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Sunday, September 12, 2010

What is your biggest Bonsai question?

Dear Friend,
 
I know that your time is valuable, so I'll get right to the point.

I need your advice!

I'm putting the finishing touches on a new product called "Growing Bonsai for Beginners," and want to make sure that I don't leave anything out.

So, will you let me know your biggest question about growing Bonsai trees? It could be anything... even if you think it's silly.

All you have to do it type your question in the box below and click submit.

It exchange for your advice, if you also leave your email address, I'll send you a free copy of the product before we release it to the market. (Should be ready in a few weeks.)

Ok, here's the easy form:

What is your #1 question about growing Bonsai trees?




Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Move to our new Website!

Come visit us at our new website:

Monday, April 26, 2010

Bonsai Trimming - Do Not Make These Mistakes!


Bonsai trimming is an important factor in keeping your indoor bonsai alive and happy.  Many people make crucial errors when trimming their bonsai which cause their trees to be vulnerable to disease and ultimately die.  In an effort to help you here are some things you always need to remember when trimming your bonsai:

  1. ALWAYS wipe down your tools before and after use!  This is a crucial one that could make all the difference in the world to the health of your bonsai.  Make sure your tools are clean and dry before and after using them for bonsai trimming.  If you don't, fungus can grow and can cause disease in your bonsai.
  2. Keep your bonsai tools sharp!  The goal here is to make the cleanest, quickest cuts to your bonsai without causing it too much stress.  This is why it is important to keep your tools sharp.
  3. Replace any tools which are broken or do not work properly.  If you can't fix them - toss them!  An improper working bonsai tool can harm your bonsai during bonsai trimming.
  4. Never use ordinary household scissors to trim your bonsai!  Many enthusiasts who are new to bonsai make this error and their trees suffer because of it!  Only use tools specifically made for bonsai trimming to get the best results! Here are the essential tools you will need:  BASIC BONSAI TOOLS
  5. Trim a little at a time.  After the initial trimming of your bonsai - let you bonsai rest for a period of a few weeks.  This will allow your bonsai to heal properly and give it the strength to withstand another pruning.  Plan to prune a little at a time to shape your bonsai.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Bonsai Gardenia ~ One Of Japan's Treasures!

Whenever you think about bonsai gardenia might not be quite so recognized in this country, however the gardenia is among the most popular varieties in Japan for bonsai, a few others being pine, azalea, maple, and plum. Bonsai is a unique art form with regards to raising shrubs or trees. A mix of proficient trimming and limiting the plant to a compact tray or container keeps it little. A relatively new tree may be trained to look like a tree that has been growing for hundreds of years.

A bonsai gardenia, require very particular care, just like many other varieties of bonsai trees. If you give the proper care this will result in a bonsai tree that can survive for many, many years. In fact, a well maintained bonsai tree could outlive even YOU! The goal is to keep the tree as natural looking as possible only in a miniature form. Many bonsai enthusiasts believe that a bonsai should look as if it had been plucked straight from nature - never being touched by a human hand. While this is the opinion of some - you still can shape your bonsai however you wish.

PREFERRED VARIETY

One of the unique features of the bonsai gardenia is that it will grow beautiful and fragrant flowers just like a normal sized gardenia. You will not see flowers on other bonsai such as pine or ficus. Although the blooms seem, at first look, to be much larger than they should be - in the end it all appears very natural. Gardenia jasminoides and Gardenia thunbergia are two of the most desired species as they are dwarf varieties of gardenia and produce the most successful bonsai specimens.

WATER AND CARE
Bonsai trees, in general, require more attention than your standard every day house plant. The soil needs to be kept moist (but not wet) at all times. Bonsai can very easily die due to over watering. On the other hand, bonsai root systems are much smaller and can easily dry out if not kept moist. So you can see it is a delicate balance that you need to juggle. The gardenia is hardy in zones 7-9 so your bonsai can be grown outdoors in some places around the country. Remember, you bonsai will still need a good deal of attention even though it is growing outside.


BONSAI GARDENIA SHAPE

There is no particular shape that you need to make your bonsai. Bonsai trees are a reflection of you and the style of bonsai you choose to shape your tree with reflects your own unique personality. Pruning and wiring a bonsai is a labor of love. While you are creating something that is uniquely your own it is important to remember that these trees are delicate and care must be taken in order not to damage a branch or trunk. Once wiring is done - you leave the wire in place for as many as six months to allow the tree to be trained into the shape you desire.

A special note about gardenia bonsai. You should only prune and wire a bonsai gardenia when it is not actively blooming or budding. In fact pruning should only take place immediately after a blooming session as finished. To keep you bonsai small make sure that you not only prune, but that you pinch off new buds.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Zelkova Bonsai ~ Growing Requirements And Tips

The Zelkova bonsai is a well-known variety of bonsai which is particularly well-liked because of its resistant to bug infestations as well as disease complications. This particular aspect helps it be a fairly easy tree to cultivate. However it is primarily the resistance that additionally causes it to be one of the most costly bonsai trees. Probably the most popular shape that you will come across in a Zelkova bonsai may be the broom or Hokidachi style which it is referred to as in Japanese.

The two most in-demand types of the Zelkova bonsai include the Japanese Grey Bark elm and the Chinese Zelkova. The first kind features a vigorous rate of growth. The Chinese Zelkova is a scaled-down variant of the Japanese Zelkova and features a bark which is a brownish or greyish shade.

Raising from Seeds

It is possible to grow this kind of tree from seeds or from a sapling. Because it can be expensive, growing Zelkova bonsai from seeds has become a popular option. You must find a reputable bonsai seed distributor for the best quality. One that I can recommend is Bonsai Boy of NY.




Click here to learn more about Indoor Bonsai Seeds

Watering and Lighting Requirements

The Zelkova bonsai, just like every other bonsai needs sufficient watering. Because it is potted within a compact area, it's going to need watering frequently. Even so, you should not water it too much. The Zelkova would not want wet roots, particularly for the duration of wintertime. Ultimately, it is best to water the bonsai only in the morning hours and then leave it on its own for the remainder of the day.

In the time of summer, you should mist the bonsai with water several times throughout the day.

The Zelkova needs natural light and thus, it should be placed in a spot where it can receive partial or full natural light. Throughout the summer season you need to store it in partial shade to prevent the leaves from getting dried out.

Feeding and Fertilizer

A well-balanced feeding is essential towards the proper development of your bonsai. One half dose fertilizing should be done each 7 days, or a full dose every alternating week. You can use an organic eco-friendly fertilizer on your tree from early spring to fall with no worry.

Bug Infestation and Diseases

A normal functioning Zelkova bonsai is certainly able to fight off a variety of diseases and unwanted pests. Therefore make certain that you don't weaken the tree with frequent wounds and cuts. Prune your bonsai only as needed to avoid any complications.

Potting your Bonsai

Besides each one of these, keep in mind that the Zelkova bonsai needs repotting early on in the spring which really should be performed each year. Having said that, when the tree grows older, you should only repot every few years. The Zelkova has to have deep pots with fertile and well-drained dirt.

Click here for more information about Bonsai Training Pots

Additional Considerations

It is easy to train a Zelkova bonsai to mirror the natural growth of a full sized Zelkova tree. You should employ the use of bonsai wires, strings and sticks to attain this appearance. Small curves may also be formed in the tree by affixing little bamboo terraces to the limbs.

Click here for a tutorial of Bonsai Tools 101

Even so, when using the wires on the Zelkova bonsai, be cautious, since the limbs of this tree tend to be small and delicate.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Growing Bonsai - What the Beginner Needs To Understand

Now there are a number of beliefs regarding growing bonsai trees. There isn't any correct method. Learning to grow bonsai trees really should be an individual experience. A hobby you are able to individualize for you and enjoy.

Those fortunate enough have a professional bonsai grower available to them will get their advice first hand. The rest of us will need to rely on books, guides and also the web to show them. No matter which techniques you learn through, keep in mind that you are handling something which is living. Bonsai trees are each unique and completely different.

If you are looking for a good guide to learn all about bonsai for beginners, you will find none better than this one:




Educate yourself on the various types of bonsai. You have the traditional and the informal. With the traditional, the tree is normally broader along the bottom and tapers upwards. It is the more challenging bonsai style to master. The simplest to master is the more casual style. Here you prune and wire the bonsai to become a smaller sized version of what shows up naturally.

Research the trees or shrubs. Mimic exactly how they grow. You can begin your bonsai from seed or you can buy one which is already started for you. Buying one could possibly be a simpler approach to begin your hobby. Make certain that you purchase your plant from a trustworthy supplier. Beginning with a strong plant offers you a larger possibility of good results.

Click here for more information about Buying Your First Bonsai Tree

Think about investing in a basic starter kit. These will include everything that you require to grow your bonsai. You will need a shallow pot, specialized dirt, environment friendly fertilizer, particular bonsai tools and lastly your tree. Take into account the kind of tree or shrub you want to begin with as well.

Bonsai growing is an extremely pleasurable hobby to engage in. It is really gratifying taking care of these little trees. They require love and attention. After you have the fundamentals down there will be more advanced tactics to overcome. There are always new facts to find out about growing bonsai.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Bonsai Training Pots ~ Picking the Right Pot for your Bonsai

The cultivation of indoor bonsai is simply not for the impatient. These stunning little trees require several years to be designed and nurtured to full maturity. Throughout the whole process, they are going to spend quite a bit of time in Bonsai Training Pots. It is just an aspect of the development that can not be overlooked. In the initial stages, your trees will be in nursery containers. These are the containers bonsai trees typically are encountered in when you buy them or receive them as a present.

Quite often, the nursery containers are not really durable and are manufactured from plastic material. This is absolutely not the type of container anyone desires as the final home for his or her treasured indoor bonsai trees. Bonsai training pots must be tough considering that this is where the process starts of shaping these intriguing trees.

During the time of pruning and shaping, the containers are likely to be handled frequently, and as a result keeping the growing trees in flimsy pots is not really sensible. The two most popular materials for training pots tend to be tough plastic material or earthernware. It makes sense for beginner bonsai growers to work with good quality plastic material training pots that can easily stand up to some damage.

Bonsai growers who have been developing their skills for quite a while generally be sure that they have a good range of training pots handy. This really is helpful for whenever a pot breaks or cracks unexpectedly and is additionally used for regular repotting, which typically takes place every few years as part of a normal maintenance regimen for most bonsai.

One of the most crucial things concerning bonsai training pots would be that the shape you choose will determine how the development of the bonsai will progress. The curve of the bonsai will not be established during the time that the bonsai is repotted from the training pot to its ultimate pot. By that point the shaping routine has long been concluded. Plenty of work goes on through the training phase and bonsai training pots are usually regarded as the workhorses of bonsai pots. The developing and trimming is carried out all through this phase, combined with wiring and rewiring.

For this reason bonsai training pots need not be beautiful works of art. As soon as the bonsai are set to ultimately be repotted straight into its permanent home you will start considering good looks. This is the phase when bonsai growers start looking for the most suitable bonsai pots which will display their final product after many years of effort.. This really is when color, decoration and style of bonsai pots are determined.

You can find great bonsai training pots from Bonsai Boy of NY. I have listed a few below that should get you started. Remember to pick a sturdy one that is large enough to house your indoor bonsai tree for a few years.

Ceramic Bonsai Pot 
Glazed Oval - Beige<b>10.0
Ceramic Bonsai Pot
Glazed Oval - Beige10.0"x8.0"x3.5"

Professional grade with matching tray
10.0"x8.0"x3.5"










Ceramic Bonsai Pot - 11.25" x 8.0" x 3.0"
11.25" x 8.0" x 3.0".
Brown Rectangle.











Ceramic Bonsai Pot - 7.5" x 7.5"
7.5" x 7.5".
Tan, square with colored etched floral design.






Sunday, February 21, 2010

Indoor Bonsai Seeds - Where to Find The Best Seeds

Growing indoor bonsai seeds into your own bonsai tree can be a very rewarding experience! It can also be a very frustrating experience if you do not get your seeds from a reputable company.

The cultivating of bonsai trees after having grown them from seeds calls for a lot of patience and care. With the proper care and attention you can watch your seeds grow into your very own indoor bonsai tree. The trees grown from seeds are very delicate and it is only through a lot of dedication and love that they will flourish and grow. It is a rewarding experience to see the fruits of your labor come to life all starting from one little bonsai seed that you planted.

Where To Find The Best Indoor Bonsai Seeds

Bonsai seeds can be purchased through numerous gardening shops however among the finest places is Bonsai Boy of NY. In 1993, well before an average joe heard of the internet, Bonsai Boy made an internet site that has broadened through the years in order to meet the requirements of their customers. These people keep their prices lower by hiring absolutely no outside help. Being a highly successful family run company, they take great pleasure in offering special attention to every single detail of each and every order.


Acquiring Bonsai Seeds Only Through Trustworthy Companies

It is crucial that you get your bonsai seeds through trustworthy companies or else you could end up getting low quality bonsai seeds. High quality bonsai seeds are required to grow a blossoming bonsai plant and when choosing the shops to buy your bonsai seeds, value and price consideration are as vital.

Companies have their particular suppliers. The source where they get the bonsai seeds from can affect the quality of the bonsai tree. Investigate the history of the business you choose to buy from by viewing their about us page. Go online and do a search on the company name to see if you can find any reviews from previous customers.

To grow a great bonsai plant, the quality of the indoor bonsai seed plays a significant part as bonsai cultivation requires lots of care and patience and getting the entire process correct before you begin could save you lots of trouble. Here are some of Bonsai Boy of New York's indoor bonsai seeds that you can choose from:

Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree Seeds
Japanese Black Pine Bonsai Tree Seeds
Propagation instructions are included with each packet.







Trident Maple Seeds
Trident Maple Seeds
Propagation instructions are included with each packet.







Yezo Spruce Seeds
Yezo Spruce Seeds
Propagation instructions are included with each packet.







Japanese Red Maple Seeds
Japanese Red Maple Seeds
Propagation instructions are included with each packet.







Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Growing A Bonsai Tree Indoors | Beginner Tips & Tools You Will Need

Growing a Bonsai tree indoors can be a rewarding experience even for the most novice of gardeners. Bonsai are not only beautiful but also bring an element of peace to the inside of your home. The art of growing indoor bonsai, for beginners, contanins many factors to be considered and tools to be purchased. Here are a few tips to help make your first bonsai growing experience a successful one.


1. READ ABOUT INDOOR BONSAI
Prior to beginning your bonasai tree planting, it will be vital that you learn and read some information about bonsai first. You do not need to be an expert, however growing bonsai does require that you know some important points first. You can read points here in my blog or, if you are looking for a book resource I would suggest you pick up a copy of Bonsai (101 Essential Tips). This book provides many great tips and was a great resource for me when I was just beginning to grow a bonsai tree indoors.


2. PURCHASE BONSAI TOOLS


Many Bonsai specialty stores will try to push tools on you that you really don't need yet. It is because of this that I wrote a blog post about how to pick Basic Bonsai Tools For Indoor Bonsai . Please click through to the link for a guide to exactly what tools are essential to begin growing indoor bonsai.


3. PICK THE TYPE OF BONSAI


If you are not sure about what type of tree would make a good beginner bonsai tree you aren't alone. It is important that you pick a hearty plant that can withstand the errors you will make. You can read about what plants make the best indoor bonsai for beginners by clicking here:  Buying Your First Indoor Bonsai Tree


Hopefully these tips will help you to begin enjoying the beautiful art of growing bonsai trees indoors. Here are some more resources that may help you on your journey: