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.

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.

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.