starter, you can train the tree in a variety of different styles. You may also want to go with the Apex or Taper styles. If this were the case, you would need a Japanese Maple Bonsai that has one to two trunk chops. Some great advantages to the Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is that it is one of the more affordable Bonsai Trees, and this tree displays a magnificent array of red and purple foliage during the spring. This type of Bonsai Tree can either be grown from a seed, or you may also choose to buy a starter that is around 4 - 6 inches in height.

In addition to the indoor Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree, there is also a larger variety that may be used for an outdoor garden. One of the best things about this type of Bonsai Tree is that the color of the leaves change frequently providing colorful and elegant beauty to your garden, indoors or out.

In the spring, the Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree has leaves that are bright red in color, but as they mature, they turn pink. During the summer the leaves take on a green color with pink tinges, and in the fall months the edges of the leaves turn a dark pink-red color that soon spreads to the whole leaf. When all the leaves have changed, the Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is solid scarlet, a really superb tree. The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree is a great way to start your Bonsai tree collection; its not only one of the easiest, but one of the most beautiful as well.

Thomas T is the owner of www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Lots of free info about Japanese Maple Bonsai, and more about Indoor Bonsai Tree.

Information About The Indoor Bonsai Plant

2008-04-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Thomas T is the owner of www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Lots of free info about Bonsai Plant, and more about Indoor Bonsai Tree.

The Japanese Art of Growing the Indoor Bonsai Tree

2008-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

Growing the indoor Bonsai Tree is actually the Japanese art form of cultivating miniature trees. These trees are very similar to their larger counterparts with the exception that they are grown in pots and the constant pruning does not allow them to reach full size, making it an indoor Bonsai Tree. The art of growing these trees is thought to have originated in ancient China, where men who were healers would grow plants for medicinal purposes. In early times the main purpose was to display trunks in the shape of animals and mystic figures. Somewhere between the 7th and 9th century, this art form was introduced to the Japanese culture. There are many types of Bonsai Trees, including formal and informal upright, cascade, raft, literati, semi-cascade and forest. The indoor Bonsai Tree is available at a range of nurseries in various stages of growth, from seedlings to the fully mature indoor Bonsai Tree. As an alternative, you can choose to grow your indoor Bonsai Tree from seeds. Generally you can purchase kits to grow Bonsai Trees; these kits usually include, a particular kind of seed, a small pot, a little bag of fertilizer and soil, a drainage sheet as well as information to help you get started. The different kits will provide you with different instructions, depending on the type of indoor Bonsai Tree you are trying to grow. It is important to follow these instructions for the best possible growth. Watering them correctly is essential to successfully growing the indoor Bonsai Tree. Watch the moisture in the soil carefully to ensure that it does not get too wet, or too dry. If you live in a warm climate, it is even more important that you keep a close eye on the soil’s moisture. It is also vital to pay attention to the temperature of the room and the correct amount of sunlight. You do not want your indoor Bonsai Tree to be in a room that is too hot or cold. You also want to ensure that it has plenty of sunlight. Once your tree has sprouted, you can start shaping and dwarfing it through an assortment of techniques. In addition to pruning, giving your Bonsai Tree a lot of love will help you work wonders with growing these beautiful trees. Take some time to learn exactly how this is done and you will be rewarded with a beautiful indoor Bonsai Tree. Creating your own Japanese garden in your home is a great way to enhance the beauty of your surroundings and bring nature into your life.

Thomas T is the owner of www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com. Lots of free info about Indoor Bonsai Tree at www.Indoor-Bonsai-Tree.com.

Bonsai the Amazing Dwarf Trees

2008-04-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

WE HAD come some thirty miles from the city of São Paulo to see what is known to the Japanese as “bonsai.” Over cups of tea brought to us by the grower’s wife, we expressed surprise when he told us that some of his four hundred dwarf trees were thirty years old.

On one long table there were some small pines that had the windswept look of old age. On other shelves stood out single trees in vessels of shallow depth. Their description seemed appropriate, “Lone tree in plain country.” Others looked withered, with drooping branches, evidently overhanging an imaginary cliff. Two others grew out of the same stump; “the twins” they were called. Another one had high exposed roots, clinging for dear life to a riverside where the water had almost worn away the soil, or so it seemed.

With some, the fascination lies in the spread of the roots, while with others it is the distribution of the branches, the appearance of the trunk, the leaves or flowers. Sometimes, a little moss or some pebbles are all that is needed to add a touch of real scenery.

A twenty-year-old persimmon tree with natural-size fruits stood a mere two feet high. And an even smaller orange tree and several plum trees attracted our attention.

Groups of similar or different trees suggest a forest. And those growing out of a rock simulate trees dwarfed by constant storm and wind on a mountain precipice. In fact, there are mountaineers that risk their lives in the attempt to dislocate real-life dwarf trees from precarious positions on weather-beaten cliffs and rocks.

Whoever thought of reducing normally large trees to this mini-size? we wondered. We learned that a Japanese temple owner by the name of Honen Shonin, in the twelfth century of our Common Era, is said to have produced miniature trees to decorate his small Bodo temple. It is not known, however, whether he actually originated or only copied the dwarfing technique.

The dwarf trees came to be known as “bonsai,” literally bone (shallow pot) and saigh (cultivation) or in other words “potted dwarf trees.” Soon they spread over Japan, China, South Asia, the Pacific, Europe and America, finding admirers almost everywhere. In the seventeenth century the Dutch brought this art to the West. Today it is no longer a question of space alone that inspires enthusiasts and amateur gardeners. It is the gracious beauty of the dwarfed trees.

Japanese immigrants brought the bonsai to São Paulo some thirty years ago. Now they dwarf not only imported trees but also common Brazilian kinds, such as guava and palm trees, yellow ipê, bougainvillea and many more.

Their ages are remarkable. For instance, some brought to Brazil from Japan are more than two hundred years old. And in Japan, some are calculated to have reached six hundred years, such as one in Osaka.

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Bonsai and Relaxation

2008-04-02T23:17:00.000-07:00

Much time a person is looking for something to do with their time that will make them happy and give them the feeling of enjoyment and relaxation. Having something to keep a person busy and occupied when they are looking for something to do for a hobby is something good. Using bonsai trees and plants for relaxation is a great way to make a person feel good about earth and growing something special

Growing a bonsai tree is easy. You will find that there are plenty of different bonsai trees and plants that are available to choose from. Making sure that you get the right type of plant is going to be important. You want to find something that is going to make you feel good about. You can prune your bonsai trees and plants any way that you want them to be. The fun about bonsai is that you can make your trees look just as you want and it is very easy to do.

Bonsai trees are a great way to make your home look good too. You will be able to find the different types of bonsai trees and plants in most of the botanical stores around. You can also find great deals if you buy them online. Finding the best types of bonsai trees for you to grow is going to be something that you can do easily when you take the time to do the research on what you are going to want. If you buy some of your bonsai trees online, you may find that you can buy in bulk and get a discount. If you were someone that really enjoys your garden of bonsai trees, this would be perfect for you.

If you are looking to relax, you can grow up your very own bonsai trees and make them just as you would like. You can keep these plants around your home or take them to your office to decorate your space perfectly. It may be nice to grow your bonsai trees and then give them to your family and friends. They will love this for a great holiday or special gift idea.

Getting time to you is very important. The bonsai tradition is one of growing a special breed of tree that is going to make you feel good about yourself and give the feeling that you can bring life to something special. Taking care of your bonsai trees and plants, is something that will make you let go of the stress that daily life can bring as well as give you something to do with your spare time? Growing bonsai trees and shrubs is a great idea for anyone that is looking for something fun and unique to do that gives them a great reward in the end.

Who else wants to discover the step by step secrets the bonsai masters use to create stunning bonsai trees - with very little work? Find out here at http://www.palalu.com/bonsai/

Reasons For A Bonsai Tree

2008-04-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people who will find that they like the bonsai tree, but they have no need for the tree. Keep in mind that you can always find a reason for you to take it home. They are many advantages to the bonsai tree and you will find that this advantages will help make your home look better and the home atmosphere will be filled with calmness and peace.

The first reason to have the bonsai tree is because you will be able to change the atmosphere of any given room by these tree. It has a lot of history and in the history comes years of calmness and wisdom. You will find that the bonsai tree is a great way to enlighten the room.

The second reason why you will want to have the bonsai tree is because you can make it your own. You can make your bonsai tree look like any creation that happen to have in mind. You will also find that you can make it stand out because it will be your own creation. You will find that the bonsai is something that you can have for yourself.

The third reason why you will want to have the bonsai tree in your home or office is because it makes a great hobby. You will be able to take some time and have something to care for when you get this type of plant. You will also want to think about the opportunities that you have when it comes to the bonsai tree.

The fourth reason why you will want to get a bonsai tree is because it makes a great conversational peace. You will find that everyone will ask you about it and you will also find that that it makes a very interesting peace for any room.

Lastly, you will want to think about the way that your house or office looks. Do you have any other plants in your space? You will find that it is very important to add greeneries to your space, and the bonsai will make an interesting plant to have for your office or home.

Before you purchase your bonsai tree you may want to take some time and figure out what it is that you are looking for. It may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it still can be very nice to have in your home. You will want to make sure that you are able to handle your responsibility with the plant. You may want to reconsider something else if you do not have the time to pay attention to the plant. The bonsai tree is a very nice plant to have for your home.

Who else wants to discover the step by step secrets the bonsai masters use to create stunning bonsai trees - with very little work? Find out here at http://www.palalu.com/bonsai/

Who Can Plant A Bonsai Tree

2008-04-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of people who would like to plant a bonsai tree for their indoor garden or for their office desk, however, they don't understand what it takes to plant it. You will find that there is a lot more than just planting a tree in a pot when it comes to these unique plants. You need to be able to give them your time and devotion on daily basis. You will find that the time that you need to spend on a bonsai tree once you have it started is about ten minutes a day.

Of course you will need to do the normal water, feeding, and loving, however, you will need to give the plant plenty more time than just that. You will find that these trees need to be groomed. You will need to groom them on a regular basis too so that you can keep your tree so perfect and treat. You will also find that there are very delicate plants. You will find that this type of plant is more like a hobby rather than just a plant. It's not something that you would like to have in the house to brighten the place up that you occasionally water and care for, but it happens to be something that you can really enjoy. You will find that the plant is very unique in style too.

A person who would like to plant a bonsai needs to be disciplined. You will need to take your time and figure out if it's best for you. You will need to care for it as if it were a pet. You will need to give it water, food, and also groom it so that it looks like a appropriate bonsai tree.

This also takes a creative person. You will find that the bonsai tree is really not a bonsai tree until after you have cut it and shaped it into something more like a bonsai tree. You may want to go with the normal and common cloud-shape, but you will also find that there is a lot of room for creativity. You will want to think about what it is that you would like your plant to look for. You will also find that there is a lot ideas that you can make up from the top of your head or you can take the idea of someone else's bonsai and make it your own. You will want to mix your ideas with a current bonsai tree style so that you can have a unique tree.

Honestly, anyone who is well self-disciplined can take good care of it and, also they learn how to make the tree their own special plant.

Who else wants to discover the step by step secrets the bonsai masters use to create stunning bonsai trees - with very little work? Find out here at http://www.palalu.com/bonsai/

What Is A Bonsai Tree?

2008-04-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

They are a lot of reasons why someone will want to add a bonsai tree into the decor of any room. You should know that the bonsai tree is a type of Japanese tree and they happen to be very hard to keep. A lot of people will get a miniature tree to place into a bowl or such and then put the pot or bowl on the table. Keep in mind that you will also want to put one of these trees into your home because of the type of tree it is. You will be able to find peace in the home when you take the time to grow a bonsai tree and also to care for a bonsai tree. You will also want to keep in mind that the peace that you bring to your home can be shared and brought into the office.

When it comes to the places that you will want to have a bonsai tree will be in various rooms of the home and don't forget the office. The office is a perfect place for you to place a bonsai tree bring it seems to bring centered peace and calmness to any room and it will be perfect when it comes to greeting the customers and also keeping you relaxed. You will want to consider a few things when it comes to the bonsai tree.

You will want to consider that these are very special plants. Something that you will want to keep in mind is added it to an indoor room garden or planting the tree in a dry soil. Keep in mind that when you have a sand and rock garden, the bonsai makes perfect sense as an addition. You will want to have the bonsai tree as a conversational piece and something that will help you to find relaxation. You will want to keep in mind that even though they are very little trees you will still find it a to be very needy and you'll have to work hard to make your bonsai tree looking really nice.

There is a lot of things that you will want to do when it comes to the upkeep of the plant, but once you look past the little bit of work you will be able to enjoy your bonsai tree. You will also find that there is just something about adding one of these trees to your home or office that you will be able to get everyone's attention and all your co-workers or clients will comment on how great it is for you to add one of these to your decor. Bonsai trees really can enhance the look and feel of any room or office.

Who else wants to discover the step by step secrets the bonsai masters use to create stunning bonsai trees - with very little work? Find out here at http://www.palalu.com/bonsai/

The Beauty of the Bonsai

2008-04-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

Bonsai trees have always held a fascination for me. The first time I ever saw a sizeable collection of many varieties of species was at the Longwood Gardens in the Bradywine Valley in Pennsylvania. There was a whole room filled with them with tags on what kind they were and how old they were. I couldn`t believe that a tiny little tree could be over 100 years old and not more than 2 feet tall. There were also bonsai forests, trees grouped together with little rocks covered with moss. I tried to imagine how small I would have to be in order to view them as full size. I figured I`d have to be about 2 or 3 inches tall. But what struck me most were the odd and unusual shapes of these cultivated trees. They were more than just exotic plants, they were actually like sculptures. There was something interesting to see from any angle of the tree. All were potted in artful ceramic planters worthy of the beauty of the trees themselves.

So it got me wondering about bonsais, the origin of this cultivation process, their longevity, and just how many kinds of trees can be trained to become a bonsai. What I found out is that this kind of cultivation first began in China more than a thousand years ago and the techniques at that time were rudimentary until it caught on in Japan. There it was taken to a new level, taking on an art form that also incorporated their philosophy of harmony between man, the soul, and nature. There`s also an ancient Japanese scroll that said :"To appreciate and find pleasure in curiously curved potted trees is to love deformity". Perfection was not at all the desired end result. The horticulturists of that time valued those dwarfed trees that had twisted and knarled formations both in the trunk area and on their branches. The best "knarling" I`ve ever seen by far were on the bonsai Redwoods. This type of tree is most popular in the California Bay area, the region of the giant Redwoods.

Also interesting to note is that in ancient times, the practice of cultivating bonsais was reserved for the upper class in Japan`s Kamakura period and it became a highly refined art form. Bonsais were displayed indoors on special occasions by the Japanese elite. They were artfully displayed either in expert artisan crafted ceramic planters strategically placed or on specially designed shelves. Later on outdoor cultivation became more popular during the warmer months.

Over time many more species came to be cultivated and bonsai artists began to integrate their plantings with rocks, accent plants, and even mini buildings and people. By the mid 19th century world travelers discovered these marvels and its popularity spread even further to other countries. There began to be exhibitions in London, Vienna, and Paris. And today there`s even an international bonsai arboretum and bonsai exhibits throughout most of the larger botanical gardens in many states and countries.

Many people who are garden and plant enthusiasts (myself included) like to have an array of colorful perennial blooming flowers and attractive trees and shrubs as part of their landscape layout. Indoor plants get our special attention because they are part of the ambience of our living space. That being said, passionate bonsai cultivators believe that having and caring for a bonsai is a personal experience, one which also brings satisfaction in sharing this interest with others. This is evidenced by the many symposiums and events geared to displaying the most magnificent accomplishments of bonsai cultivators.

Since they are now very available, we as admirers simply get to choose one or more species to bring into our homes. There are so many varieties to choose from now too. There`s some in the evergreen family such as the very sculptural looking Juniper, Blue Spruce, and the gorgeous Hinoki Cypress with its rich deep green hues. The there`s the bonsai Mimosa tress with their branches that have a delicate and lacy look to them. And of course, there`s the stunning flowering variety such as the Cherry, Winter White Jasmine, and the flowering Gardenia with blossoms that will fill your house with such a heavenly fragrance. Most suppliers of these lovingly cultivated and cared for trees will provide complete instructions on how to care for each species that you choose to have. Remember, they`re not just generic house plants, they are more like plant art. So enjoy visualising having one in your home. To find out more about the different species and to see some lovely bonsai images, check out the site in the bio box.

Louise Green is a freelance writer and researcher. With a passion for the outdoors and gadrening, her site http://www.direct-supplies.com/gardengirlloves/bonsaiboy focuses on the exotic nature of bonsai trees and provides beautiful images and useful information about bonsai gardening.

Bonsai Trees , How To Bonsai

2008-03-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Bonsai - Introduction To the Living Art

Say 'art' and most will think of painting or sculpture. There is a kind of sculpture, though, that takes as its raw material not stone or wood but a living tree. That is the art of bonsai.

From the Japanese word for 'tree in a tray', Bonsai is the art and product of shaping trees by careful pruning to produce a miniature tree or bush. Not produced from genetic dwarfs, bonsai are the result of years of patient shaping of ordinary species by master artists.

Because they are grown and shaped in a small pot, but are produced from ordinary species - pine, maple and many others - extreme care is required to keep the delicate plants healthy.

Soil type and temperature must be just so - conditions that are only within the artist's control within a certain range. Pruning techniques take years to master and are only possible to a certain kind of temperament. Potting and re-potting practices must be learned and they are many and varied.

Watering alone is a complex science for these small trees and bushes. Too much and the bonsai will become water-logged and develop fungi and root rot. Too little and the soil quickly becomes dry and leaves wilt and the tree dies.

Soil and potting practices overlap with watering needs since drainage is critical. Pruning habits interact with shaping techniques, which in turn are affected by soil maintenance and watering practices.

Bonsai are among the most difficult products of art to create as all these elements and many more have to be carried out to near perfection merely for the plant to survive. Add to that complexity the goal of creating pleasing shapes, styles and colors for both plant and pot and you have a high art.

On top of the inherent horticultural difficulty of learning and mastering a dozen sub-sciences, there is the need to master the artistic vision and skills to produce any of several basic or advanced styles.

There are five basic styles alone: formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade and semi-cascade. From that base branch out a dozen advanced types, including the literati and other difficult forms.

An art of that kind is not mastered in a month.

Craftsmen labor for years to produce a single tree, which may last a hundred years or longer. The trees are then often passed down from generation to generation, each successive artist adding his or her own distinctive style. As the tree is lovingly molded according to the personal aesthetic of each caretaker, past efforts are venerated and learned from.

Years of training and experience are required to become a skilled bonsai grower. Ordinary horticulture is by itself a difficult craft. But to produce a miniature tree from ordinary species takes a lifetime of patience and learning.

The results are widely regarded as well-worth the effort, though. Bonsai are admired the world over for their uniqueness, their longevity, variety and beauty and for the skill that goes to produce them.

In an age when brilliant technology can mass produce global cell phones and self-diagnosing automobiles, these individually designed and hand crafted, miniature works of art continue to inspire awe and admiration.

Inder: Read more articles on http://www.bonsaitreescare.com

Bonsai Vitamins: Fertilizers And Your Growing Bonsai

2008-03-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Bonsai growing requires a lot of balance, even in applying fertilizer. It is really an art in itself and something that you can get used to as you go along with your bonsai-growing hobby.

How To Bonsai - Critical Bonsai Care Tips

2008-03-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Bonsai Care

Well, you have got the watering and feeding of the Bonsai down. Think you're home free. Not a chance. There are still things you need to do successfully to realize the full beauty of these little Japanese wonders. Since the care of the root system is essential to the survival of the trees you need to know the how and when of re-potting your bonsai. This is one of the many steps to proper Bonsai Care.

The importance of Re-potting

The young bonsai trees grow quicker and need to be repotted about once a year. The older trees not so often and eventually get to a point where repotting every 5 years is sufficient. Repotting should be done in the late winter or early spring. This is when the buds begin to swell. First, you should prune your bonsai. Take away any unwanted or long branches. If your bonsai is kept outside it should be placed undercover for a few weeks before repotting. This will help dry the soil. You need to carefully remove the tree from its original pot. Check the root carefully. If they are bound then it is definitely time to transfer it to another pot. If the roots still have some space to grow (a few inches is sufficient) then it does not need repotting.

Remember, repotting at the correct time is essential for Bonsai Care. Place it back into its original pot. Now the fun parts. You don’t simply stick the tree straight into a larger pot. Your tree has to be almost groomed before it moves into its new home. First, the original surface soil must be removed from the roots of the tree. This can be done by hand or by using a nylon scrubbing brush. Be careful not to damage the root system while doing this. This is a sure fire way to kill your tree and make all of your previous Bonsai Care skills worthless.

Preparing the roots

Once you have completed this task you need to use a small paint brush to remove any dirt that is stuck in the roots. Soil tends to collect around the roots and using a paint brush will help insure that you do not do any root damage. This process helps the trees look and feel healthier. The next steps require a Bonsai comb. The roots need to be combed out and due to the delicate nature of the trees it is doubtful that the use of a human comb would be advisable. You need to comb from the underneath and using scissors prune away up to 1 third of the roots. Once you have done this you need to cut small wedges out, around the base of the roots. Sounds radical, but this allows for fresh soils to collect and will keep your tree healthy.

Well if you haven’t run away by now you probably won’t, time for the last bit of Bonsai Care. Now that your tree is happily groomed it is time to prepare the pot. You should put a layer of grit on the bottom of the pot and then what ever compost you have chosen to use. Now that its pot has been prepared, our little friend needs to be positioned. Once you have him sorted out begin putting in the soil. You have most likely figured this out by now but place the soil in gently. Why? You guessed it, to avoid root damage. Hopefully the information that you have learned hasn’t sent you running and your Bonsai trees to the compost heap. There is a lot to learn and a lot to do correctly to insure your tree makes it to adult hood. It maybe easier just to have kids. Bonsai Care is an art and it has been said that the care and maintenance of these trees is an art form in and of itself. However, the rewards can be grand. The trees are beautiful when cultivated properly and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have mastered the art of Bonsai Care.

Andrew Perry makes it easy for anyone to grow stunning, healthy bonsai using the "7 Bonsai Success Secrets". Discover quickly and easily how to master the art of Bonsai. To receive your 6 part mini bonsai course visit: Bonsai Success Secrets

Bonsai Trees Mastery - Different Styles In Bonsai Gardening

2008-03-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Single trunk styling

The single trunk styling in Bonsai can be further classified into four types namely, Formal upright, Slanting, Cascade, and Twisted style.

Formal upright bonsai gardening

Bonsai gardening style for beginners

Cascade style of Bonsai gardening

Twisted style of Bonsai Gardening

Multiple trunks style

The multiple trunks style simply means this Bonsai has multiple plants in the same pot. The styles in these types include Soju style, Yose style, and the Korabuki style.

Soju style

with Soja style there are two trunks in a pot.

Yose style

Korabuki style

Whatever be the style of your bonsai gardening it is necessary to maintain them properly with professional care.

Come and learn more about Bonsai trees at the net's best Bonsai Tree care Blog at http://bonsai-tree-care.blogspot.com

No Relationship Between Bonsai Kitten And Bonsai Trees. Bonsai Cats - Just Fiction

2008-03-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

The bonsaikitten.com scandal. Raising bonsai cats is just a joke; bonsai trees are reality and an Art.

The depictions and pictures on raising bonsai cats on the website bonsaikitten.com are obviously just jokes; Nature cannot be forced to impossibilities.

Basically the articles on the website talk about little kittens put in an angular shaped glass, and after a time the kittens grow up into bonsai cats of angular shape.

The website details the technological process, illustrated with manipulated texts and pictures. All what we see there is false, just a nightmare of a sick mind.

Animal protecting organizations and people passionately protest against this website, but even FBI cannot do anything, the website still has been existing. The American student who has created it under a false name is unknown. It is to be feared that credulous people or children could try the first steps of producing bonsai kittens.

A huge number of protesting and circulars have been published in order to protect bonsai kitten and against the website. Endeavors to put a "Just a joke" notice on the bonsai kitten website proved to be unsuccessful.

In opposite of the theory of bonsai kitten producing the tradition and culture of bonsai trees reach back to more thousand years. It origins from China. Later Japanese monks took it to their homeland.

Japanese masters raised it to high artistic levels. The culture of bonsai arrived to Europe a couple of centuries ago, and is spreading with an undiminished energy. Bonsai is the art of shaping plants. The desire for representation of Nature through human eyes rise in every people who love plants and nature.

Let's keep in mind that our garden and plant culture attracts more and more people. The plants in our environment need continuous nourishing, pruning, dressing in order to avoid our garden and court to change into a jungle. Here rises the question: when we cut the grass or hedge, when we prune the fruit trees, do we feel pity for causing pains to our plants?

NO.

All these are maintaining and revitalizing operations. These make our plants denser, well-arranged and more aesthetic, pleasing. Bonsai is about forming plants so that who views them could feel a positive experience through realities, all this on an artistic level. Let's compare the reality of the bonsai trees with the unhealthy, psychopathological theory on bonsai kittens, and we'll see what is the relationship between them.

NOTHING.

Bonsai is a cared and cherished treasure for their master and owner, not like the kitten who would be forced into a glass and tormented there.

Bonsai is an expression for a noble thing, and should not been used for camouflaging a dirty and vile phantasmagoria. Bonsai is an art, while "bonsai" kitten is just an aberrated nightmare.

I'm growing bonsai trees you can visit my site at: in English http://www.bonsaihungary.com and in Hungarian http://www.bonsaihungary.hu my bonsai blog is here: http://bonsaihungary.blogspot.com and http://www.bonsaiblog.hu

An introduction to mini-jade bonsai

2008-03-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mini-Jade (Portulacaria afra) Bonsai Guide

Also known as the small leaf jade, portulacaria afra, are excellent bonsai for beginners and their ability to conform to most bonsai styles make them popular with enthusiasts as well. They are great for beginners because they grow very quickly, can be kept indoors, and can go a long time without needing water. This is because succulents store water in their stems and leaves. They also give clear signs when they need water which is helpful to those just starting out with bonsai growing.

Mini-Jade Characteristics

Young shoots of the portulacaria afra start out as green and may turn red depending on sun exposure. Later mature branches will develop a gray color with rough texture. The shape of the leaves can best be described as a circle crossed with a teardrop. They grow perpendicular to the branch.

Watering

One needs to be really careful about overwatering jade. I find they can get root rot, especially in winter, very easy if overwatered. Often times this will first manifest itself in leaf or entire branch drop. One of the good things about them is they give you clear signs about when they actually need to be watered. Their leaves will begin to flatten and then wrinkle. I've found that when growing indoors waiting for the signs of this are safest to prevent these kind of issues. If you plant your mini-jade in a very fast draining bonsai soil mix in a good amount of sun or indoors on a bright windowsill this is less of a problem.

Light Requirements

Portulacaria afra can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If grown indoors they like being close to a natural light source. Placement near an open window usually works best. If this is not possible then keeping them in a room that has bright fluorescent lights usually works as well. One just needs to be concerned with overwatering more in those situations. When kept outdoors they tend to grow very fast in full sun.

Temperature

As they are a tropical succulent, mini-jade do best in USDA zones 10-11, but will also grow in most areas where they won't be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F.

Training

It is very hard to train a small leaf jade by wiring branches. Their branches tend to be very brittle and might snap under the pressure. Pruning in the direction of preferred growth and pinching is more effective. Do not prune immediately after watering. Cuts flat with the bark are reported to heal with less scarring than concave, but I've not noticed any horrible scars when using a concave pruner myself.

The branches will naturally droop from the weight of the water they store in there leaves. Many people take advantage of this characteristic by training them into cascade styles.

Jades can be propagated by cuttings from pruned branches.

Soil

Jade will do well in most bonsai soil mixes, but prefer those that are very well draining. Your soil mix should have less organic materials and no peat. Their roots will rot easily if left wet for long periods of time.

Portulacaria afra Pests and Problems

Scale will wreak havoc on a jade. Root rot can also develop when the tree is watered too frequently with not enough light. The tree will show stress from both scale and root rot by dropping leaves and branches.

Learn more at http://www.mellobonsai.com/care/Mini-jade-bonsai.aspx

Owner of MelloBonsai Bonsai Trees and Accessories

Basic Tips for Caring Your Bonsai Plants

2008-03-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

The beauty of bonsai plants is a big attraction to human eyes. Although they may look like half-starved mini plants to some people, they are actually a special kind of works of art that need to be taken good care of. This article will show you some important tips for giving good care to your bonsai plants.

* You Need to Know Your Plants and Its Environmental Needs

Generally, bonsai plants can be made from any type of trees. Hence, how you grow and care for your plant depends, in a large part, on the specific species it originates from. For example, if your bonsai is made from a tropical tree, it will not fare well in cold temperatures and will need special care.

It may be easier for you if you pick a tree that grows well in the kind of temperature and environment in where you live. Like regular-sized trees, bonsai plants will adjust to the changes of the season in your area. Take note of the specific tree species that you pick. They may have even more specific needs according to their species.

* Properly Water Your Bonsai

Dependent on its species, the soil type and the season, bonsai plants may have different watering needs. You will need to develop a watering plan just for your bonsai.

Having discussed bonsai's watering needs, you should be aware that neither over-watering nor under-watering will do any good to your plants. A simple way to determine the level of watering required is to feel the soil with your fingers and nails. Moist soil is a good sign, whilst dry soil usually means that you need to start watering right away.

Most bonsai owners water their plance every day in summer but only do so every other day in winter. This does not apply to all bonsai plants. If your bonsai is made from a very special species or if the soil condition in your area is a bit unusal, you must have a different watering plan for your plant.

* Grow Outside

As a general rule, bonsai plants need sunlight and should be grown outside. They are not indoor ornamental fixtures, although they appear more like an art than a plant. Without sufficient sunlight, bonsai plants will get sick or may even die. The only exception is probably where you have a tropical bonsai but happen to live in a cold area. In this case, you will have to develop some sort of indoor protection for your plant.

If you bonsai plant is native to your place, there is no reason why it should not do well outside even in winters. You will only need to give it some protection when the weather turns extremely harsh.

These are only basic beginner tips for would-be bonsai enthusiasts. If you are really intent on growing bonsai plants, you should seriously consider studying more in depth details about bonsai care. Important issues that need to be covered include pruning, wiring, re-potting, etc.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned grower for bonsai plants, you may like to visit us for more in-depth information about bonsai care. You may also like to visit our main site for a complete guide on how to make your bonsai trees healthy and beautiful.

Beginner Bonsai Trees: Simple Tips

2008-03-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

Bonsai trees are diminutive and exquisite examples of larger trees. To keep them small, they spend their lives in shallow containers. Just about any type of tree can be a bonsai. Nurseries and some stores carry beginner bonsai trees, which are just waiting for you to train them into a lovely design. Prior to training a bonsai, it is essential that you understand what is about to take place.

Pointers on Beginner Bonsai Trees

To further develop beginner bonsai trees, some parts of the plants will need to be removed in order to create fine-looking presentations. Beginner bonsai trees have no planned shape when you first get them. Therefore, their future motifs will be entirely up to the whims of their new owners.

It is possible to choose from many bonsai styles. Some of the more popular and less complicated ones include the windswept, cascade, slanting, formal upright, informal upright and the bunjin designs. Hobbyists about to grow beginner bonsai trees are able to select any style they will be happy with. While making the purchase, notice if a certain bonsai tree already has a tendency toward a specific shape. Does it have a crooked trunk or branches that suit a particular form? Carefully taking the time to observe the features of a new bonsai can be greatly rewarding, as well as inspiring.

Invest time in learning how to prune both the crown and the roots of your beginner bonsai trees. Pruning implies cutting off specific parts to encourage more growth or to engender a hearty plant. Repotting and pruning of the beginner Bonsai trees also encourage them to grow faster. Further, you will need to replace the container of your bonsai repeatedly every one or two years to stimulate continued health and in order to access the roots for pruning. This will also encourage faster growth, which can mean more pruning will be needed.

Since many varities of bonsai trees which have been shipped from tropical or subtropical regions, are not able to withstand cold and the shallow bonsai containers can freeze when left outside in winter snow and cold, it is recommended that you bring your beginner bonsai trees inside during the cold season in your area.

To prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, it is best to place beginner bonsai trees away from inside heat sources such as radiators. The container can also be placed on top of some pebbles in a shallow water dish to keep the humidity up around the plant. The container should not be directly in the water, just above it. Also, make sure the bonsai plants are not left too close to windows, because excess cold can stress a tree to the point of death. The more research you do to duplicate the conditions of a bonsai tree's origins, the easier it will be to promote its healthy survival for many years to come.

This is all you'll need to remember to care for your beginner bonsai trees, trim the plant regularly, provide water and high humidty, warmth, and occasional feeding, for best growth. Following this plan will bring you many years of satisfying bonsai gardening time.

Herb Daniels is an amateur gardener living on the East Coast of Florida puttering around in his garden as time and weather allows. Herb has a web site where he posts a few articles and other information about Beginner Bonsai Trees http://www.bonsaiplantingtips.com

How to Grow Bonsai From Cuttings

2008-03-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

STARTING BONSAI PLANTS FROM CUTTINGS

While many bonsai plants are best started from seed there are many which cannot be so reproduced; especially named varieties which will not come true from seeds, but revert to older and inferior types. Also it very frequently happens that one has a choice bonsai plant of some sort of which the seed is not to be obtained, and in this case also it becomes necessary to reproduce the bonsai in some other way.

Where large numbers of bonsai plants are to be started, and they may be had from seed, that is usually the best way in which to work up a supply: but where only a few are wanted, as for house plants or use in a small garden, propagation by cuttings is the quickest and most satisfactory method. Practically all of the bonsai plants, including most of those which can be started from seed, may be increased in this way.

The matter of first importance, when starting bonsai by this system, is to have strong, healthy cuttings of the right degree of hardiness. Take your cuttings only from plants that are in full vigor, and growing strongly. They should be taken from what is termed "new growth," that is the terminal portions of shoots, which have not yet become old and hard. The proper condition of the wood may be determined by the following test: if the stem is bent between the fingers it should snap (like a green bean); if it bends and doubles without breaking it is either too old and will not readily root, or too soft and will be almost sure to wilt or rot.

The cutting should be from two to four inches long, according to the bonsai and variety to be propagated. It should be cut off slant-wise, as this will assist in its being pushed firmly down into the cutting box. It may be cut either near, or between a joint or eye--with the exception of a few bonsai plants, noted later. The lower leaves should be taken off clean; those remaining, if large, shortened back. Then the plant will not be so likely to wilt.

If the cuttings cannot be put in the propagating medium immediately after being made; keep them in the shade, and if necessary sprinkle to prevent wilting. I once obtained a batch of chrysanthemum cuttings from a brother florist who said that they were so badly wilted that they could never be rooted. I immersed them all in water for several hours, which revived them, and had the satisfaction of rooting almost every one.

The medium most commonly used in which to root cuttings is clean, medium-coarse sand, such as builders use. It must not be so fine as to pack tightly, nor so coarse as to fit loosely about the cuttings, and admit air so freely as to dry them out.

Make a flat similar to that used for starting seeds, but four or five inches deep. Place in the bottom an inch or two of gravel or coal ashes, covered lightly with moss or a single thickness of old bag, and then fill nearly full of clean sand. Make this level, and give a thorough soaking. After drying out for an hour or so, it is ready for the cuttings.

Mark the box off in straight lines, two or three inches apart, and insert the cuttings as closely as possible without touching, and to a depth of about one-third or one-half their length. A small, pointed stick, or dibber, will be convenient in getting them in firmly. Wet them down to pack the sand closely around them.

The best temperature for the room in which the cutting box is to be kept will be from fifty to fifty-five degrees at night. Like the seed box, however, it will be greatly helped by ten or fifteen degrees of bottom heat in addition. For method of giving this extra bottom heat.

If the box is kept in a bright sunny place, shade the cuttings with a piece of newspaper during the heat of the day, to prevent wilting, and if the weather is so hot that the room is warmer than seventy degrees, an occasional light sprinkling will help to keep them fresh.

Never let the sand dry out or all your work will be lost. As a rule, it will require a thorough soaking every morning.

With these precautions taken, the cuttings should begin to throw out roots in from eight to twenty days, according to conditions and varieties. Do not let them stay in the sand after the roots form; it is much better to pot them off at once, before the roots get more than half an inch long. If some of the cuttings have not rooted but show a granulated condition where they were cut, they will be safe to pot off, as they will, as a rule, root in the soil.

The above method is the one usually employed. There is another, however, just as easy and more certain in results, especially where bottom heat cannot easily be had. It is called the "saucer" system of propagation. Make the cuttings as described above. Put the sand in a deep, water-tight dish, such as a glazed earthenware dish or a deep soup plate, and pack the cuttings in as thickly as necessary. Wet the sand to the consistency of mud and keep the dish in a warm light place. The temperature may be higher than when using the sand box, and there will not be a necessity for shading. _The sand must be kept constantly saturated_: that is the whole secret of success with this method of rooting cuttings. Pot them off as soon as the roots begin to grow.

Cuttings made by the two systems described above are usually taken in autumn, or in spring. When it is necessary to get new bonsai during June, July or August, a method called "layering in the air" will have to be resorted to if you would be certain of results. Instead of taking the cutting clean off, cut it nearly through; the smallest shred of wood and bark will keep it from wilting, but it should be kept upright, for if it hangs down the end of the shoot will immediately begin to turn up, making a U-shaped cutting. The cuttings are left thus partly attached for about eight days or until they are thoroughly calloused, when they are taken off and potted, like rooted cuttings, but giving a little more sand in the soil and not quite so much water. They are, of course, shaded for several days.

Having carried our little bonsai plants safely through the first stage of their growth, it is necessary that we use some care in getting them established as individuals, and give them the best possible preparation for successful service in their not unimportant world.

Jason Dempsey is an avid Bonsai enthusiast, propagator, and artist. If you would like to learn more about using the internet to increase your Bonsai skills and collection please visit http://GrowBonsai.JasonDempsey.com.

All About The Art Of Bonsai Trees

2008-03-11T22:09:00.001-07:00

Bonsai trees make up an art form that has been around for hundreds of years. The idea is to take what would normally be a very large tree and stunt its growth so that it stays small. Most people will keep their trees just a few inches tall. There are many things that are needed to work with bonsai plants. Here are some of the things your tree will need:

1. Constant pruning. A bonsai tree will require more pruning and care than your average plant. You will even need to prune the roots to help keep the trees growth stunted.

2. Water. Every plant needs water and a bonsai tree is no exception. With a bonsai however you must take even greater care to over water because of how the tree is designed.

3. Sunlight. Another need of all plants in sunlight. Another thing to consider is the temperature to keep the plant at. Every plant has a certain temperature that it will grow and thrive best in and you should consider looking up what it is for your bonsai tree.

4. Fertilizer. Remember to always choose the best fertilizer for your plant. Also, don’t overdue it with how much you use. These plants are more delicate than your average house or garden plant.

One of the most important things to consider when getting a bonsai tree is time. You are going to spend a good bit of time pruning and taking care of your tree if you want to keep it looking healthy. While this is a calming hobby for a lot of people the average person just wouldn’t want to deal with it. Make sure you are prepared to spend time working on your tree.

Also, make sure you do a lot of research on the best type of tree for your area. Some trees do better in certain climates than others and this should be taken into consideration when buying or planting a tree.

Lastly, check out the following books for some help regarding your new hobby:

Bonsai - pocket encyclopedia
101 Essential Tips: Bonsai
Bonsai Basics : A Step-By-Step Guide to Growing, Training & General Care
Simon and Schuster's Guide to Bonsai

Reading up on bonsai trees using those books plus the information posted here and on the web should allow you to successfully start your own bonsai tree. Good luck and happy planting!

Visit our website for bonsai seeds: http://www.mishobonsai.com/

Baby Jade Bonsai

2008-03-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Interested in growing your own bonsai? The first step is to choose the right type of plant.
Baby jade is a succulent bonsai that is also known as the Elephant Plant, Elephant Bush, or Small Leaf Jade. It is native to South Africa and makes an excellent bonsai for the home or office. It has thick pale-green leaves that are almost round. Water is stored in the fleshy branches, trunk, and leaves.

In natural environs the baby jade grows up to 3 or 4 meters in height. It is a newer specimen to be used for bonsai and is a good plant for beginners, because of its ability to survive for long periods of time without any water. It grow very quickly and can be adapted to any style.

When young, its bark is green, but then it can turn from reddish brown to slate gray. It is smooth and shows leaf scars conspicuously. Its fleshy leaves are almost circular and are about 1.5 cm in diameter. They vary in color from pale gray to pale gray-blue-green to dark green. The stems are reddish, and each pair of leaves is at a right angles to the next pair. The small pink to purplish flowers are star-shaped.

Baby jade can be grown outdoors in full sunlight or indoors with good lighting. It is a tropical plant and can withstand a variety of growing conditions, though it needs to be protected when the temperature drops below 50 F.

The soil needs to be almost dry before you water it. The trunk and branches have a tendency to droop from their own weight and are lovely for long cascades.

Drastic cuts can be made when styling this plant. Let the soil dry completely before removing heavy branches or roots. Water the plant sparingly until it recovers. Remove the terminal bud from any branch that you want to keep from growing any longer. You can shape the tree by pinching off buds and branches that are not growing where you want them to. This plant grows fast and needs to be pinched back frequently in the growing season.

When creating a small bonsai (mame), you can use 1 mm aluminum wire to rotate leaves and branches, though wiring is not as effective as it is with hard-wood species.

Spring is the best time to re-pot, though it can be accomplished at any time in the tropics. The soil needs to be fully dry before re-potting is done. The plant then needs to be kept in a shady spot until new growth appears again. Once new growth appears it can be watered again.

William Jones writes for several web sites, on home and recreation topics.

The Art Of Japanese Bonsai

2008-03-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Japanese refined and developed Bonsai techniques and evolved the art form it is today. For the Japanese, bonsai represents a fusion of strong ancient beliefs with the Eastern philosophies of the harmony between man, the soul and nature.

The major aspects of Japanese bonsai, has not changed significantly over time.

Bonsai initially originated in Egypt thousands of years ago and moved to China. From China bonsai moved to Japan. Where the Japanese perfected the art of bonsai.

Japanese use azaleas to create magnificent bonsai following years of pruning, wiring and careful attention. The Japanese art of bonsai, and its precursor, the Chinese art of penjing, are rooted in the traditions of Asian culture.

The art of raising bonsai dwarfed potted trees has enabled the Japanese to admire nature in an indoor setting. The art of bonsai, as developed in America, is much freer in concept and style than Japanese bonsai.

The quality of a bonsai tree is measured on how well it portrays nature in miniature form. A bonsai should have a well tapered trunk and have branches all around the tree to give the bonsai visual depth. The art of bonsai involves the bringing together of tree and pot in visual harmony. "Bonsai" simply means "potted tree." But many of the really fine specimens have been pruned for more than 100 years.

Requiring many years of devoted attention and care to produce, the bonsai extends beauty and expresses the significance of life. The care involved in creating and shaping a bonsai is considered a form of meditation in and of itself.

Over time, bonsai began to take on different styles, each which varied immensely from one another. Today, hardy as well as tropical indoor bonsai are trained in classic styles, including windswept, slanted trunk, rock clinging, and forest.

Bonsai are highly regarded as a symbol of Japanese culture and ideals. Contrary to popular belief, bonsai are not tortured trees. A bonsai may have areas of dead wood to give an impression of age. There are several techniques available to the bonsai grower to increase the apparent age.

No longer exclusively an oriental art form, today bonsai is practiced by thousands of people around the world, on every continent. The art of bonsai is the art of imitating the spirit of nature. A bonsai industry of considerable size exists in certain sections of Japan.

Francesca Black works in marketing at Bonsai Garden http://www.bonsai-garden.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for bonsai gardening and natural exercise.

About Basic Bonsai Styles

2008-03-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Bonsai, as a Japanese art form, is more regulated than it’s Chinese counterpart, the penjing. Bonsai attempts to achieve the ideal tree, while penjing attempts to reproduce nature. This is why perfect styling exists in bonsai if you obey the ‘rules’, while penjing leave you free to your creation. As a result these are the basic styles :

Broom (Hokidachi or Hoki-zukuri)

A very harmonious style, this form has branches that develop at a certain height, forming an upside broom. This styling is mainly achieved through a technique called the “V” cut. The trunk is chopped where you want the branch to start to develop and then a deep V cut is performed on the remaining trunk. This will induce buds to break near the cut. Zelkova serrata are notorious for this styling but maple and other deciduous species can easily be styled that way.

Formal Upright (Chokkan)

A tree styled the “chokkan” way has a straight trunk tapering graciously from bottom to top. The first and biggest branch is often situated at 1/3 of the desired height of the tree and is on the right or the left. The following branch is situated on the opposite side, while the third is in the back creating the perception depth. As we look at the branch structure from bottom to top, the branches are getting thinner, creating a pyramidal shape.

Informal Upright (Moyogi)

This style is very similar to the previously mentionned style as the same rules of design apply, however, the trunk is not straight but rather forms a sinuous shape while remaining tapered. This style is commonly used with conifers.

Slanting (Shakan)

Once again, this style is the same as the formal upright except that the trunk is leaning on one side. Branches are grown uniformly on the trunk like the formal/informal upright styles but the apex is tilted to the opposite side of the trunk giving a visual balanced effect.

Cascade (Kengai)

This styling requires an inclined trunk that is preferably at a 45 degree angle. The major portion of the foliage is below the pot line and sometimes goes beyond the pot itself. It often represents a tree growing on the side of cliff. A deep pot is used for this style.

Semi-cascade (Han-Kengai)

Similar to the Kengai style, this style also has an inclinated trunk. However, the foliage remains at the height of the pot line. In nature, we can see this style near a waterway, the foliage having grown on the side and leaning towards the water. While the cascade style uses a deeper pot, this style uses a medium depth pot.

Windswept (Fukinagashi)

A “windswept” tree represents a tree that has been growing in a certain shape due to natural elements . Often caused by strong wind, the trunk is always inclinated in a certain direction and all branches have grown on the same side.

Literati (Bunjin)

This styling is often represented in Japanese paintings. It is a tree with a tall and sinuous trunk. The foliage only grows near the summit of the tree. This styling is somewhat an exception to the rigorous rules of bonsai because it does not have specific rules. It represents what the bunjin movement is in Japan: the search for liberty.

Group/Forest (Yose-ue)

This styling often represents a forest or a small cluster of trees. It is supposed to be styled in a way that will clearly represent the growing habits of trees in a group. Many techinques can be used to achieve this styling and many perception techniques are used to create the illusion of a forest, or as Naka would say, “having the quality of the invisible beauty of nature”. To respect the Japanese art form, an odd number of trees is prefered for this styling.

Raft (Ikadabuki)

The same rules of the group planting apply to this style. However, all of the trunks emerge from one common trunk. This technique is often achieved with a branch placed verticaly in the soil. The roots form this branch and the upper part of the vertical branch develop secondary branches that will eventually become the trunks.

Multi-trunk Style (Sokan - Sankan)

This multi-trunk style has different possibilities. The first, which is called “Sokan”, consists of two trunks emerging from the same visible roots (nebari). The styling of the upper part of the tree must respect the same rules as the formal / informal upright styles previously described. Another variance consists of the same but with three trunks emerging from the visible roots. This is called “Sankan”. You can also have more than three trunks but to respect Japanese bonsai, it is prefered to have an odd number of trunks.

Roots Over Rock (Ishitsuki)

This styling has the specific charactreristics of having many visible roots growing over a rock and finding their way to the pot/soil.

Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 7 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com, a website with ressource for bonsai and tree seeds.

The History Of The Bonsai Tree

2008-03-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Everybody has heard of the Bonsai tree but very few people know anything about the history of the miniature shrub or where the tradition came from.

Bonsai is a Japanese term which, in its native language, translates to mean “tray gardening”. This term describes exactly what bonsai is as it is a tree which is grown in a small pot or tub enabling it to be kept indoors. These trees are not always genetically predisposed to be small and so they are kept this way through careful pruning. The ability to care for a bonsai tree, keeping it small and healthy, is an art form in itself. The trees are commonly pruned in to an aesthetically pleasing shape, another reason why they are seen as works of art and not just as plants.

The term bonsai is widely known and understood and yet the art was originally found in China, by the name of penjing. The Japanese art of bonsai stemmed from this and so is actually more modern than the Chinese. However, the Japanese version is the one which is more widely known.

Discoveries have been made in Egyptian tombs of sketches showing miniature trees in pots. These are thought to have been kept for decorative purposes and the pictures date back to 4000 years ago! After this time there is evidence to suggest that trees were transported in the caravans of Asia as they travelled around as they were used for their medicinal properties should someone have fallen ill.

The art of bonsai as we know it stems from the Chinese art of penjing, which is a 2000 year old tradition. It was brought to Japan somewhere between the 7th – 9th centuries by the Imperial Embassies to Tang China. Initially it was enjoyed only by the nobility and was not a hobby which was enjoyed by the masses. However, over time it began to filter down through the social hierarchy and became something which much of the population enjoyed.

The practise of pruning and shaping miniature trees is still in place in both China and Japan. However, the Chinese tend to keep them for outdoor displays and so, although still smaller than normal trees, they are somewhat larger than the Japanese versions, who create the pieces of art to be displayed primarily in the home.

For anyone considering turning their hand to this hobby, it is well worth reading up on the subject beforehand as the trees require careful nurturing. It is not just the leaves which require trimming, the roots need to be tended to also and the amount of water they require is practically an art form in itself. Information on this is widely available on the Internet, meaning that anyone serious about trying this should be able to do so successfully.

The author is a regular contributor to Best Bonsai Supply where more information about bonsai trees, plants, pots and other bonsai supplies is freely available.

Bonsai Plant Care

2008-03-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Bonsai plants are very similar to Bonsai trees in so far as if you give them a lot of care and attention and keep them healthy you will get a beautiful miniature plant in return. There are many different varieties of plant that you can use to create Bonsai plants. Some plants require very precise care routines to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant, but regardless of what breed of plant you are using there are some basic guidelines to follow that will keep your plant in condition. All of these tips will be dependant on the type of plant you buy but are meant as rough guides only.

Temperature.

Indoor Bonsai plants will need protection from the elements during cold weather because many of them are tropical or subtropical plants. The singly most effective form of protection is bringing them indoors. However, if you are planting your Bonsai outdoors you should plant them somewhere where they are protected from wintry conditions. Alternatively it does a plant a lot of good if you put them out for some warm weather when the risk of frost is gone completely. The humidity indoors can cause dehydration of Bonsai plants, which is the biggest killer of these timid plants.

Watering.

It is important to water Bonsai early in the day before the temperature lowers in the evening. The type of plant you have will determine the watering regime you need to undertake. How much moisture the plant needs is a very important factor and you should always water the soil as thoroughly as possible to ensure that all the roots get a good watering.

Light.

Because the sun is at it’s brightest and strongest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. you should try as far as possible to keep your Bonsai out of the sunlight between these hours. It is also important to remember that electrical items around the house give off a very humid heat that can damage not only the leaves of you Bonsai but can also dehydrate your plants or trees and eventually kill them. It’s also important to alter your watering schedule to meet the demands of increased light, heat and humidity.

Fertilizing.

You can use fertilizers to help the growth of your Bonsai plants, but it’s best to use mild ones that only contain trace elements. Trees are usually fed during the growing season to help with their growth and shouldn’t be used in either plants or trees during dormant growth periods.

Bonsia HQ, for lots of information about looking after your bonsai.

Bonsai Soil And Additives

2008-03-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Bonsia HQ, for lots of information about looking after your bonsai.

What You Must Know Before You Plant A Bonsai

2008-03-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Bonsai Tree

2008-03-11T21:47:00.001-07:00

What comes into your mind when you hear the word tree? For starters, it surely is something tall and towering. You may start thinking of big trunks and a deeply rooted body. Of course, that is the generic perception. That is until the bonsai tree came into the picture.

Bonsai is a word used to describe miniature trees. To qualify as a bonsai, a tree should be a lot smaller than it ordinarily is, even at a mature stage. This means that it has all elements like leaves, flowers, roots, trunk, body and sometimes, even fruit. This Ancient Chinese technique of growing plants started two hundred years ago for medical purposes. However, the times changed and bonsai is now considered as a work of art ready for display… rather than a portable tree ready to be used as medicine.

Some of the common themes in bonsai growing are founded by the Japanese and Chinese Schools of Thought. The Japanese aesthetic pays much attention to the harmony of heaven and earth in one container. As such, they pick plants that mainly consist of flowery bushes and similarly colorful shrubs. Some of their favorite subjects are maple, elm, juniper, flowering cherry, azalea and larch. According to the Japanese, the bonsai is a perfecta attempt in evoking a plant’s essential spirits.

As for the Chinese, bonsai is a great way of capturing nature’s beauty in contrast. This is an influence of Taoism, a philosophy that became so popular in China hundreds of years ago. Such double-sided metaphors are related to legends on the yin and the yang. More than the art of growing the bonsai itself, the Chinese also pay much attention to the pots they use. There you will see calligraphic designs, dragons and other stylized paintings that spell common passion for this race.

Bonsais are also very delicate to culture. You don’t just plant them, leave them under the sun and water them once in a while in order to live. A bonsai gardener will always have to patiently check so many aspects of the plant’s surroundings if they want to ensure that it doesn’t dry down, rot or simply wither to die. The reason behind this is the plant’s weakened health. Due to the restrictions in growth, the plant’s immune system suffers a little. As such, it is up to those who care for these plants to prolong their lives so that they could enjoy its beauty longer.

That is the bonsai… colorful, meaningful and delicately beautiful. Experience all these and start your own bonsai garden no. All you have to do is buy materials on the net or a nearby plant store. With a little caution and a lot of care, that bonsai plant of yours will surely be in full bloom!

2008-03-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

To many, the bonsai is a cute and beautiful work of plant art. However, other people often question the purpose of the bonsai’s existence. Is it just a mere whim of humans to limit a plant’s growth and display its success to the world? Or is it also a statement of human practicality and ingenuity? Just read on and you will find out.

This art of plant making has been developed in China a long time ago. Contrary to how the modern human sees the bonsai, these plants were considered of utmost importance during those early times. The bonsai art was developed to easily transport herbal plants from one place to another. You see, moving actual acacia or maple trees for medical purposes is quite difficult compared to transporting their potted versions. This was actually a breakthrough technology that sent the Chinese herbal medicine science into a well-deserved boom.

That was how useful it was a few centuries ago. This is how functional it is nowadays…

Bonsai plants are like emblems of the past. They are embodiments of ever-thriving traditions and knowledge that need to be upheld. As such, every glance at a bonsai plant will remind you that as a human, you have the power to limit what nature has to offer. However, this power need not be abusive. It must be warm and caring for without such characteristics, the bonsai or the embodiment of nature will die.

These beautiful beliefs also contribute to bonsai cultivation’s relaxing qualities. It makes perfect sense for unwinding with a lot meaning. Instead of getting drunk or going to malls, you will find that growing a bonsai is all you need to release the positive energy in your life.

Today’s modern world is also a very little one. Too many people sharing this earth results to too little space. As such, many people do not get to take glances on big trees and plants they so wished to see. Urbanization also adds to this problem. People in the city do not get to see as much natural beauty. The beautiful flowers and trees seem to have been reserved for the people of the countryside. The bonsai defies all these by being of a perfect size, ready to fit into any modern home’s minimal space… ready to merge itself into an urbanized person’s life!