Bonsai Techniques

Bonsai is an art that takes time to learn and master. Those who haven't ever done it before should take classes and read literature because one mistake could damage the tree. Here are some of the techniques used when growing the tree.

Ever noticed how you look awful when your hair is too long? Well, something of a similar nature also occurs with bonsai trees. This is the reason that the hobbyists should trim it from time to time so it still has the desired look.

A pair of scissors isn't enough when the branches are the problem. This can be fixed with a technique called pruning. A cutter will be used to make this work and after the work has been done; a sealant should be used to help the bonsai tree heal.

In order for new branches to grow on the tree, the hobbyist should employ the technique known as pinching. You literally pinch certain parts using the finger and the thumb to be able to feel the tree.

When bonsai trees grow, the hobbyist will have to transfer it from one existing pot to a bigger one. Part of the process includes root pruning, which is very similar to what is done on the branches. It is advisable to get the pot and new soil ready because they could die when exposed to the elements for a long time.

A bending jack or wires can be used. This will aid the individual in getting the desired shape for the bonsai tree.

One technique to make the bonsai tree look new again is called defoliation. This means removing all the leaves so they will grow again. It may not seem like much but you will see the difference as smaller leaves that didn't exist before will appear on the branches.

The last technique that is very easy to learn is feeding. Everyone knows that water can give the tree its nutrients but just like flowers and vegetables, the use of fertilizers can help in its growth. There is the liquid version but some hobbyists may also try the pellet version.

Bonsai trees may last for years if they are taken care of properly. It is good to know that there is no right or wrong answer when creating a certain image. The hobbyist will just have to learn the techniques from someone knowledgeable then see what happens.

Basic Bonsai Tools for Beginners

Proper tools are indispensable when caring for bonsai. But buying a whole new set of bonsai tools isn't needed for beginners.

If you are just starting to develop an interest in the art of bonsai, you only need a few basic tools to do the majority of the tasks involved to generate a simple and well-maintained bonsai to an award winning bonsai collection.

Here are some of the bonsai tools that you may need if you are seriously considering to grow bonsai.

Concave Pruner

This is the primary and probably the most essential bonsai tool that you should have. Its chief function is to cut branches in such a manner that it promotes a quick and levelled healing of the wound.

Bud Scissors

This short bladed tool with finger holes is an excellent handy tool that is best used to trim leaves, small branches, and buds. Because of its stout blades and unobtrusive handle, it has the advantage to do delicate work without compromising its cutting power and damaging some adjacent parts of the plant.

Bonsai Wire Cutters

Styling the bonsai generally makes use of wire in positioning and shaping the branches and trunk. Although wire cutters available from hardware stores can be used to cut the wire prior to putting it to the bonsai, you can't use it to cut the wire when removing it for it will surely damage the branch or truck where the wire is closely attached.

Bonsai wire cutters should be used because their short and small blades have the advantage of doing the job done without doing any harm to the plant.

Knob Cutter

Also known as the melon ball cutter, the knob cutter is another useful addition to your tool kit, though it isn't as frequently used like the concave pruners and bud scissors.

Shaped into two crescent moons coming together, it can easily and aggressively cut protruding stubs. It is efficient to quickly remove lots of unwanted wood but precise enough to contour the trunk or branch to it final shape.

Root Hooks

Removing soil and untangling roots are part of maintaining the bonsai. Depending on the size of the bonsai, the bonsai artist may need a greater variety of efficient tools.

There are various root hooks available from single point that can do a good job with the least damage to multiple point tools that can do better but has greater probability of damaging fine roots.

If you are a novice bonsai artist, you may want to begin with a concave pruner and a pair of bud scissors. As your expertise improves, you then have to consider adding more tools in your bonsai kit.

How to Take Care of Your Bonsai Tree

If you want a bonsai tree or if you are thinking of having 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 watering 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.

Another vital factor in bonsai tree care is about putting fertilizers on your tree. Because bonsai trees are contained in small pots, they have limited soil so nutrients are scarce.

Thus, your bonsai needs three main ingredients – nitrogen, potash, phosphoric acid. Your bonsai will need less feed in spring and more in the fall.

Providing your bonsai tree the adequate amount of sunlight is also essential to keep your tree lush. If you have an indoor bonsai tree, situate your bonsai near the window to receive enough light exposure.

However, if it is an outdoor bonsai tree, you have to appropriate a shade to control the light being received by your tree as too much sun exposure may dry the soil. 

Lastly, a young bonsai tree is normally re-potted every two years and becomes less as it matures. Re-potting and root-pruning helps the bonsai to develop as new roots grow to absorb more moisture and nutrients efficiently.

A well-maintained bonsai tree provides a beautiful ambiance.  By following these tips, you are assured to enjoy its beauty for many years.

Why Bonsai Tree is a Great Gift Idea?

Are you running out of gift ideas? Do you want to give the usual home appliance to friends and family? Just imagine receiving something fresh, unique, and far from the usual blender you usually get at weddings and anniversaries. It’s almost certain that you’re gift will truly be appreciated and not be recycled.

A bonsai tree not only has an aesthetic appeal but also exudes a symbolic and enchanting appearance. This gift idea is something fresh, both figuratively and literally speaking.  Its artistic and miniature arrangement makes it a classy gift to give and receive. The time and age aspect possessed by a bonsai tree also makes it unique.

It is an excellent wedding gift for newlyweds especially for those who were together for years before getting married.

The bonsai tree is a great symbol to represent the number of years that it took the couple to prepare and decide to bind their souls as the perfect match just like it took the bonsai tree years to be pruned and shaped to get to its majestic form.

The bonsai tree is also a great gift for those who have celebrated many magnificent and memorable years together. It can be an anniversary gift that equals the journey that the couple has gone through the years.

It can be a reminder of wonderful memories they had and the challenges that they had overcome as their marriage flourished through the years. The couple can also look at it as a symbol of the good years to come.

Ultimately, it a great wedding anniversary present because the age of the bonsai tree can equal the number of years the married couple has been together. It is this element that makes it a thoughtful and romantic gift.

There are a many bonsai trees sold as gifts that you can order on the market. These are usually for indoors and table top bonsai trees. You can choose from a variety of single trees or a combination of three to seven trees in one container to make your mini tropical forest garden.

When choosing this as a gift, consider the knowledge of the person to whom you are giving the bonsai tree. If he is a bonsai collector you probably don’t need to give him some bonsai tree care tips or a bonsai tool kit. However, if he is clueless about bonsai trees, you may need to think of a bonsai tree that is easier to manage.

Why Some People Post a Sign that Says Bonsai Trees for Sale

A Japanese art of growing miniature container-grown trees, bonsai actually originated from China and spread to Japan and Korea.

Far from the common notion that the bonsai is a kind of genetically small tree, a bonsai tree is actually a normal tree that is kept small by continued root pruning and regular re-potting.

The art of Japanese Bonsai is cantered on the principle that the tree must give a picture of “heaven and earth in one container.”  A good Bonsai should possess the three forces of truth, essence, and beauty.

Therefore, the goal is to make it look natural and must never show a touch of human intervention.  It is because of this aesthetic sense found in bonsai that it became popular and very appealing. This is why it isn't surprising that growing bonsai turned out to be a good business venture.

There are now more people buying and growing their bonsai trees. Aside from the fact it is a good hobby, it is also an interesting and unique piece of decoration for your family room, living room, and perhaps even for your kitchen.

Since there are a variety of bonsai plants available, you can choose the flowering type contained in an ornate ceramic pot. It will be a great looking home décor or an office accent.

Bonsai can also be sold as gifts. People are now considering bonsai as a great gift idea. Because of the time and age aspect of bonsai, it is a sweet and romantic present especially for those celebrating their wedding anniversaries or their birthdays.

Finding a bonsai tree that equals the age of a marriage or any annually celebrated occasion is truly a unique and thoughtful way of commemorating an event.

Growing bonsai is a good hobby. According to some studies about horticultural therapy, it provides a therapeutic relief from known and idiosyncratic illnesses. Some people have testimonials saying that it helps their anxiety.

It is known to have a holistic medical effect of relieving pain and reducing stress. It is also found to relax the mood and sooth tense muscles while giving an overall sense of well-being, thereby improving self-esteem.

While others have their personal reasons for having a bonsai, a bonsai artist’s primary fulfilment is to create a well-manicured and creatively moulded bonsai tree.

Some hobbyists are greatly interested in joining exhibits and contests to showcase their best bonsai trees.

Obviously, there is a demand for these wonderful dwarfed trees. These are some of the reasons why growing and propagating bonsai trees to augment the thriving market of bonsai trees is a savvy endeavour.

Keeping it Together Using Bonsai Wire

Bonsai trees are very delicate. In order to give them the desired shape, various tools are used to make this work and the most common is the bonsai wire.

Most gardening stores offer these in either copper or aluminium. This is either silver or brown, which will blend in with the tree. These also come in various lengths usually between 1.5 to 6 millimetres so the type chosen will depend on the size of the branches.

The hobbyist can probably get a discount by buying it in bulk since this will also be used again later on.

There are those who find this cruel since the hobbyist is playing God in directing the shape of the tree. This technique however has been practiced for hundreds of years and the wire is only used temporarily.

The person should think of the wires like braces that will help fix the teeth that will be removed later on.

Will the branches be damaged in the process? In the short term, yes but it is a good thing that bonsai trees are able to heal so the only remnants might be a few scratches from the wire.

Bonsai wiring is a delicate process. The hobbyist should apply a little pressure and only wrap this around the stronger branches or trunk.

Another important thing to remember is that this should never be done when it is too close to the trunk or the branch.

This could break the branch and there is no way to fix it. The same thing applies when it is wrapped around the leaves.

Double wrapping is a good idea to make sure the branches stay in place. It is best to always do this in a 45 degree angle and is close to each other since nothing will happen if they are far apart. This will also make it easy for the hobbyist to take it out later on using a pair of pliers.

Tying the wire to the pot isn't always effective in achieving the desired results. The hobbyist will do a better job after buying clamps from the gardening store.

How long will it take before the wires are removed? This depends on the bonsai tree. If it adjusts to the desired shape in a few weeks, then the person can take it away. The longest is about a year.

The Bougainvillea Bonsai

Bonsai trees normally don’t bear flowers. One variation that does is called the Bougainvillea. This is commonly found in many parts of Asia and South America.

This belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family that is part tree and vine.  Although this has never been practiced by the Japanese or the Chinese, those in America have discovered that is also possesses excellent qualities of being a bonsai tree.

For one, the hobbyists don’t have to give it a lot of water. Fertilizers can also be used to help it grow especially those that have nitrogen concentrates.

It needs direct sunlight so those who decide to keep it indoors should take it out at least for four hours every day.

The Bougainvillea Bonsai can be placed either indoors or outdoors. It blooms all year round even during the winter. When the weather gets cold outside, it should be placed indoors and in a warm place to make sure it survives.

One technique that will keep it looking good all year is pruning. The hobbyist will have to use a cutter to cut off some of the branches to make it work. A sealant should be used after to help the bougainvillea tree heal.

A little pruning should also be done with the roots when this gets bigger and this is transferred to a larger pot. The hobbyist may even cut a small portion to start smaller bougainvillea bonsai’s and sell it later on.

Leaves grow constantly on the bougainvillea tree, which is very similar to weeds in the lawn. The hobbyist will have to pinch or cut a few off whenever there is too much around that destroys its image.

Infant versions measuring five to six inches in height and twelve inches in width sell at $50. Fully grown ones that are twice the dimensions of a smaller one can be sold at more than $250 a piece.

Another technique the person can do to make it grow into the desired shape is through wiring. The person can buy this from the store in either aluminium or copper.

This should be wrapped one or two times around the branches and should only be taken out after a few weeks.

Those who are experienced with the different types of bonsai may want to try something new such as this type of tree. This can be purchased in gardening stores then later on placed into different pots.

Brussels Bonsai: Its History and Continuous Growth

More and more people are turning to bonsai planting to cope with stress.  Believe it or not, that small potted tree could be equivalent to a regular yoga class. 

It could soothe the mind just as much as those physically-twisting poses that people do during yoga.  If you are considering your first pot (of bonsai, that is), it’s time to meet Brussel’s.

Brussel’s is one of the leading grower and importer of bonsais in the United States.  Looking at the company’s website, one is able to find all the needed tools and methods to be able to start or maintain bonsais.

The Brussel’s Online Store sells bonsai trees (potted and ready to take home); bonsai pots, tools (such as soil scoops, scissors, hut stake signs, pliers or cutters); fertilizers; and accessories (like fountains, watering cans, even books).

The company also aids bonsai beginners by educating them with the styles of bonsai and how to properly care for it.  With the online education, people can learn the basics of bonsai growing and also some of the most frequently asked questions.

This ‘nursery’, as they are fond of calling themselves, began in the mind of a 5 year old when his father came back home from a business trip.  The father brought back several species of bonsais that captivated the young child.

This child grew up to be a bonsai enthusiast and throughout his teenage years, he studied the art of bonsai.  It soon became his business when he began trading bonsais through the mail.  This kid started the first, ever bonsai nursery in the entire country.

The founder, Brussel Martin, has his office or ‘nursery’ in the northern part of Mississippi. 

The abundant lighting in that area made it more conducive to bonsai tending.   The company also boasts that the founder himself specially selected each and every bonsai tree.

Brussel’s doesn't only provide useful information but they also hold special events to market their trees and other products.  With this aggressive approach to marketing, they are able to sell at discounted prices as they also invite resource speakers to talk about bonsais in specifics. 

If you would want to meet the top masters of bonsai planting, you can even attend the annual convention that is held for all bonsai lovers.

Brussel Martin has definitely expanded the horizon for bonsais.  With all the help that is available today, even those who haven't grown a single plant in their lives would aspire to have one.

Chinese Bonsai: Not a Japanese Creation

You probably wouldn't believe it but the art of planting and tending to bonsais has been around for over two thousand years. 

Then called ‘pun-sai’, the ancient Chinese made unique animal designs such as dragons and birds out of the small branches of the small trees.  These trees became the forefathers of what we now know as bonsais.

Although generally believed to be dwarf versions of plants or trees, any expert gardener would be able to tell you that bonsais aren't the smaller counterparts of bigger plant species.  They are actually, just your regular plant that is carefully pruned on the tree’s crown or roots.

Also known as Pen-jing or scenery on trays, Chinese bonsai is more than a representation of a smaller version of a tree.  Tending for it represents artistry and the illusion of maturity. 

It could also depict a small landscape (for example, the small tree could have a miniature brook and a miniscule mountain beside it).

Chinese bonsai is very much similar to its Japanese counterpart.  Let us just define it as the ‘bigger picture’. 

How?  A certain category of Chinese bonsai is making use of landscape in a small pot while the Japanese bonsai is putting just the tree in a small container.

As it is called Chinese bonsai, it originated from China and was transported to Japan during the seventh to the ninth century.  There are three types of Penjing namely: Tree Penjing, Landscape Penjing and Water & Land Penjing.

Tree Penjing is the most similar to the Japanese form of bonsais.  It is the authentic act of dwarfing trees to fit into small pots or containers.

Landscape Penjing makes use of rocks to depict mountainous regions beyond the miniature tree.  Water and Land Penjing, on the other hand, makes use of the former two elements (the tree and some rocks) plus a third element which is the water to complete the landscape illusion.

Chinese bonsai is also considered as a spiritual object.  The act itself of pruning, cultivating and generally tending for the plant exudes spirituality on a different level.  It is believed that the closer a man gets to Mother Nature; the better able he is in understanding himself.

You need no spiritual training to be able to appreciate the beauty of Chinese bonsai.  In its own right, it is a work of art and a source of serenity—nobody, in his right mind, would dispute.

5 Ways to Tend and Start Loving Your Chinese Elm Bonsai

The art of tending bonsais has captivated people all over the globe.  One would stop to think how species that can be so big would be able to fit a small pot or container.  The miracle of this form of gardening is, of course, no longer a secret.

There are forty-five known species of the Chinese Elm Bonsai, most of which are evergreen in colour.  The most common habitats for the Chinese Elm are woodlands, hedgerows and thickets, most especially in Northern temperate areas.

The Chinese Elm bonsai is often interchanged with the species called Zelkova (also known as the Japanese Elm).  The only difference between the two is the appearance of their fruits.  The Chinese Elm has fruits with wings while its Japanese counterpart doesn’t.

More often than not, Chinese Elm is sold as an indoor plant because it stays green despite being kept inside your home.  Although they do look good indoors, putting them as an outside décor could also do the plant some good.

Here are ways to care for your Chinese Elm whether you prefer to keep it indoors or outdoors:

1.            Indoors—keep in a place where the lighting is sufficient (for example, a window sill) and where the humidity is high.  When the winter season is done, you could place the plant outside and keep it there until autumn so that the leaves will fall off naturally.  To water the indoor type, make sure that the compost is always moist.  Daily watering isn't necessary; the compost should be your gauge for when to water next. 

2.            Outdoors—if your Chinese Elm is used to the winter season, it will be able to cope even with the lowest temperatures so there is no need to worry about it.  These should need more frequent watering than its indoor version. 

3.            For both types, the pruning should be:  3-4 nodes are allowed to shoot as you prune at 1 or 2 leaves.  Autumn and the last part of the summer season are the best times to prune.

4.            Be sure that no aphids, gall mites or grasshoppers eat up your plants.

5.            The best shape that this type of bonsai could take would be the shape of a broom.  This is because it would be following its original shape so pruning would be easier.

Tips on Keeping Your Cypress Bonsai

The Cypress inched its way to the hearts of bonsai enthusiasts with its regal looks: graceful and green feather-like leaves, refined branches and a bark with cinnamon-brown colour.

The Cypress bonsai can be found in swamps along big rivers throughout the southern portion of the United States.  It didn't reach the shores of Japan until the last century and today, it is everywhere in both countries.

Cypress trees are generally considered as bonsais now.  In fact, it is one of the priciest bonsais around.  Well, that’s the prize for looking regal!

Here are useful tips on taking care of this royalty:

1.            Cuttings from the previous year are the best types that you can use to begin planting a new Cypress bonsai.  Once the edge is cleaned using a razor-sharp knife, you can insert the cutting in sand (clean and always moist).  Just like all regular nursery stocks, you should let the cuttings grow for the next two years.

2.            On the third year, training can begin.  Use a copper wire in training the trunk and the branches.  Make sure to cut off the branches that have grown long before beginning to train.  The goal: to have a low bonsai with short branches.

3.            Shortening or trimming the branches should be done in the autumn season.  This is to make certain that the growth has already hardened.  If you do the trimming in springtime, the sap would flow out and that may cause the branch to wither and the tree to eventually die.

4.            To water the Cypress bonsai, make sure to put them in a basin full of water especially during spring and summer.  The great thing about this, you don't have to worry about watering the tree every day.

5.            Every two or three years, make sure to re-pot the Cypress bonsai.  This will ensure the health of the roots and the plant in general.

6.            If you are a Cypress enthusiast and would want to turn your garden into a small forest where cypresses abound, you can have seeds and raise seedlings from them.  It is said that it is better to raise cypresses from seedlings rather than buying them already potted.

Whatever you choose to do with your Cypress bonsai, the rewards are many and fulfilling.  And just like any planting endeavour, it improves your well-being and your perception of life as a whole.

Ficus Bonsai: How to Care for Your Indoor Beauty

There are many types of bonsai trees that are sold on the market today.  The Ficus bonsai doesn't belong to the list of the fastest selling bonsais for nothing. First, it is naturally miniscule so pruning is easier for the gardener especially for a beginner.

Second, it is great to keep indoors.  In fact, it is more beneficial for the plant to stay indoors rather than outdoors.

The Ficus bonsai has many types namely: The Golf Ball Ficus (or the so-called Ficus Benjamina), Root Over Rock Ficus, Chinese bonsai, Taiwan Ficus (this is also called the Banyan Fig), The Curved Shaped Trunk, and many more.

Here are a few tips in keeping your Ficus Bonsai:

1.            Just like most bonsais, the Ficus likes to keep itself dry in between your watering.  If you want, you can touch the soil daily to be able to determine if it’s time to water again.  If your bonsai has a rock on its surface, lift the rock and feel the top portion of the soil. 

One good way of watering this type of bonsai is to put it in the sink and have the water level reach up to its trunk.  This should be no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.  Drain afterwards.

2.            The Ficus isn't ‘choosy’ when it comes to its lighting conditions.  It could dwell in either a well-lighted place or a semi-lighted one.  Others prefer to keep their Ficus in shady areas to ensure that it is kept away from the glaring afternoon sun.  Although chemical fertilizers could be allowed, the organic ones are most preferred. 

3.            To be able to gauge the humidity around the Ficus, you can use a humidity tray (which has humidity stones).  In the absence of this tray, you can use simple tray with stones and water.

4.            Always keep the Ficus indoors during the winter season.  Be sure to keep the plant in a well-lighted area during these months. 

5.            The Ficus should be transferred to a different pot every two years.  Re-pot during springtime and make sure that ample water is given so that the roots may grow.  A word of caution: make sure that it is kept in a shady area for a few weeks

These are basic ways of caring for your Ficus bonsai.  What you have is a thing of beauty.  Be sure to have enough time and enough love to care for it.

From Gardenia Bonsai to Bonsai Tree

The term bonsai came from the Chinese word which means a plant in pot.  It was the Chinese who introduced the miniature ornamental trees in the period of the second century B.C.  This was the period of perfecting the landscape and trees were planted in specific containers.

Bonsai are plants that measures around 2 inches up to 3 feet in height which grew from seeds and as well as from cuttings. 

This plant is usually grown in pots or containers which are kept small by pruning the branches and roots to serve as decorations.  There are times that the trees are wired on its branch and trunk to attain a desired shape.

Bonsais live for many years and some families consider as prized possessions.  Bonsai have many varieties such as the gardenia, azalea, bamboo, camellia, pine and even plum.  There are so many styles that you can do with bonsai.  You can have it informal upright, formal upright, cascade, semi-cascade and slanting style.

Professionals with bonsai use specialized tools to mould and create bonsai into different forms such as the pliers, concave branch cutters, root trimmers and shears.  If you want to create your own form of bonsai, there are 12 steps that you can follow.

You must choose first a petite shrub from common varieties of garden such as the azalea, camellia, boxwood, gardenia, cotoneaster, or even hibiscus.  Trim the plant with the use of bypass pruners until a structure is seen.  After that you need to remove the bonsai from its pot and place the root of the bonsai in water.

Decrease the amount of soil around its roots in order for the root ball to fit the said container.  Trim the roots to until two-thirds of the original size are reduced.  The next thing that you’ll need to do is to place a plastic window or a piece of gauze over the drainage hole of the pot.

Then add an inch of mixed potting soil on it then the root ball while spreading gently its roots over the soil.  Put additional soil again to cover the roots but make sure that there is a one inch allowance on top for watering purposes.  Prune the plant on your desired structure.

The last thing that you will do is to water it until the soil is soaked then covers it with aquarium gravel.  Place the plant on a location wherein it can receive a sufficient amount of sunlight.

Bonsai History

The first ever appearance of the Bonsai plant was in China. A thousand years ago, the practice of growing specimen tree inside pots started.

These were referred to as ‘pun-sai’. These plants had rugged foliage and the trunks were often mistaken as animals such as birds and dragons.

Because of these, the Chinese bonsai often inspired the creation of legends and myths. Since the shape is often associated to serpents and dragons, caring for the plant has become an esteemed hobby in China.

Japan adopted the Chinese practice in the Kamakura period. Zen Buddhism was spreading around Asia and this was also the time when bonsai was introduced in Japan.

Over the years, the plants were no longer limited in Buddhist monasteries for the Buddhist monks to care for. They became a symbol of the aristocrats. Soon enough, bonsai symbolized honour and prestige in the Japanese culture.

Later on, the philosophy and ideals the bonsai held were challenged. Bonsai represented the mixture of ancient beliefs as well as the philosophies from the East that harmonizes man with his nature and his soul.

The Japanese elite brought the hobby of shaping bonsai indoors. It became a crucial part of Japanese culture. Bonsais were displayed on shelves inside households. These were no longer plants that were found in the garden. Pruning extended to the smaller trees.

In the 17th and 18th century, Japanese art reached its peak and was highly regarded by the surrounding cultures.

Bonsai became an interesting collection for various races – not just the Japanese. This has established the art form all throughout the other traditions and cultures around the globe.

Bonsai took on different styles. It varies from one technique to another but bonsai artists continue to take on the challenge by introducing a new concept one after another. It resulted to even small buildings becoming an art form. This is the art of bon-kei.

Bonsai exhibitions have been held in Vienna, Paris and London to name a few. This has surely made the world aware of bonsai art and culture.

This phenomenal green movement also increased the demand for bonsai. Bonsai enthusiasts take on the study of pruning and shaping the plant.

Because of the changing times, bonsai has also reflected an evolution in its design to compliment the turns of modern times, as well as the bonsai enthusiasts’ tastes. Add to the fact that the great variety inspired from the cultures and conditions of the countries practicing it.

Buy the Right Bonsai

Going back thousands of years ago, the bonsai plant has a colourful history. The Chinese may have been the first race to prune and shape the bonsai plants but records show that bonsais were seen in Egyptian tombs 2000 years ago.

Records also show that Indian herbalists preserved these prized plants in small containers because of the dwarfish sizes 1500 years ago.

But of course, when talking about the modern cultivation of Bonsai, we often turn to the Chinese practice. They started growing the bonsai plant at a period when the peak was cultural learning.

Later on, the Japanese adopted the hobby and even associated it to their belief in Buddha. Bonsai became a culture and an art for both the Chinese and the Japanese.

When choosing the right bonsai for you, you must be aware that there are two types: the temperate and the tropical.

Temperate bonsai can live in low temperatures, thanks to their shallow roots. It needs protection from the cold though. Examples of temperate bonsai are the maples and junipers.

Meanwhile, the tropical bonsai has difficulty adjusting to cold temperatures. As much as you can, protect it against frost. Examples of tropical bonsai are the ficus, serissa and bougainvillea.

Be aware of the temperature when you’re buying a bonsai. Get one that won’t have a hard time adjusting. If you are thinking of getting a bonsai that will be outdoors 24-7, then get one that can handle it.

If you are getting a bonsai that will be placed inside the house, at least, make sure that it gets the right amount of sunlight and enough water. An indoor bonsai needs more water than one grown outdoors.

Generally, bonsai enthusiasts bought these plants so that they could prune and shape it themselves. If you already have a design in mind, then you should consider this as a factor in deciding what kind of bonsai you’d buy.

Styles of bonsai vary from simple to complicated. But do not worry; there are hundreds of bonsai books you can read. These have illustrated pictures from world renowned bonsai artist Matsahito Kimura.

Whichever style you crop, prune or shape your bonsai, as long as you make sure that the plant gets the sunlight and the water it needs, it will surely bloom and become the plant that you want it to be.

With each bonsai, you’d soon find yourself hooked!

Growing Bonsai is a Cinch

Bonsai trees aren’t difficult to care for. If you have the experience of rearing other household plants, then you’re sure to succeed with a bonsai.

The only difference of the bonsai trees to other plants is they are actually ‘trees’. That being the case, they can be killed even if they are kept inside during the winter.

But if you think that planting a tree in a small container can magically turn into a bonsai, you’re mistaken. It takes continuous shaping and pruning. It also depends on what kind of species you have.

Caring for bonsai is like a stylist caring for his client’s hair. Not all cuts are essential. There’s a particular cut or style that will work better. The same goes out to a bonsai.

Bonsai trees are shrubs and trees. Their heights are stunted artificially tying the branches using wires or pruning the roots. This practice started in China and was later on adapted by Japanese.

Some bonsai enthusiasts go out and get a ready-made bonsai. Others prefer to make their own. What they do is they get seeds or cuttings and dig the bonsai plants themselves.

You can start your bonsai hobby by taking care of a young shrub or tree. We suggest you rear bottlebrush, she oak, crepe myrtle, fig, silky oak and ironwood. Make sure to ask your nursery what are the recommended bonsai for your locale’s temperature.

When selecting a plant, consider the following factors:

- the bonsai needs material which you will work with so get a tree that has branches

- the bonsai’s trunk should be wide, preferably its base

- the leaves should be small

- the branches should start closely to the ground

- the plant must be healthy

Also, the pots must have holes for drainage. Pots that are glazed can be an obstacle for the plant to breathe. You can add your own creativity by choosing a pot for its texture and colour, just as long as it is perfect for the plant you bought.

If you want to be guided thoroughly, in terms of pruning and shaping, there are hundreds of books about the subject in your local bookstores. Some even have illustrations of the works of renowned bonsai artists such as Matsuhito Kimura.

All you need is basic wiring and pruning skills. Soon enough, you will be able to change a rugged and mangy old bush and shrub into a well-shaped bonsai you can display in your centrepiece. Or if it’s a bonsai tree you spent hours pruning, it can be the centre of your garden.

Basic Care for Indoor Bonsai

How do you describe an indoor bonsai? Is it a bonsai tree grown in a greenhouse, or one that is grown inside your house, or an outdoor plant that was brought indoor every winter?

Regardless where they are grown, bonsai trees have the same requirements. Although they are miniaturized trees, like any other tree, they need adequate sunlight exposure which is the primary concern for an indoor bonsai.

Most indoor bonsai trees come from species that are indigenous to subtropical or tropical regions. The plant should be placed in a well-lighted area of the house where there is enough light, usually near the window.

Since it is the nature of the plant to seek where the light is coming from, it is important to rotate the plant so that the branches will grow equally and become easier to train.

Although these trees can be grown and trained indoors all year round, it is advisable to bring tropical bonsai trees outdoors during summer and be kept strictly inside the house during winter.

Some people don't realize that the natural light entering their house is still not enough to stimulate the plant to synthesize its required energy. If you lack sufficient light for your bonsai, you can supply this need by placing a fluorescent lamp over it.

The lamp should be about six inches above your plant. You can use an inexpensive twin forty watt bulb. To augment sunlight especially during winter, turn on the lamp for 12 hours.

Meanwhile bonsai trees that are produced from temperate species should be kept in a period of dormancy every autumn in order to survive. They should be kept in a cool and strongly lit room.

Another vital element of basic care for indoor bonsai is water. Knowing how often you need to water your plant is very crucial. You can determine if your plant needs water by scratching the soil using your finger.

If it is still moist, then it doesn’t need water.  You can also plant a wooden stick in the soil and leave it there. To know if you already need to water your bonsai, pull the stick and check whether it is moist or dry.

Water your bonsai tree overhead. Allow the water to be absorbed by the plant for a few seconds before pouring another splash of water.

Giving your bonsai plant fertilizer is the third important part basic care. You can give feed in a schedule by following the manufacturer’s directions. You may start fertilizing when your bonsai is actively growing to augment its increasing needs.

Follow these tips in taking care of your indoor bonsai. Choose a species that can easily be grown indoors.

The Perfect Bonsai Tree for a Newbie

Bonsai trees can be quite challenging to grow and maintain especially if you are a beginner and know nothing about them. However, there is one particular favourite bonsai well suited for neophytes that is the Jade Bonsai.

Also known as the Small Leaf Jade or Elephant Plant, this succulent plant is native to South Africa.

The Jade tree bonsai develops more quickly than other types of bonsai. It has a very extensive trunk and can grow up to 3 to 4 meters in the wild. Because it is succulent, it has a great capacity to hold water in its thick leaves, branches, and trunk, meaning it doesn't need often watering compared to other types.

The lovely tree is easy to maintain and it looks great. While the plant is young its bark is green but it eventually turns reddish brown to slate gray as it matures.

It has fleshy leaves that have a blue-green colour and produces bunches of star-shaped pinkish to purple flowers during autumn. Its thick and slender trunk and branches make beautiful cascades. The Jade Bonsai is beautiful as a home or office ornament.

Although the Jade Bonsai is easier to maintain unlike the other types, it still needs proper tailored care. Being a tropical plant, it can't tolerate very cold climates. So if you live in a cold region, it is best to keep it inside as an indoor plant.

Meanwhile if you are in a warmer area that is full of sunshine, the plant will do better outdoors. You should still water it regularly but be careful in adding too much water. Just remember to keep the soil moist.

Like in any other bonsai, pruning and shaping is part of its care. Pruning is needed for stronger truncal growth and for reducing the leaf-size.

Reducing the trunk encourages new growth from the wound after a week or two. Be sure to pinch gently on the trunk and branches since the Jade tree is soft and delicate.

The Jade tree responds very well to wiring and can be contoured in new shapes within three to four weeks. Be very careful in wiring because the branches can snap if they are bent too much.

Because the branches become turgid when full of water, be conservative in watering the plant prior to wiring it so decrease the chances of snapping it.

Your Jade bonsai also needs re-potting every two years. Done early in spring, it is important to dry the soil fully before re-potting. Then, place it in a shady place until you see new growth. After that, water it as usual.

Indulge in the Vibrancy of A Japanese Maple Bonsai

Engaging in the art of Japanese bonsai is a great way of exhuming and challenging your creativity. However, with a great number and variety of plant species, selecting a subject for bonsai can be daunting and confusing. One great candidate for bonsai is the Japanese Maple.

A native to China and Japan, this tree which is officially known as the Acer palmatum is the most commonly seen maple in gardens. Resilient and easy to grow, it is a perfect choice for bonsai because of its fragile ferny foliage, dense dimensions, and brilliant autumn shade which may range from beaming gold to bright blood-red.

When grown in wild, it can be a large and towering tree but with proper pruning, it can turn out to be a wonderful rock garden miniature or an interesting small tree with varying leaf shade, sizes, and shape.

When you have finally decided to go with Japanese Maple, choose one that has a trunk with at least four inches in diameter. This will give you the liberty to train your bonsai in different styles.

However, if you are thinking of giving your tree an Apex or Taper style, then you need to get a Japanese Maple bonsai with 1-2 trunk chops. You can easily get this affordable bonsai and enjoy its magnificent parade of bright red and dazzling purple foliage.

Once you have chosen your Japanese Maple bonsai, you are now ready to engage in the challenge of cultivating and turning your tree to look its best. In order to do that, you need to know and provide its proper care.

First, a Japanese Maple bonsai needs adequate sunlight early in the morning but should be kept under shade the rest of the day especially on sunny days.

Don't expose it to direct summer sun because its delicate foliage can wilt and turn brown and crumpled. Second, you also need to water it daily but its container must have drainage to prevent the roots from rotting.

Keep moisture in the soil by frequently watering it. Third, depending on the manufacturer of your fertilizer, fertilize your bonsai every 3-4 weeks using a slow-acting organic feed.

When you have just re-potted the plant, wait for two months before feeding. You should stop giving feeds for 1-2 months during the summer.

Fourth, regular re-potting should be done every year for younger trees and two to three years for mature trees. Last, prevent your plant from pests and diseases like aphids and mildew.

A Japanese Maple is a wonderful bonsai to have. It can satisfy your creativity as it can be styled in a variety of ways. So get one and enjoy!

How to Take Care of Your Juniper Bonsai

Rapidly growing and responsive to training, you can quickly see the fruits of your labour when taking care of a Juniper Bonsai. 

This non-flowering and evergreen conifer have long, sprawling branches that can easily be styled to almost anything except the broom.

Considered as one of the most popular forms of bonsai, the Juniper has numerous varieties which include the Japanese Garden Junipers, Shimpaku, Chinese Junipers, Green Mound, just to name a few. 

Easy to manage, the Juniper can both grow indoors and outdoors, but it must be kept outside during winter for it to experience the dormant stage. By following this guide of proper care for Junipers, your tree will flourish and will not experience any difficulty while growing.

•             Water your Juniper like most bonsai. Before watering your plant, check the soil by sticking your finger about half an each in the soil or if it is on a rock, lift it and feel the soil under it.

If the soil is still moist, limit the amount of water that you’ll pour on your bonsai to prevent root rotting. It is a general rule to never let you bonsai go dry for a long time. Although there are bonsai that prefer short dry periods, keeping your bonsai dry for extended periods will surely kill your plant. 

When watering your bonsai, allow the soil to absorb the water first before pouring another one. Eventually, you will soon be able to determine a schedule depending on the climate of your area.

•             Your Juniper will need filtered sunlight. Avoid exposing your bonsai to direct sun.

•             It is also important to use fertilizer on your Juniper. Use organic liquid fertilizer and feed your plant once every two weeks during spring and fall. A chemical fertilizer can also be used but it should be diluted. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.

•             Your Juniper should be re-potted every two years when it is still young or about 5-6 years old then every 3-5 years thereafter. Although it can be re-potted in any time of the year, the best time is during spring or fall.

After re-potting place it in a cool and shady area and give liberal amounts of water until new roots appear.

•             Provide it also with proper winter care by keeping it under cool temperatures usually under 600F to allow it to rest. Avoid exposing it to dry winds and extreme cold temperatures by using window wells, mulch beds or enclosed unheated rooms.

Following these instructions properly will help maintain your Juniper bonsai healthy and always beautiful. Read more about Juniper bonsai and have fun with your plant.

Masahiko Kimura: The Bonsai’s Magician

Bonsai as a pastime has become a modern day hobby ever since it started as a Japanese pastime in the Tokugawa period. Bonsai enthusiasts collect various kinds of bonsai and grow it in their garden. They can even bring it inside their homes in little containers.

World renowned Bonsai artist Masahiko Kimura has earned acclaim not only in Japan but in various parts of the globe because of his work.

He has won numerous accolades including the Prime Minister Award in 1988, 1995, 2000, and 2001. He also won the Minister of Education in 1999.

Now, Kimura’s artistic works on bonsai plants are often photographed. With permission, his works are uploaded online. By checking out Kimura work, you will notice how detailed his designs are. He sometimes sets the bonsai on stones. Later on, you will see that even the stones were part of the entire canvas.

In fact, Kimura’s award-winning works have been published in various books, one of which is “The Bonsai Art of Kimura” written by Katsuhito Onishi. In this 175-paged illustrated book, a bonsai enthusiast gets a glimpse of Kimura’s step by step process in styling bonsai. They get a peek in why Kimura is called “The Magician.”

Kimura’s contribution to bonsai as a pastime is that he presents multiple possibilities on the styling of bonsai and he concretizes it by showing to his audience that it can be done.

Because he is known as the best bonsai artist alive, Kimura often attends conventions and exhibits that concentrate on the art of growing and cultivating bonsai. He also performs live designing of bonsai, sometimes with his contemporaries such as Ernie Kuo.

The bonsai convention they both attended in 2000 that was held in Dallas remains to be one of the most interesting conventions due to the fact that two master bonsai artists were there onstage.

In these conventions and exhibits, Kimura motivates other bonsai enthusiasts that turning the vision of how the bonsai should look like can become a reality even when there is limited time.

With bonsai as his magic trick, The Magician Masahiko Kimura contributes his knowledge to bonsai enthusiasts and shares instructions based on his experiences in growing, cultivating and designing bonsai.

By offering his audience a taste of the pleasure in designing bonsai, Mahahiko Kimura has shown that bonsai is a relaxing hobby that anyone can do. By merely investing in a bonsai plant and reading a couple of books about the subject, anyone can design a bonsai in the very way he wants.

John Naka: Legendary Bonsai Master

John Yoshio Naka was born on August 16, 1914 in Denver, Colorado. He and his family returned to their native Japan when he was eight years old. Having his grandfather as his constant companion, he observed as his elderly shaped and trimmed the trees.

When he was nineteen years old, John took up landscape design. He learned the fundamentals in the relationship of nature – trees, space and stone. After completing his education, he pursued further studies by attending a prestigious art school in Japan.

Because of the building war in Japan in 1935, his father feared that John might be deployed. John was sent back to Colorado to live with Sadao, his brother.

He settled down by marrying Alice Toshito Mizunaga in 1936. They had three sons: Eugene, Robert and Richard.

The family moved to Los Angeles in 1946. Here, John worked as a landscaper and concentrated on Japanese gardens. Striking a friendship with Sam Doi, John Naka was encouraged to read books about bonsai techniques.

His first work was the Montezuma Cypress. It was a 36 inch tall five gallon plant that was grown in Southern California. Years later, this plant continued to grow at the exact height. Tree also produced small cones two times.

At this point, John Naka was noticed as a bonsai artist. Together with for other friend, Fumiko Nagata, Ai Okumura, Joseph Yamashiro and Morihei Furuya, Naka started the Southern California Bonsai Club.

From local teacher, Naka went on to become a national teacher in the art of bonsai. He attended symposiums where he was the guest speaker in the 1970s.

Some of his works were published in newspaper articles and on the “Bonsai Journal.” Here, he illustrated step-by-step the transformation of a juniper that is grown in a nursery to the centre of a bonsai garden.

Then Naka conquered the global scene by visiting various countries and also educating bonsai enthusiasts on his art. His collections of bonsai art have been viewed countless times. They have been published in countless books as well.

John Naka once said that he regarded his works as his grandchildren. That is why his interest and passion on bonsai can be seen by all.

The National Bonsai Foundation is a non-profit corporation which elected Naka as one of the honorary advisers to the foundation.

Through the years, Naka has also become legendary in the sense that he has buildings named after him. As a matter of fact, a workshop room is named after him who they regarded as the “Father of Popular Bonsai.”

Rearing Serissa Bonsai

Serissa is a tiny evergreen shrub that can grow 50 cm tall. It was first spotted in Southeast Asia, amidst damp and moist open woodland.

The leaves come in opposite sides. Funnel shaped flowers are often produced by the Serissa bonsai especially during the summer. Thus it earns the nickname “tree of a thousand stars.”

There is a wide variety of Serissa that is currently being cultivated targeted to bonsai enthusiasts. They are commonly found throughout Europe, especially in Britain. Serissa is famous for being hard maintenance especially to bonsai newbie’s.

They have the tendency to drop their leaves, sometimes even turning yellow, when the proper growing conditions aren't followed.

Since they come from a subtropical location, Serissa bonsai has to be grown at a temperature that is below 7 degree Celsius. Indoor cultivation is highly suggested when the bonsai enthusiast is considering of growing Serissa.

It important that the Serissa tree also gets a couple of weeks outside so that it can get the day and night temperature it needs.

Just remember to bring it indoors when the temperature drops right below 7 degree Celsius, be it day or night. You have to look for a bright position for your plant. Make sure that it isn't too sunny.

For some reason, serissa bonsai don't like to be continuously wet from watering. They prefer that their roots be moist instead. Thus, the watering process of a serissa bonsai is by checking the dry compost once in a while.

Water it thoroughly but don't drain it too much. It is alright to water the Serissa bonsai on a daily basis but check if the plant requires misting.

Remove the serissa’s suckers by styling the trunk in such a way that it becomes multiple. Prune one or two leaves of the bonsai in order to shape it properly.

If the Serissa bonsai is yellowing, it is prone to diseases and pests. By properly placing the bonsai on a moist and well-regulated place with the right temperature, then there is no need to worry because the right humidity can help keep diseases and pests away from the Serissa.

If you are wondering what the proper way to style a Serissa is, wonder no more. Any style can do as long as it can grow its small or medium size – which is 50 cm tall.

Because some Serissa tend to have think trunks, get a pot that is shallow in order for the plant to appropriately grow in its container. For aesthetic purposes, you can also get one that has a decoration.

Your Tropical Bonsai Options

A tropical bonsai grows at a climate that has warm temperature all year round. It gets the lukewarm moisture. A rain forest is said to have a tropical temperature. But places such as Australia, Mediterranean and southern United States can also be tropical locations.

Now, a tropical bonsai can grow in any condition wherever your home is situated in. As long as the plant can produce a stem and be pruned once-in-a-while, then a tropical bonsai is the best plant that you can get.

Here are some tropical bonsais that you may consider getting if you are residing in an area that has a tropical climate:

1. Azalea

It is easy to prune. It only needs bright and filtered sunlight set in damp moisture. For bonsai newbie’s, this is the perfect plant to start from.

2. Bougainvillea

This is a flowering vine that has thorns but very easy to prune. All you need is the right amount of sunlight. Design the bougainvillea in a cascade style bonsai.

3. Black Olive

These have dark tiny green leaves. The stems, like the leaves, also have thorns. They are very easy to prune as well. Like the azalea, they need bright light that is filtered and just the right amount of moisture.

4. Boxwood

They have small waxy and oval-shaped green leaves that are easy to prune. Make sure that the roots are also cut regularly. They need bright light.

5. China Doll

They have fragile and delicate leaves. They have to be grown in a moisture soil that gets bright light but no sun.

6. Fuschia

Aince this is a trailing plant that is often grown outdoors, pruning must be done in a cascade bonsai style. It required cool temperature as well as indoor light that are bright.

7. Hibiscus

A wood shrub that has tubular flowers and must be grown in damp moisture.

8. Oleander

This is also a flowering shrub but be very careful because its leaves are poisonous. Never eat it!

9. Poinsettia

Often associated with Christmas, this plant has colourful bracts. They are also easy to prune. They just need damp moisture and bright light.

10. Pomegranate

A shrub with pointed oval leaves and red flowers, this plant produces fruits. They need the right amount of sunlight.

11. Sageretia

A plant with oval leaves and white flowers, their blue berries are quite attractive. They need indirect sunlight. During the winter, they require the damp moisture.

12. Tree of a Thousand Stars

This bonsai has tiny leaves and white flowers that come in singles or doubles. The need damp moisture, high humidity and direct light.

What Is A Bonsai

When you hear ‘bonsai’, the first image that comes to mind is a miniature tree. Aesthetic miniaturization of trees that are grown in the containers is an art practiced by Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

For the Chinese, it is ‘penjing’, for the Korean ‘bunjae’, whereas for the Japanese, the term is ‘bonsai.’

The Chinese were the first to grow miniature-size trees in containers. They started doing so around 200 CE. This is how herbal healers transported medicinal plants.

The practice spread to Japan during the Heian period. Landscape gardening was given importance during the Tokugawa period. Maples and azalea were cultivated by the wealthy for a pastime activity.

The term used at that time was ‘hachi-no-ki’ which means “a tree in a pot.” Bonsai was used in the Meiji period during the late 19th century.

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

The slant style bonsai is like the straight trunk of any upright trees. The apex extends to the right or the left of the base.

The formal upright is similar to a straight and tapered trunk. This is as opposed to the informal upright that has curves and bends with the apex usually found on top of the roots.

The raft bonsai is considered to be a phenomenon because it takes place after a tree is toppled from natural force or erosion. The branches then expose the edge of the trunk. Roots grow from these buried portions.

A literati is when the trunk line is bare and there are minimum branches on a somehow contorted trunk.

Cascades are models of trees that grow on the side of the mountains and the water’s surface. The tip or the apex of a cascade bonsai reaches underneath the lip of the pot.

Finally, a forest or group bonsai is a group of trees that grow altogether in a pot. These are usually of a similar species.

Bonsai are classed according to their sizes. There are styles and techniques associated to the shito and mame bonsais. These are the bonsais that are grown in pots as small as thimbles.

The bonsai enthusiast must know that the smaller the size of the bonsai, the greater the care he must exert. The miniature sized bonsai often requires special attention.

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

Caring for Wisteria Bonsai

If you are cultivating a Wisteria bonsai, your primary goal is to let it flower. This is done by following various techniques. Wisteria will not bloom if it hasn't reached a specific age. The normal age for it to bloom is ten years.

In the mean time, you can prune the shoots that have been developed and cut it to five to six inches against its trunk. Just leave 4 to 6 leaves on a shoot. This will encourage the flowering of the Wisteria bonsai.

Pruning must be performed when the flowering season has passed. It is also suggested that it be pruned thrice before the fall season comes. When it is mid-winter, cut the spurs to four inches and leave three buds.

After repeatedly pruning the Wisteria Bonsai, you will have to double the effort during winter. You have to control the growth of the bonsai especially at this time because it is more vigorous than normal.

Let it produce a vast amount of leaves and flowers. By repeatedly pruning it, the foliage will be more compact and you will see that the flowers it produces will be more colourful.

You can also re-pot the Wisteria bonsai as soon as you see the first sign of flowering. Provide your Wisteria bonsai with the right food and set it in a low nitrogen area. This is to let the Wisteria take in the nitrogen it needs.

If it gets too much, it tends to overgrow in foliage instead of flowering. You can control this by choosing a fertilizer that is specific for a Wisteria bonsai.

Wisteria bonsai has the ability to withstand as much rain and sun. Nonetheless, you will have to protect these from the wind. Wisteria is one of the top bonsai an enthusiast can consider growing.

They also need more water compared to other trees and shrubs. The key is keeping it moist as often as possible especially during the summer.

You can put it in a container and water it from time to time. Dry the tray out after watering so that the roots wouldn’t drown. If the soil bottles up with too much water, then the root is waterlogged.

Train your Wisteria bonsai in various styles that you prefer. As long as the flowers are cascading, then watering the plant won’t be any problem whatsoever. You can show off the flowers to your guests when they drop by for a visit.

You must remember to re-pot your Wisteria Bonsai every 2 to 3 years. Use the basic bonsai soil. Re-pot during early spring in order to assist you in the flowering and propagation of the Wisteria buds. 

Enjoy Bonsai cultivating, it is an art and also a money making hobby for serious growers.