Bonsai Trees Gardening Secrets

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How To Grow A Bonsai Tree, Bonsai Garden and Care for Your Bonsai

Bonsai trees gardening and care is a fascinating hobby for millions of people around the world. Bonsai tree gardening and practices originates from Japan and bonsai literally means "tree in a pot" in Japanese.

Bonsai is made small and miniature by special pruning of the roots and branches of the bonsai tree. Bonsai refers to a set of methods and techniques in growing, shaping and caring for a tree with the intention of forming it into a miniaturized tree that bears a natural image of an ancient tree.

Putting a tree in a pot does not automatically make it a bonsai. Creating a bonsai involves continually and sytematically pruning and shaping of suitable species of shrubs to get a desired look.

These are the basic of growing a bonsai tree: 

You start to grow a bonsai tree with a young tree or shrub. Recommended and suitable species of trees include Ironwood, Bottlebrush, Silky Oak, She Oak and Fig. Some bonsai trees are only suitable for certain climates.

You need to consider the following when choosing a tree:

=> Look for a tree with many branches,

=> The tree should have a wide trunk,

=> The leaves of the tree shoud be naturally small,

=> Make sure the plant is healthy,

=> The lowest branches should start close to the ground,

=> To add the illusion of age to the tree, try to find a plant with radiating roots present, and

=> You should have your bonsai equipment available, bonsai pots, wiring, scissors and all.

Shallow pots are good for bonsai trees unless the tree you choose has a thick trunk. The wider the trunk the deeper the pot should be. There should be drainage holes at the bottom of the pot to allow the water to flow out.

It is recommended that you plant your tree in a large flower pot or the ground for a while until it matures. This will help the tree to grow faster and make its roots stronger. You should prune the tree continously to increase the mass of the branches.

When the tree has matured enough it is ready to be styled into a bonsai.

You need to cover the drainage holes of the pot with insect screening or thin fabric to prevent the soil from clogging up these holes when you water the plant. The bonzai is not an indoor plant so you need to pot with outdoor potting mixture. The tree will not be as strong once it has been potted, so style the tree before you remove it from its location.

When you unpot the plant from its initial location, get a stick and loosen the soil from around the roots. Scrape up to a third to a half of the old soil away. Using a pair of scissors, trim the roots that are exposed outside of the existing soil. You can now place the tree in the pot, filling the rest of the pot with your potting mixture.

After decorating the top of the potting mixture with small pebbles, moss or fine bark, you are now ready to style the plant. You can shape the trunk of the tree by using wire. Wind a thin piece of wire around the trunk of the tree and to the branches you wish to shape. Bend the tree gently allowing the wire to hold it in place. The wire can be removed from the tree when the branches do not spring back if the wire is released. With continuous pruning and trimming, your artistic talents will show as the tree matures. You have now created a Bonsai.

Be sure the roots of the bonsai tree are never over-watered. To keep your bonsai as healthy as possible, always use special bonsai soil, which is designed to dry out easier than standard houseplant soil. Even so, remember that because there is so little soil, bonsai trees require frequent small watering. Bonzai must also be fed nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash in the spring and fall. When looking for good fertilizer, try to find one that has chelated iron in it. In addition, it is wise to rotate fertilizer brands since there is a difference in the trace elements.

Last minute suggestions:

They enjoy humidity. For this reason, it is recommended that the bonsai be put in a shallow tray with water. That way, the water can evaporate from the tray, resulting in added humidity to the air surrounding the tree. Then, you should use a flat rock or pebbles in the tray under the pot, giving the bonsai tree something to sit on, up out of the water. Bonsai trees also require sunlight, except when they have just undergone pruning or repotting. If the tree cannot get direct sun from a south, east, or west window, place it outside for several hours each day or select a bonsai tree that can grow in less sunlight.

Growing your own bonsai tree and garden is a very rewarding experience. It helps take away the stress and instills calmness, relaxation and form.

Go ahead start growing your own bonsai tree and remember that practice makes perfect. You can also download Bonsai Gardening Secrets to learn so much more about Bonsai trees gardening and care.

My Personal Recommendation

These 2 are the Best Bonsai Tree Gardening and Care Books I have read.

Bonsai Gardening Secrets





Discover the Step by Step Secrets the Bonsai Masters Use to Create Stunning Bonsai Trees - With Very Little Work


Bonsai Gardening Secrets" is an easy to understand quick-start guide that'll show you how to create stunningly beautiful Bonsai trees
quickly
...even if you're new at it.


In fact, you'll be amazed at how simple it is to create authentic Bonsai in no time flat... even if you're not a "master gardener".


The reason you'll be off to such a fast start...and getting quick results... is that the book is written in nothing but Plain English





Bonsai Care Secrets



There is now an amazing new e-book called, "Bonsai Care Secrets.  It covers nearly everything you need to know about Bonsai Tree Care .  Packed with easy to read material, and over 50 detailed color photos to help you see, choose and select the best Bonsai for your level of gardening...whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this e-book will greatly enhance your knowledge for growing successful Bonsai plants.


Imagine being able to look up with ease some of the most useful information about your Bonsai plants.  Learn how to identify, select, plant, grow, cure diseases, fertilize, prune, revive, wire and train all your Bonsai plants.. Wouldn't that be great?

Origins of The Bonsai Tree and Practices

Contrary to popular belief, Bonsai gardening, practice and techniques originated from China over a 1,000 years ago and not in Japan. It was later developed by the Japanese and made into an art form.

This particular style of growing trees has become popular in many parts of the world, being both a spiritual and artistic form.

Bonsai, pronounced as "bone-sigh" is a Japanese word meaning "tray-planted" or "tree in a pot", which refers to dwarf trees or to the art of training and growing the miniaturized trees in containers. By simply placing a tree in a tiny pot does not make it a bonsai tree. Instead, the overall artistic effect is of great significance in growing bonsai trees. Bonsai are dwarfed through pruning the roots and branches, wiring the trunk and branches, and using other techniques to make the tree take on the look of a mature tree.

More Bonsai Tree Growing and Caring Resources

Bonsai Mastery Secrets
Learn Bonsai Techniques
Bonsai Growing
How to grow beautiful bonsai trees like an expert.
What You Need To Know About Bonsai Gardening
Everything you need to know to start growing your own Bonsai Tree.

More Bonsai

The goal of a bonsai tree is to achieve the desired shape while balancing the above ground growth as well as the root growth. Shaping should begin while the tree is very young, continuing as it matures. Using copper wire on the trunk and branches, the shape of the tree is controlled. However, it is crucial that the any wire used be cut prior to it digging into the tree, resulting in scarring. The entire tree must be kept proportional in size, to include the leaves, needles, flowers, and/or fruit, as well as the container in which it grows. Bonsai can be obtained in a variety of sizes such as miniature, small, medium, and average. The miniature bonsai grow to just two inches in height, maturing around five years. The small bonsai grows between two and six inches, requiring about seven years to train, the medium size grow from six to twelve inches, and the average bonsai reaches upwards of two feet tall, maturing in about three years.

Beautiful Bonsai Pics

hornbeam tree by ripplestone garden
IMG_3616 by AndWat
IMG_3623 by AndWat
IMG_3620 by AndWat
Bougainvillea by Tukang Kebun
Volcano by quinn.anya
bonsai pt. 2 by woolenbag
bonsai pt 4 by woolenbag
bonsai pt 5 by woolenbag
miniature by woolenbag
automatically generated by Flickr

Bonsai Stuff on eBay

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Bonsai Seeds and Cuttings

You can grow bonsai from seeds or cuttings. When growing from seeds, you would find it very rewarding, starting with nothing and turning it into a magnificent piece of art. Using cuttings can take some time to mature but is also rewarding. With cuttings, there are two types for growing bonsai trees - hardwood and softwood (semi-ripe). Hardwood cuttings are usually taken at the end of the current year's growing season but with a growth beginning the following season. Softwood cuttings are usually taken in the summer from the current year's growth but in this case, they should be left alone until new growth appears at which time the trees can be placed in individual pots.

Books on Bonsai Growing and Gardening on Amazon

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Bonsai Gardening Tools

Here are some of the tool you will need for your bonsai gardening.
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More Bonsai Gardening Tools for You

Click on any image for more selection

Bonsai Tree Tool Kit - Joebonsai Apprentice Kit - Long Handle 4 Piece Set

Bonsai Tree Tool Kit - Joebonsai Apprentice Kit - Long Handle 4 Piece Set

This is a great four-piece bonsai tool kit featuring more...0 points

Dallas Bonsai Garden's Japanese 4 Piece Student's Tool Set

Dallas Bonsai Garden's Japanese 4 Piece Student's Tool Set

A Japanese 4 piece student's Tool Set. This set wa more...0 points

Bonsai Tool Basic Set

Bonsai Tool Basic Set

This listing is for 2 pieces of high quality bonsa more...0 points

Heavy Duty Bonsai Tool Roll 10-pocket Bag

Heavy Duty Bonsai Tool Roll 10-pocket Bag

This is a heavy duty bonsai tool roll made of 600 denier more...0 points

Bonsai Tree Tool Kit - Joebonsai Deluxe Apprentice Kit W/canvas Tool Wrap -Long Handle

Bonsai Tree Tool Kit - Joebonsai Deluxe Apprentice Kit W/canvas Tool Wrap -Long Handle

A great seven-piece Bonsai tool kit including roll more...0 points

Dallas Bonsai Garden's Novice Tool Kit - Plus - 9 Piece Japanese Bonsai Tools

Dallas Bonsai Garden's Novice Tool Kit - Plus - 9 Piece Japanese Bonsai Tools

Our very popular Novice Tool Kit plus +++ 3 items. more...0 points

Oval Bonsai Pots with Trays | Three Pack - By joebonsai

Oval Bonsai Pots with Trays | Three Pack - By joebonsai

This is a three-pack of 6-inch Oval, classic deep- more...0 points

Bonsai Tree Care Kit from Joebonsai

Bonsai Tree Care Kit from Joebonsai

Everything you need to care for your Bonsai. Here's more...0 points

Bonsai Wire, 3.5mm, 150 gm

Bonsai Wire, 3.5mm, 150 gm

Our aluminum wire has copper color anodized coatin more...0 points

Bonsai Tree Tool - Moisture Meter - By joebonsai

Bonsai Tree Tool - Moisture Meter - By joebonsai

The single biggest challenge of any Bonsai enthusi more...0 points

Dallas Bonsai Garden's Mini Leaf Pruner

Dallas Bonsai Garden's Mini Leaf Pruner

A great utility leaf pruner. The overall length is more...0 points

Saboten 1218 Pruning Shears

Saboten 1218 Pruning Shears

The heavy gauge, high carbon steel blades are coat more...0 points

Bonsai Tree Turntable 10 Inch -

Bonsai Tree Turntable 10 Inch - "Mighty Mini"

This is a 10-inch diameter Bonsai turntable. Great more...0 points

Bonsai Tree Aluminum Training Wire Three Size Pack From Joebonsai

Bonsai Tree Aluminum Training Wire Three Size Pack From Joebonsai

You don't have to buy a whole roll of wire if you only more...0 points

Bonsai Tree Tool - Concave Cutter Bonsai Tool - By joebonsai

Bonsai Tree Tool - Concave Cutter Bonsai Tool - By joebonsai

This is a Professional Grade Bonsai Concave Cutter. more...0 points

DVD's - Featuring Bonsai Trees

Thriving Bonsai

Thriving Bonsai

The Bonsai Almanac Video Series is unlike any othe more...0 points

Vids on Bonsai Gardening

Bonsai - Working the Roots
by OrlandoBonsaiTV | video info

101 ratings | 32,232 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Bonsai Gardening Buzz

Collection of bonsai trees stolen from York garden
FIFTEEN bonsai trees have been stolen from a garden in York ? sparking a police plea for information. The trees, of various sizes, were stolen from a garden on Willans Grove sometime between 10.30pm on Monday May 21 and 7.30am the following morning.
Finding Balance With Bonsai Trees
Sensing that I needed an activity outside of the daily grind of corporate tax -- perhaps one that would alleviate my increasing stress -- my wife came home one day with a bonsai. I knew nothing of the miniature trees made famous in this country by Mr.
Crawfish boil, bonsai trees, art for kids among upcoming local events
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a live demonstration on how to grow and care for bonsai trees, as well as prune their roots, will be given 2-4 pm at the Katy Branch Library, 5414 Franz Road, Katy. Free.
Eleven Who Care: Mike Porcaro and Ken Ellis bring beauty to Conservatory
Mike Porcaro and Ken Ellis have hands that are as gnarled as the bonsai trees they carefully shape. Both are retired - Mike from 3M, and Ken, was an art teacher at John Glenn Middle School. Both are master gardeners and take great pride in poking, ...

like this lens? have something to share or just want to drop me a note? do it here...

  • darran360 Mar 27, 2012 @ 4:50 pm | delete
    I really love bonsai tree's especially Ficus Benjamina they look awesome! I must admit though i'm not the best at keeping them but i will keep trying :-)
  • JaguarJulie Dec 29, 2010 @ 1:57 pm | delete
    OMG, I seriously think bonsai trees are neat and make great unique gifts! BONSAI!!!!
  • Sylvestermouse Oct 1, 2010 @ 1:37 pm | delete
    I love Bonsai trees because each one is unique and is often a real work of art! Excellent lens. Makes me think maybe I could take proper care of a Bonsai. Awesome!
  • paperfacets Oct 16, 2008 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    Another good work of a lens.
  • vinz07 Dec 20, 2007 @ 1:54 am | delete
    Great..this is awesome..I love floras...I am collecting lots of these....Nice Lens...Keep it up...
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Rajays

I started growing my own as a hobby 5 years ago. I am now very good at it and have a garden full of . more »

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