An Introduction To Indoor
And Outdoor Bonsai Trees
By Lee
Dobbins
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.
About the
Author:
Lee Dobbins writes for
http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where
you can learn more about bonsai trees and their care.
If you're interested in
more bonsai articles, click here -
Bonsai Articles.
Enjoy!
I wish you all the best on your
bonsai adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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