Fine Gardening

There are always amazing people who have a “green thumb”, and everything they are in close proximity to seems to grow as if they have been fertilized with something miraculous.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the “green thumb” attribute, and for these people who love these miniature trees, the artificial Bonsai trees are the only solution.  This article covers these simulation trees and identifies the advantages of the artificial Bonsai trees.

Advantages

The artificial Bonsai trees have many advantages for those people who are horticulturally-challenged and tend to kill any type of living plant.  The artificial Bonsais never need to be watered, owners do not have to remember to prune them or find that perfect place with just the right quantity and brightness of light.  The artificial Bonsai trees bring beauty to the home without requiring the routine maintenance of their live sisters.

Materials

The artificial Bonsai trees are made with a variety of materials.  Many of these contain a metal rod, clay, or fiberglass as the inner core of the trunk; some are actually made of natural materials such as maple, or birch.  To meet the durability of the tree, as well as obtain the variety of foliage that should be available, silk is preferable, but other synthetics and polyester are also used.

Styles and Shapes

These look-alike artificial Bonsai trees are obtainable in every conceivable style, species, or shape; there are as many varieties as are available in the living Bonsai trees.  For example, artificial Bonsai trees may be the typical Juniper, White Seriss, Chinese Elm, or Bougainvillea, but they can also be azaleas, cherrys, crabapples, or Japanese maple.  The style is only limited to the imagination and the types of artificial leaves and flowers.

Containers

There is a greater variety of containers for the artificial Bonsai trees because the tree doesn’t require soil, water, or fertilizer.  These can be placed into terracotta, plastic, ceramic, clay, glass, metal, or any material providing a high-quality, realistic appearance.  These can be placed on stands, tables, or even furniture in an area that receives little illumination; and it is best for the material that they are not in direct sun.

Flexibility

Some connoisseurs of artificial Bonsai trees want the ability to change the shape of their beauties; therefore, the material of which they are made must be considered.  The artificial Bonsai trees that are made of plastics and clay are generally quite flexible allowing the limbs to be repositioned; however, those made of metals or wood are more rigid and can not be arranged according to the owner’s preferences.

Cleaning

Even though these are reproductions, there are still some cleaning and caring aspects that must be considered in order for their appearance to stay fresh and beautiful.  One requirement is to keep the tree dust-free and without direct sunlight, in order to avoid fading.  It is recommended that dusting be done with a dry cloth, to minimize discoloration and fading of colors. With minimal maintenance requirements, these make wonderful gifts.

One of the most beautiful and rewarding hobbies is that of growing Bonsai trees, and the juniper tree are perhaps, one of the most popular of the varieties because of its lush greenery and ease of growth.  Juniper Bonsai trees are the most beautiful of these miniature trees.  This article provides tips on choosing the perfect tree, repotting, maintenance, styles, and landscape techniques.

Selection

The first thing to consider when purchasing Juniper Bonsai trees is the placement, since it is highly recommended for best results that it receives approximately four hours of direct sun every day.  Once it is in the perfect location, when purchased, the tree will thrive for a long time. The tree should be between three and seven years old.  Most gardening centers that carry Juniper Bonsai trees have an expert in crafting the trees, that novices find a long, difficult, and tedious process.

Repotting

Normally this variety of tree only needs to be repotted every two to three years, and it is recommended to repot it at the beginning of spring.  When the plant is removed from the dish, trim the root ball to about one-half inch, with the mass being removed from the bottom and the sides.  Replant the tree ensuring well-drained ordinary garden soil and place in a shady area for three to four weeks, and feed with liquid fertilizer.

Maintenance

Pruning a Juniper Bonsai tree is done when new growth is an inch long.  To prune them, nip the branches about one-half inch back by applying a slight tug using your fingers.  This process is continued throughout the summer and into the beginning of fall.  These trees are dormant during the winter months; therefore pruning would be unnecessary, and they should also be kept indoors in a cool, but not freezing room.  It needs little sun, sufficient water, and no wind.

Single Trunk Styles

There are several styles of Juniper Bonsai trees that look amazing and have one trunk.  One style is called “chokkan” which means upright, and is considered the most complex style for pot selection and pruning of branches.  Another style is the “shakan” which is more slanting and easier for the novice.  Another common style is the “kengai”, or cascade, where the trunk dips below the bottom of the pot.

Multiple Trunk Styles

Sometimes, Juniper Bonsai trees are planted with more than one plant in the dish.  For example, the “soju” style, called the Wedded arrangement because it has one trunk somewhat below to the other. “Yộse” are groupings of threes with up to nine trunks, different heights, and of different calipers.  Another is called the “Kộrabuki” style which has the appearance of a tree in which the branches have all grown on one side.

Landscape Techniques

A delicate and beautiful dish is just the foundation of the art of Bonsai.  Along with the Junipers, many times included in the pot are rocks, moss, miniature figurines, even grass and other perennial flowers.  All techniques provide an interesting diversity of the art, beauty, and customs of Bonsai.

Growing an Indoor Bonsai trees is an art form providing a gorgeous plant for the home.  Bonsai is actually two words that translate to “tray planting” because they are grown in a shallow dish. Bonsais require care, and when feeding and watering is done properly, these trees will survive a long time.  This article identifies a smidgen of history, tips for caring for the marvelous indoor bonsai trees, as well as varieties that will provide loveliness for the home.

History

Most people think indoor Bonsai trees were perfected by Japan; but they showed up in China in 700AD, in India about 1500 years ago, and small trees were found in Egyptian tombs.  These trees are kept tiny by wiring the trunk and branches, and continuing to prune the roots and limbs so that they have the appearance of a mature variety of the tree.  The greatest accomplishment is considered to be achieved with a perfectly sculpted miniature Bonsai tree.

Watering

Indoor Bonsai trees require a minimal amount of care; most importantly proper watering.  Many people think that watering the Bonsai tree once a week is sufficient, but that depends on the amount of humidity in the air, as well as the indoor temperature.  It is very important to ensure the tree does not get completely dry; however, over-watering should be avoided as well.  Also, the temperature should not drop below 50ºF.

Feeding

Since these indoor Bonsai trees are grown in small dishes, they contain a minimal amount of soil; requiring feeing on a consistent basis.  Typically, the trees are kept healthy and beautiful if they are fed nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash during the spring through fall months.  It is also recommended that chelated iron be contained in the fertilizer; however, the same fertilizer should not be used with each feeding, and foliar feeding is also recommended.

Considerations

There are several items to consider when selecting an indoor Bonsai tree.  For example, determine outside temperature consistently dropping below freezing, persistent humidity, altitude, time required to attend to the plant, size, and price of the plant.  There are so many varieties of indoor Bonsai trees available that even the most inexperienced horticulturists can successfully maintain a beautiful tree. Additionally, the container, availability of light and shade, and soil and drainage requirements, should also be considered.

Trimming

Indoor bonsai trees require some trimming and pinching to keep the tree healthy and well-groomed.  Generally, some, but not all, of the new growth should be trimmed back to the safest point.  There are numerous books providing instructions for the best results depending on the variety.

Varieties

Some of the most popular varieties of indoor Bonsai trees include the Baby Jade, Arbicola Schefflera Banyon, Barbados cherry, Bougainvillea Glabra, Brazilian Raintree, Caliandra, Chinese Elm, White Serissa, and Sweet Plum.  Each can be grown effectively in a small dish, most grow up to 14” in height, and several live up to 12 years.  For novices, these are some of the easiest to care for and most appreciated.