Archive for the ‘Bonsai’ Category

Oriental Ficus Coiled is most suited for bonsai training

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

Oriental Ficus Coiled, which is an evergreen tree with a strong trunk and shiny leaves, belongs to the fig family. It is indigenous to South and South-East Asia and is primarily a tropical plant. It is a preferred variety for bonsai training because of features like knotty roots, good branching, and its positive response to indoor conditions. The exposed roots and the strength of the trunk give it an ancient look.

Ficus Bonsai: The Exotic Bonsai

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

There are many different types of bonsai trees, but the ficus bonsai is known as being the most exotic of all. This type of bonsai is ideally suited for growing indoors, which is where in fact it should be kept year round. Growing a ficus bonsai can be a relatively simple and enjoyable task; however, taking regular and proper care of the tree is essential.

The Rules of Tender Loving Care for a Ficus Bonsai Tree

Alaska Cedar is highly valued because of its wood

Friday, July 11th, 2008

The Alaska Cedar, which is commonly known as Yellow Cedar, Alaska Cypress, Nootka Cypress, Yellow Cypress, Canoe Cedar, and Sitka Cypress, is a hardy, evergreen tree that is found in the cold, wet climate of the Pacific region, particularly in the coastal areas of Alaska and British Columbia. It is also found in the Cascade Range of Oregon and Washington.

The tree is tall and slender and grows up to a height of 50 to 100 feet. The slim trunk, which is one to four feet in diameter, makes Alaska Cedar look taller than its actual height. The bark is thin, gray-brown and fibrous and with long fissures while the twigs are stout and reddish-brown in color. The branches fan out horizontally, giving the tree a slightly drooping look.

Living With a Juniper Bonsai

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008

Living with a bonsai is like having a full time job, it demands attention and care or else you will risk killing it before the miniature tree reaches maturity.

The juniper bonsai originates from Japan where it has been grown outdoors mostly in direct sunlight, however traveling over the ocean it has suffered a few modifications. Most other parts of the world, having four seasons during the year, could not keep the juniper bonsai outdoors during winter. At that point gardeners carried their trees indoors and thus, a whole new trend and life started for the juniper bonsai.

Five Design Considerations in Creating a Bonsai Garden

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

A bonsai tree, bonsai literally meaning "tree in a tray", has become a serious hobby for some enthusiasts. For others, caring for a bonsai garden is a reflection of lifestyle. This mirrors the harmony and connection between the human soul and the creative power of nature. To maintain this balance and connection it is important that when you create your bonsai garden that you also capture this flow of nature. Let's see what five elements are essential features within a bonsai garden.

Natural Look

What You Didn't Know About the Chinese Elm Bonsai

Friday, March 28th, 2008

The art of bonsai sculpting is ancient in Japan. The bonsai plant itself is not usually a dwarf plant, but instead is usually an ordinary tree or even plant that's been pruned and trained for a certain miniature effect that is pleasing to the artist.

Chinese elm bonsai are plants native to East Asia. Normally, the Chinese elm can grow up to 60 feet tall. It can be either an indoor or outdoor tree. These are great plants for those who are just starting to explore the art of bonsai because they have a very predictable growth rate and pattern, so if you do make a mistake, you just have to wait a while and the mistake will grow out - sort of like a bad haircut!

What is an Indoor Bonsai?

Friday, March 14th, 2008

There are many different kinds of bonsai trees, and the indoor bonsai is the one with the most mystery surrounding it. This is because the name itself is deceiving; there is actually no such thing as an indoor bonsai, as all bonsai are naturally outdoor trees and therefore are better off and most often cultivated outside. Indoor bonsai trees can actually not survive if left indoors, which explains the confusion.

Why Can't an Indoor Bonsai Survive Indoors?

Controversy Surrounding the Maple Bonsai

Friday, February 1st, 2008

The maple bonsai has always been a favorite among people who love bonsai. There are two main species that are adopted for this purpose and these are the Japanese Maple and the Trident Maple. The maple bonsai is a preferred species because they are hardy plants and can produce exceptional results.

What's Special About the Maple Bonsai?

There are a lot of plants that are grown as bonsai. However, the maple bonsai is a favorite for many because they age quickly; they shape easily and overall help in creating masterpieces in no time.

Guide to Azalea Bonsai Care

Thursday, January 10th, 2008

Bonsai trees have become more and more in demand in the past years due to their exotic look and beauty — having a miniature tree, plant or flower in your home adds sophistication and class to any dcor.

The Azalea Bonsai

The azalea bonsai is by far the most popular choice today. A very colorful flowering bonsai, it originates from China and has many different sub species. It blooms in the springtime in vivid, breathtaking colors. The most important part of owning it is, of course, the tender loving azalea bonsai care.

Germinating Your Bonsai Seed

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

When the bonsai tree, a miniature tree in a tray, was first introduced into Japan there was only one type of tree used. Obviously, this one tree was created from one type of bonsai seed. Today, there are over 250 types of trees that can be selected for use as a bonsai tree.

There are many positive benefits received from caring and nurturing for a bonsai tree. One such advantage is the aesthetic appreciation of nature as represented by these miniature works of art. Another is the calming and soulful feeling that arises within the enthusiast's heart and mind as they care for the bonsai garden. What better way to capture the entire process of the bonsai tree experience than to create this tree in a tray from a bonsai seed?

Flowering Plum is a free growing ornamental tree

Tuesday, November 13th, 2007

The Flowering Plum is a broad term used to refer to a range of plum trees that are both native and introduced and can be found growing in valleys and low slopes across the US. They can even be seen by the side of roads and fences, especially in those parts of North America where the soil is moist and is made of clay, loam, and sand.

The Flowering Plums are largely grown for their ornamental value, though some species are also known for their juicy fruits and jellies. They grow easily and can reach a height of nine meters.

Bonsai Trees: The Apple Bonsai Tree

Monday, October 29th, 2007

Bonsai trees are popular, but a large number of people are unaware that you can grow a bonsai fruit tree — this is actually a standard fruit tree that has been trained to grow miniature. These bonsai fruit trees do produce actual edible fruit, only in smaller sizes than a standard fruit tree does. The apple bonsai tree is one of the most popular; other common choices include lemon, tangerine, fig, peach, lime, and cherry.

Where Can I Find an Apple Bonsai Tree?

Snowbush is a shrub whose leaves are prettier than flowers

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

Snowbush is a rounded tropical shrub that is 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 7 feet wide. It has highly colored foliage that makes it a favorite with gardeners. The stems are bright red, while the papery, variegated leaves are rose, white and green. Since the leaves look like flowers, the plant is commonly called leaf flower.

Snowbush can be used as a hedge or as a shrub border and can also be grown indoors. If it is not pruned, it takes the shape of a vase. A good thing about Snowbush is that its branches are flexible and can be draped over small walls. It has green petal-less flowers that are put into shade by the bright the leaves. It produces red berries that are three-quarters of an inch wide.

Hawaiian Umbrella Tree make a pretty bonsai

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

The Hawaiian Umbrella Tree is a favorite of all bonsai lovers on account of its thick umbrella-like miniature leaves which form a dense, green canopy. It looks even more glorious during late winter and early spring when it blooms with pretty, red flowers. Sometimes, the flowering takes place in early May.

It is one of the easiest bonsais to maintain because of its sturdy nature and easy adaptability. However, it is prone to insects and disease, and should be regularly checked for pest attacks.
It prefers natural light and when taken indoors starts shedding leaves. This is not a signal of sickness but an indication that the tree is acclimatizing itself to the change. The leaves sprout once the tree gets adjusted to its new surroundings.

Ligustrum makes the best hedges

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

Ligustrum is a small, evergreen shrub that is used for making hedges that are popularly known as privet hedges. It is native to Japan, Korea and China, though now it is common in the Southern and Western parts of the United States. It has white flowers in the summer and small blue-black berries in the fall, some of which have medicinal qualities.

Different species of this plant make good landscape plants. They look especially good when clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers bloom in late spring. There are several varieties of Ligustrum that grow under different soil and weather conditions. The more popular ones are:

The Beauty of a Bonsai Tree Nursery

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007

Flowers and plants bring joy, color, and a lot of relaxation to our homes. Bonsai have always been sought after but many hesitate to try their hand at growing the tiny trees, since they don't know how to care for the plants at home.

Understand Your Bonsai

A bonsai is a miniature tree, plant, or flower grown in a pot; the idea originated in China somewhere around the fourth century. The love for bonsai traveled quickly throughout Asia and today the whole world enjoys the intricate techniques and beauty of bonsai in their own homes.

The Basics of the Jade Bonsai

Friday, September 14th, 2007

The art of bonsai sculpting is ancient throughout all of Japan. The jade bonsai, which is originally from South Africa, is an evergreen succulent, which means it looks a little like a glossy cactus without any spines.

These bonsai need to have regulated temperatures since they are basically a cactus-type plant, so they should be grown indoors, but it can be beneficial for your plant to be placed outdoors during the summer in warmer areas. When your jade bonsai is kept indoors, it needs to be near a natural light source, such as a sunny windowsill; although they can live in low-light conditions, this will result in stunted growth and larger leaves.

Selecting the Right Bonsai Tool

Tuesday, August 28th, 2007

Perhaps you are looking into the bonsai tree hobby or have already begun on this road of enjoyment; these sculptured miniature trees gracefully adorn your home, adding to your family's appreciation of and wonder for nature. In addition, the loving care you provide in nurturing, trimming, and sculpting these bonsai trees can add to your personal peace of mind and spirituality. The proper tools will only enhance your enjoyment; there are five essential pieces to the basic bonsai toolkit.

Basic Considerations

Hinoki Cypress can easily be turned into a bonsai

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007

The Hinoki Cypress is a tall tree that grows up to 50 to 75 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. It is an elegant tree with dark foliage, reddish brown bark and flattened branches drooping at the tips. Of all cypresses, this one is most suitable for growing as bonsai if its spiraling leaves are wired properly.

The Hinoki Cypress can endure cold climate but is sensitive to frost and drying winds and needs protection. It also requires good light to keep its inner branches healthy.

The Beautiful Juniper Bonsai Tree

Thursday, August 16th, 2007

There are many different types, species and varieties of bonsai trees. One of the most beautiful varieties is the juniper bonsai tree. Juniper can be found in all corners of the world and it would surprise you to know how many times you've seen one in your neighborhood without even realizing it.

Flaky Juniper

There are different varieties of juniper bonsai tree but two are probably the most common types out there. The first type is known as flaky juniper bonsai tree. This type is native to China and the Himalayas but can be found all the way from Afghanistan to southwest China.