The Ultimate Guide To Bonsai Tree, Including Instructions On How To Cultivate And Maintain Your Collection

The majority of us are familiar with the appearance of a bonsai tree, but only a few of us understand how to cultivate and care for one properly. In this guide on bonsai trees, we will provide you with comprehensive ideas and guidance on how to develop and care for a bonsai tree to have a fantastic appearance and survive for a very long time. Maybe even more so than any of your other flowers and plants. You'll find below all of the critical information you need to start with bonsai trees, regardless of whether you're familiar with the world of bonsai trees. And uncover a wealth of new concepts in the process!

Let's find out what goes into maintaining a bonsai tree, shall we? 

What Exactly Is A Bonsai Tree, Anyway?

People refer to it as a "Bonsai tree" regardless of its form, size, etc., which brings up an interesting point. The fact that there are wide varieties of bonsai trees, which we shall discuss in just a second, makes this point even more intriguing. Bonsai (with a capital "B") is the art form used to maintain and develop these many species of trees, and this is the one thing that all of these diverse trees have in common. To replicate a tree on a small scale, this art form from East Asia depends on growth processes that are very delicate and accurate. A bonsai tree is a live tree growing in a container, hence its name, which translates as “placed in.”

Growing miniature trees in the bonsai style are intended to serve as a kind of homage and reflection to the breathtaking natural world that we are surrounded by. It is a frequent misperception that bonsai trees are genetically shrunken plants; in reality, this is not the case with bonsai trees. As we will see in the next section, a bonsai tree may be grown from pretty much any type of tree.

Different Varieties Of Bonsai Trees

As was said before, there is a wide variety of bonsai species to choose from. Let's begin with the ones that have the most users.

A Bonsai Tree Is Shaped Like A Japanese Cherry

The Japanese cherry trees known as Sakura are well-known all over the globe, and the vast majority of individuals can claim to have at least seen a digital representation of one. Japan is home to a long and illustrious history of cultivating this lovely tree, known for its delicate pink blossoms and gorgeous bark. During Japanese history's Nara era (710–794), the cherry blossom Sakura tree gained widespread popularity and was even considered a national obsession for a while. Even though the mania finally died down, the period it occurred continues to be remembered with great importance in the annals of Japanese history, as does the sakura tree.

A helpful hint for growers is that the Sakura Bonsai is challenging to maintain and requires precise trimming only once each year, in the spring. The Sakura must be kept moist, but this does not mean that it should be submerged in water.

Bonsai Ficus

When this article was written, specialists still could not reach a consensus on the number of sub-types within the Ficus genus. However, that number is undoubtedly somewhere between 800 and 2000. The Ficus Retusa, which has a trunk that is ever-so-slightly curved and dark green leaves, and the Ficus Ginseng, which has a chest that is "fat," are the two species that are the most popular. If you are new to the art of bonsai and want to get started with a plant that is not unduly difficult to cultivate and can even be grown successfully inside, the bonsai ficus is a great choice.

A word of advice for gardeners: Watch where you put it! Because of its extreme sensitivity to frost, this particular kind of bonsai tree can only be kept outdoors during the warm summer months. During the winter, however, you will need to locate a spot that is toasty and warm but not too so. In addition to that, it does not thrive in shaded areas.

Ficus Benjamina Bonsai

The Benjamina Fig is a species of Ficus that makes for a highly intriguing Bonsai. It is a low-maintenance, dwarf form of the plant Ficus that has broad leaves and requires little attention. The roots are robust, and the leaves, despite their tiny size, are pretty simple to trim. It is known as the "weeping fig" because when grown inside, its branches get very long and fall to the ground, suggesting that the bonsai is sobbing. Because it is an evergreen, if you take good care of your Ficus Benjamina, its appearance will remain stunning throughout the whole year.

Both an indoor and an outdoor growing environment are suitable for the Benjamina Fig. To ensure that it receives an adequate amount of sunlight, it is suggested that those who reside in tropical areas allow it to mature in the open air. However, if the climate you live in tends to be particularly cold for extended periods, it is better to keep this bonsai tree indoors since it does not react well to frost.

Growing Tip: No matter where you choose to cultivate the Benjamina Fig, you need to keep in mind to keep the soil wet but not soggy since this might potentially slow down the plant's development.

Juniper Bonsai

Around sixty different subspecies of the evergreen plant Juniper make the Juniper Bonsai another trendy alternative for novices. Depending on the bonsai tree you choose, the foliage on these miniature coniferous trees may resemble needles or scales. Bonsai trees are always miniature versions of their full-size counterparts. The Juniper is one of the few Bonsai plants that thrive best in outside environments, and it requires a significant amount of sunshine. Even if you should bring the Juniper Bonsai outside during the winter, you shouldn't get it inside since the Juniper won't be able to live in an enclosed space.

The several species of Juniper, which are pretty similar to "actual" trees, each have their unique defenses against cold. A shift in tone is inevitable for some people due to this (turning from green to a dark purple-brown). But there is no need to worry about it since they will become green once again in the spring.

Growing Tip: Before you water the Juniper Bonsai again, let the soil become a little bit dry and this is because the Juniper Bonsai does not perform well in too damp or soggy ground.

Japanese Maple Bonsai

The Japanese Maple Bonsai is a stunning example of the bonsai tree genre. Throughout its lifetime, the bark of this bonsai tree changes from a vibrant, dark green to a silvery grey color. The palm-like appearance of its leaves is reflected in the tree's scientific name, Acer Palmatum. These leaves often have five distinct lobes, which resemble fingers. These lovely Bonsai varieties bloom during May and June, and when they are fully grown, their dainty green-yellow blooms just drift down to the ground. Growing this particular bonsai requires a little more time and work, but the results are well worth it. Japanese Maples are highly thirsty bonsai trees that need to be watered every day (even multiple times on hot days).

Growing Tip: The Japanese Maple likes to bask in the sun, but you should move it into the shade during the "peak hours" of the day or when it's sweltering outside. This will shield it from the damaging effects of the sun. The Japanese Maple is hardy enough to withstand low temperatures and light frost, but it must be protected from severe frosts.

Bonsai Apple Tree

The question that's probably running through your head is, "can you grow an apple tree in a tiny container?" Apple trees can grow in containers, so the answer is "yes.". You will be able to pick apples from the bonsai apple tree that you have displayed on your coffee table. Those interested in cultivating bonsais have another excellent choice available to them in the Bonsai Apple Tree, which creates a breathtaking scene, particularly during the warmer months of the year. In the summer, it will have thick leaves that are a deep green colour, and it will be covered in charming and fragrant pink and white flowers. After the blooms have died off, the tree will start producing green fruit, ultimately ripen into full-fledged apples. This particular bonsai style is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rather useful!

A helpful hint for growers is that while the Bonsai Apple Tree may be grown outside, it works best in conditions that provide a careful balance of sun and half-shade and are not too cold. You may cultivate the Bonsai Apple inside; however, you must ensure that it receives enough sunshine at all times of the day.

Oak Bonsai Tree

The Oak Bonsai is a form of bonsai that is intriguing and incredibly attractive. Some of the evergreen varieties of this bonsai may even produce acorns distinctive to the species. It is a robust tree with thick branches covered with multi-lobed leaves, which give it a bit of an odd aspect. The leaves also give the tree a little of an exciting appearance. Even though it has good resistance to frost, the Oak Bonsai still has to be protected throughout the winter months. This is one of the many excellent things about this kind of bonsai. The majority of bonsai varieties do well in cool but not freezing climates. Many oak species exist, but the European Oak and the American White Oak are by far the most common ones.

A helpful hint for growers is that although oaks like consistent irrigation, they cannot always tolerate wet soil. Be careful to only water it once the soil has become scorched before doing so. Don't over-water!

Ginkgo Bonsai (Ginkgo Bilboa)

You've probably heard of Ginkgo Bilboa since it's such a common ingredient in many self-care products, including health smoothies, creams, and other lotions and potions. So, this tree provides the raw material for that chemical. The Ginkgo Bonsai is one of the oldest bonsai forms, going back approximately 270 million years. It is a deciduous tree, which means that it loses its leaves yearly (as opposed to an evergreen), and it is also one of the oldest sorts of trees. It's an exceptional bonsai with fan-shaped leaves that widen as the plant gets older. The majority of us have been used to the routine that it follows. This tree's formerly vibrant green leaves gradually transform into a muted yet stunning golden color before dropping off in the fall.

A helpful hint for growers: the Ginkgo Bonsai is a bonsai that can only be grown in the open air and throughout the year. It can withstand frost, a common occurrence for bonsais, but it should be kept out of the worst conditions possible.

Bonsai With A Japanese Winterberry

It would be a shame to discuss the wide varieties of bonsai without at least mentioning the captivating Japanese Winterberry Bonsai. This bonsai is a unique sight, even for experienced bonsai growers, and it deserves to be mentioned. The female bushes of Japanese Winterberry produce relatively tiny and bright red berries. These berries have a long shelf life (you may still have some of them the following spring) and form an intriguing contrast with the grayish-white bark that covers the tree. But there is a catch: for the Japanese Winterberry tree to produce berries, it must be pollinated by both a male and a female tree. If you don't have both, the berries won't develop.

Growing Tip: The Japanese Winterberry is a form of bonsai produced outside, and the two trees that make up the bonsai need to grow close to one another so they may bloom simultaneously. Be cautious to keep the red berries safe from the birds since they tend to eat them.

Chinese Quince Bonsai

Because of its stunning appearance, we thought it was only fitting to add the Chinese Quince, like the Quince grown in Europe. It produces these quite huge, oval, dark green leaves that, with time, turn yellow and then crimson (the Chinese Quince is a deciduous tree). As a result of the robust bark's tendency to be a dark brown hue, the Chinese Quince makes for an excellent ornamental Bonsai. The dark brown bark produces an alluring contrast with the orange-green foliage. Although the quince fruits may be used in cooking (did someone mention jam? ), it is recommended that you use the fruits of the European Quince instead since they have a more pleasant flavor.

A helpful hint for growing this bonsai is to ensure that the Chinese Quince is kept in a warm, well-lit location. These conditions are essential for the plant to thrive and produce fruit.

Bonsai With A Snow-Rose Bud

There are a few different names for this lovely kind of bonsai. Some people call it Serissa, which comes from the plant's scientific name, while others call it Japanese boxthorn. But "the tree of thousand stars" is, in our opinion at least, by far the most intriguing moniker for this plant. The little, snowy-white blossoms of the Snow-rose, which appear throughout the spring and summer and are said to have a startling similarity to another flower, are where the plant gets its name.

Growth Tip: The Snow-rose is sensitive to frost and low temperatures, so the best way to care for it is to bring it within during the fall and winter months and then back outdoors during the growing season. Temperature changes are not tolerated well by the Serissa.

How To Root A Cutting And Grow A Bonsai Tree From It

Several techniques may be used to cultivate a bonsai tree. Surprisingly, one of the most common approaches is to propagate the plant via cuttings. If you would like to use this method, you will need to own a fully grown bonsai tree from which you can take cuttings. Even while the cutting approach may be practiced throughout the year, the best time to prune and repot your bonsai is when the weather is warm (spring or summer).

• You should start prepping the pot that you want to grow the bonsai in. Choose a pot that is either medium in size or larger, depending on the species of bonsai tree that you intend to grow.
• After that, spread a thin layer of grit or lava rock on the ground around the tree. This will give the tree plenty of space for drainage (to avoid soggy soil, which may rot the bonsai).
• After you have arranged the grit in layers and made it as possible, the remaining space in the container may be filled with specialized bonsai soil (purchasable at most specialty stores).
• Following this, you will want to carefully remove a few cuttings from the bonsai tree already there. It is best to use a fig (or ficus) bonsai when taking cuttings since these types of plants propagate pretty well.
• The cuttings don't need to be huge; instead, they should be little twigs with only a few leaves.
• You should gather as many cuttings as you believe are required, taking into account the size of the container.
• When making the cuttings, you will want to cut the twig at an exact angle of 45 degrees since this is the ideal angle for developing a bonsai tree.
• After that, stick the twigs into the ground about an inch deep and give them a good soaking of water.
• During the "growth stage," which will last for the next several weeks, you will want to keep the soil slightly damp and water the cuttings regularly, but you should take care not to overwater them. After planting, you ought to start to notice signs of development within a few weeks.

Check out this video for an overview of the primary stages mentioned above.

How To Start A Bonsai Tree From Seeds Inside Your Home

Pity on you if you don't already have a bonsai tree to use as a base for your work! Germinating bonsai trees from seed is also a perfectly viable option. Remember that bonsai trees are simply miniature versions of actual trees; consequently, you can obtain seeds for bonsai trees from the trees that already exist in your area or purchase them online. You might run into people selling "special Bonsai seeds," but you shouldn't buy them because a bonsai is just a miniature version of a regular tree, so it doesn't require any unique seeds.

If you attempt to plant bonsai seeds when it is not the appropriate time of year, you may find that the process is more difficult to understand and more complicated. In such a scenario, you need to submerge the seeds in water and then store them in the refrigerator for a few months so that they may experience conditions similar to those of winter. Simply planting bonsais in the early spring is the most convenient option.

• Always use the mix of grit and bonsai soil described in the preceding section.
• Plant each seed in its separate hole, leaving plenty of space between each one.
• You should bury the seeds in a layer of dirt about 1 inch deep and then use your fingers to push down lightly on the earth and compress it a little bit.
• Give the seeds plenty of water during the next few weeks and keep the environment moist.

It is not a question of which method produces better results when cultivating a bonsai—growing one from cuttings or seeds—instead, it is a question of which way is more readily available. Make use of whatever clippings you have available. If not, you might try seeds.

The Very Best Containers For Bonsai

Before you even plant your first bonsai tree, you need to give some thought to the container it will live in since it is an essential part of developing bonsai plants. To properly care for your bonsai, you will need a durable and spacious container, which will help guarantee that your tree can develop to its full potential.

Shear Zen Bonsai Pot

This stunning clay pot in a deep blue color is the perfect container for you to start growing your very first bonsai in. Because of the depth of its hue, it will provide an excellent contrast with most tones of green. It is an ideal substrate for many different types of bonsai, including the Japanese Cherry Bonsai, the Ginkgo Bonsai Bonsai, and the Japanese Maple Bonsai.

Levitating Pot Active Gear Guy Active Gear

This ceramic vessel does create the sense that it is suspended in the air, as its name indicates (using a unique magnetic design). It has a subtle floral design in white, which makes it a perfect complement to the color of any kind of bonsai, not to mention the fact that it is a fascinating ornamental item.

Dahlia Virtue Bonsai Tree Planter Flower

This unique pattern of Japanese symbols is engraved on the bottom of this container, which contributes further to the otherworldly character of your bonsai tree. This bonsai container has a drainage system that was created specifically for it means that your soil will be kept wet without being inundated. This is perhaps the most excellent feature of this bonsai container.

Mica Bonsai Training Pot, Oval Shaped

This mica pot in a dark brown hue looks astonishingly like a real clay pot, but you won't have to spend as much money. It contributes to creating a beautiful habitat in which the roots of your bonsai may flourish throughout the year. The earthy tone of its coloration makes it suitable for use with all varieties of bonsai trees and ensures that it will not fade in any climate.

Decorative Round Plant Pot Shaped Like a Bonsai Tree

This gorgeously colored Bonsai pot is available in various colors, ranging from light pink to dark blue, and it is an excellent choice for cultivating a wide variety of bonsais. Because it is made of porcelain, it feels typically chilly to the touch, yet it is strong enough to support a growing tree. In addition to that, it has drainage and a unique saucer that is resistant to leakage.

Planter For Bonsai Trees Made Of Stone-Resembling Ceramic

Another fantastic product available from Dahlia, this stunning porcelain jar imitates a dark stone nearly exactly, lending an air of naturalism and exoticism to the whole space. It has a hole in the bottom to allow for drainage, making it an ideal container for most tiny bonsai plants, and it comes with the hole already installed.

The Highest-Rated Bonsai Tree Starter Kits

Are you starting to feel a little overloaded by all of this information? Are you unsure if you have a good enough grasp on the information to start cultivating your bonsai trees? You need not be concerned, though, since there are many kits available on the market that have been developed just to get you started. Discover the best ones right now.

The Bonsai Starter Kit By Planter's Choice

This 18-piece Bonsai starter kit is quite affordable. It comes with four bamboo pots and saucers that have been made and a clipper that will enable you to trim the bonsais with the level of accuracy that they deserve. In addition to that, it provides you with seeds for four distinct kinds of bonsai trees, two of which are the lovely Black Poui and the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine. You will also get a highly educational brochure and the little signs you may plant in the ground to serve as a reminder of which is which.

Starter Kit For Growing Bonsai Trees From Garden Republic

A clipper for pruning, four burlap specially-lined pots, and four Bonsai potting soil pods are included in this package from the Garden Republic, which, like the kit that came before it, ensures that you have everything you need to get started with bonsai. You will be able to cultivate four different species if you purchase this kit: a Colorado Blue Spruce, a Brazilian Rosewood, a Black Spruce, and a "fiery" Flame Tree. You will also get markers for each tree, similar to what was included in the earlier kit, and an instruction booklet.

Bonsai kit With Instructions To Grow Your Buddha Tree

This 4-Bonsai kit with a pink motif is a beautiful way to add some color to your home, and it comes in the color pink. You will be able to grow Japanese Maple, Wisteria, Black Pine, and Judas Tree bonsai thanks to the fact that this set comes fully equipped with four pots, distinctive name tags, clippers, and soil. In addition to this, you will get a Premium Bonsai container and your very own instruction booklet to assist you in planting the seeds. Isn't it cool?

Starter Kit For Bonsai From Planter's Choice

Planter's Choice provides a somewhat more difficult option, with 24 pieces rather than the standard 18 pieces. It comes with four reusable pots, each of which includes four discs of pre-fertilized soil that, when watered, may grow to be eight times their original size. You will also receive premium bamboo markers, a moisture meter, and four different types of seeds when you purchase this kit. These seeds include Rocky Mountain Pine, Royal Poinciana, Blue Jacaranda, and the reliable Norway Spruce. The most significant thing is that in addition to the standard Bonsai clipper, you will also get quite a few other tools for trimming, such as a lovely bamboo rake, a bamboo brush, tweezers, and scissors.

Bonsai Tree Kit With Nature's Blossom Flowers

This fantastic starter's package will offer you seeds for four different types of bonsai trees, including the Pinus Aristata, Ficus Religiosa, Jacaranda Mimosifolia, and the Picea Mariana, which is a unique species. You will also get four compacted soil pods and four biodegradable pots to plant and care for your trees. This package further has step-by-step instructions and plant markers to help you distinguish one bonsai from another.

How To Take Care Of A Bonsai Tree

Let's speak a little bit about how to care for your bonsai tree now that you've hopefully decided on a technique for growing bonsai trees or selecting a kit to grow them from.

Light

If you want to cultivate your bonsai tree inside, you must ensure that it receives enough light. The light level inside a home is often much lower than the light level outdoors, which, over time, may cause a person's development to be stunted. If you want to cultivate your bonsai inside, you should position it in front of a window that faces south to receive enough light. In an ideal situation, you would also complement this with specifically crafted fluorescent lighting beneficial to plants for several hours each day.

Soil

You have the option of purchasing specialized bonsai soil or creating your own. When you are searching for the ideal soil for your bonsai, you should aim for one that has strong water retention capabilities while also promoting drainage (this is why mixing it with lava rocks or gravel is a good idea).

Temperature

Although most bonsai trees can withstand heat well, many of them are delicate and easily damaged by frost and cold. During the winter months, most bonsais need to be kept at a temperature of at least 55 degrees Celsius, and some of them may also need to be kept close to a heat source to retain their hydration. However, this varies quite a little from one species to the next.

Water

Many bonsai owners are guilty of under-watering their plants, which is mainly caused by the fact that bonsais often take up very little soil and dry up pretty rapidly. If the topmost layer of soil seems to be dry, it is a good idea to water your bonsai tree, which is valid for most bonsai tree varieties. The frequency of watering is contingent on the kind of soil and the species of bonsai that you have selected. While some plants need to be watered once per day or even more often, others need watering just once every few days.

Advice: Pay more attention to how the texture of your soil feels than you do to what it says on the label of the package.

Fertilizer

Potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus should all be found in your fertilizer. Additional nutrients like iron, boron, zinc, and copper are desirable additions to the fertilizer. Remember to fertilize your bonsai every few weeks throughout the plant's active growth season (e.g., early spring through autumn). How to Fertilize: If you will use solid fertilizer on your outdoor bonsai tree, place the appropriate amount of fertilizer (check the label) in a cup that will protect it from birds. The cup should have small holes in it so that air can circulate through it. Put the cup so that the rim is facing down and at an angle that is slightly crooked from the base of the bonsai. If you use liquid fertilizer, you should administer it simultaneously to water the bonsai.

Pruning

You should do routine maintenance pruning, cutting away young shoots, twigs, and branches to foster new development. You should do this regularly. The amount of time and frequency spent pruning varies from species to species, but if you want your blooming bonsais to produce more blooms in the summer, it is best to trim them in the spring. While the tree is asleep, you may also undertake structural pruning, which is done only for cosmetic reasons. You can execute this kind of pruning. The procedure of structural pruning, on the other hand, might be rather tricky. Watch the video that we've provided below to get some pointers.

Repotting

Another essential part of maintaining a bonsai is repotting the tree every so often to prevent the extra roots from suffocating the plant and leading to death. Once every two to three years, you should report it in new soil, depending on how quickly your bonsai develops.

Tip: You should first carefully remove the stem from its container, then clip away the outside roots, keeping an eye out for rot.
Before you report your plant, clean the container to seem new thoroughly, and then cover the bottom of the container with fresh soil. When you are finished, plant the tree on top of the new soil layer, and then combine the new soil layer with the tree bed that is already there.

Diseases

A bonsai tree may be afflicted with the following conditions:

Tobacco Mold Or Mildew

On the surface of the leaves, mildew is a fungal growth that may take the form of either a white or black material. Remove the afflicted leaves as soon as possible since mildew can't be fixed once it has taken hold, and treat mold with a moderate pesticide spray because an infestation of pests causes it. Mildew can't be cured once it has taken hold.

The Dark Spot

Because this is a fungus that thrives in damp environments, you must refrain from watering the tree until the fungus has been eradicated. A fungicide should be sprayed on the plant, and affected leaves should be removed as soon as possible and thrown away. This process is similar to how mildew is treated.

Spot On The Leaf

Remarkably similar to Black Spot, except that the spots start out looking white and gradually turn brown. Once more, you should prune away the diseased branches and then apply a fungicide spray to the bonsai tree.

Bonsai Tree Available For Purchase

You can find some excellent bonsai trees for sale if you don't have the time or the patience to grow a bonsai tree from seeds. In most cases, the cost of a bonsai tree will be comparable to that of a growth kit.

Bonsai With A Zen Reflection And A Juniper Tree

The Juniper Bonsai is an excellent option for beginners since it requires very little maintenance on your part. In addition to lending a splash of cheerful color to any space, it is said to bring its owner success and pleasure.

Willow Bonsai Tree With A Dragon

This Dragon Willow root will develop and mature into a beautiful plant that is somewhat droopy and has a color palette that is not as vibrant as that of other bonsai. Aside from the fact that it promotes calmness and tranquility, it is pretty simple to care for.

Hawaiian Indoor Umbrella Bonsai

This stunning tree has glossy and brilliant green leaves, and it tends to grow on mossy soil that is the same color. Your home will feel like it's been transported to the tropics thanks to this plant's leaves shaped like umbrellas.

Golden Ficus Bonsai

The top of this seven-year-old Ficus tree is a gorgeous shade of green, and the trunk is curved and S-shaped. It comes with clear instructions to make maintenance as simple as possible.

Mature Golden Ficus Bonsai Tree

The only difference between this Bonsai Tree and the one above is that this one is ten years old. Other than that, they are almost identical. Additionally, it has a more robust and substantial trunk and a crown of dark green leaves.

Creating A Bonsai Tree From An "Old" Cutting

A bonsai tree is more than just a pretty addition to your home; it's a little touch of magic in a container. If you cultivate one, tend to it, and trim it, you will realize what we are talking about. The cultivation of a bonsai tree, whether from a cutting or seeds, is not nearly as challenging as some may have you believe. You'll look forward to gardening the entire process if you're even a passing interest. To summarise, there is no reason why your bonsai tree should not grow to maturity and have a long-lasting life as long as you care for it correctly and follow the tips and methods that we shared with you. There is no reason why it should not grow to maturity and enjoy a long life.