Tips On Growing Bonsai Trees

The art of bonsai is growing trees as miniatures. The term bonsai comes from Japanese origin, meaning growing in a tray. Bonsai projects allow you to apply your own creativity in its style and design. The tree is kept small through careful and meticulous pruning. A local nursery will be a good spot to find a tree seedling. Be sure to inquire about watering and lighting requirements for the tree that you choose.

Any type of tree could be used although there are some commonly used for bonsai. Among those that are mainly used is Chinese elm, Japanese elm, Canadian hemlock, maples, or juniper. Many other choices are available, some being very exotic, including flowering trees. For example, consider wisteria with its fragrant blooms hanging down in a cascading fashion.

Potting a Bonsai Tree

To begin, you will need to select the appropriate pot. Naturally, you will want to find a pot that makes a decorative statement in or around your home. It is equally important that is functional for growing the tree. It should have drainage holes to prevent roots from rotting. Make sure it is deep enough to accommodate the trunk of the tree.

It is best to use an equal mix of peat moss, potting soil and sand. This mixture will provide the best water retention and drainage at the same time. You will also want to have some fertilizer for future feeding to promote growth.

Remove the tree from its original container and brush away any remaining soil. It is best to trim any roots that appear damaged or wilted. Never trim more than a third away from roots; doing so can result in stunted growth. Make sure the roots are completely covered and press soil down firmly with fingers. Water the newly planted tree immediately with lukewarm water.

Defining the Shape and Style

Once potted, its time to explore your creative side and determine a shape for the tree. There are many options to choose from such as slanted, cascading, weeping, twisted, or straight upright. The shaping is done by winding gardening wire or string around a branch and bending it as much as possible to the desired direction.

Trim away excess or unwanted growth but be careful not to trim more than one third of growth at a time. There should be at least two buds left on any branch that is trimmed. The tree will need a month or two of recovery time after pruning. Do your pruning in the spring after there is new growth.

Do not wrap the wire too closely together or it will suffocate that branch of the tree and inhibit growth. Then secure the wire to a stake or a heavy weight placed outside of the pot. Weights can also be used to train branches to grow downward, for a weeping effect, by simply hanging them with string from the branches. Metal washers are handy for this and are economical compared to custom weights purchased from a nursery or plant dealer.

General Maintenance and Upkeep

Inspect the roots every few years and trim the major growth in respect to the size of the pot. As a general rule, take an inch off of the main root and remove two inches from the smaller roots. Give your plant fertilizer every spring and fall.

The miniature trees love humidity more than their larger counterparts; misting daily can help keep them healthy. Never over water your plant. Its soil should feel fairly dry before watering is needed.

Bonsai projects allow you to apply your own creativity in its style and design