bonsai tree care
Juniper bonsai tree care
Although the information below about juniper bonsai tree care is not exhaustive of of all the care needed to grow a healthy bonsai tree it does give you the basics. If you are a beginner we recommend that you buy a good book about bonsai trees and also the proper fertilizer, soil mixture and tools needed to help you in this new hobby. I have provided links at the bottom of the page where you can review what you need to get started. Different from a houseplant, bonsai trees need to be in a free draining type of soil because their roots don’t like to be wet. Plus they are grown in much less soil than other indoor plants and need more watering.
The main growing conditions like temperature, amount of light, amount of soil used, and the changing seasons will determine the amount of water or frequency needed. You can get to know when your tree needs to be watered by observing the foliage, testing the soil with your index finger just below the surface, or just by the weight of the pot. (The drier the tree, the lighter it will feel.) The easiest method we recommend is to use an inexpensive moisture meter which works very much like a thermometer. Insert it into the soil and the movement of the needle will tell you if it is time to water.
Bonsai tree fertilizer and soil mixtures for bonsai juniper trees
As mentioned above, potted trees do not do well in soil that is always wet. Indoor plant potting soil and top soil are heavy soils that can remain wet for weeks. Bonsai soil is a mixture of ingredients which allows the water to drain freely and at the same time, retain moisture. These ingredients allow the roots to breathe air and prevent compaction. There are two basic types of bonsai soil — a conifer mix and a tropical/sub/tropical mix. Before adding any soil mixture, be sure to cover the drainage holes with screening to prevent the soil from washing out of the pot.
Because juniper bonsai trees are grown in less soil, fertilizer or plant food is very important. As a general rule, a small amount of food is given in the spring and a larger amount in the fall. Bonsai fertilizer has three principle ingredients; nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. It is also a good idea to use a fertilizer containing chelated iron. Water before fertilizing your tree and then apply at half the strength recommended by the brand’s manufacturer. I recommend that you buy bonsai tree fertilizer that is made just for these types of tiny trees.
Growing a miniature juniper bonsai tree
No one single technique or method is adequate to make a tree small. The fact that the tree is grown in a small container or pot, the trimming, pruning, repotting and other care given your juniper tree contribute to its limited growth. Dwarf trees are found in any natural environment, but in the art of bonsai this environment is provided artificially. All bonsai trees are grown in shallow containers the size of which determines the amount of soil the roots are able to grow in. This growing environment restricts the growth of the roots which then restricts the size of your tree.
Many people that want to buy bonsai as a gift or beginner bonsai think of very tiny indoor trees. Although a 10 or 15 inch full grown juniper is a very small tree, you may enjoy growing and taking care of these very tiny juniper bonsai trees.
The three trees pictured here are under 7 inches tall and quite unique. They are ideal for growing on your desk or as a table centerpiece instead of using flowers. They are the first three on the catalogue page here at the greenhouse.
Here are the tools and supplies that you should have for basic juniper bonsai tree care.
- Decorative pots and containers for garden plants and bonsai trees. Go here to View all
Japanese pottery.
Review pruning tools on this page. Cutters, trimmers, wire, root rake, moisture meter and tool case.- For all plants, it is important to have a humidity drip tray. They are the finishing touch to your bonsai tree or plant.
- Bonsai fertilizer helps to provide nutrients and vitamins for your tree to grow to its full potential.
- plant and tree potting soil – Its unique properties help provide free passage of air and water to root systems while significantly reducing soil compaction.
elm trees
Recommended Indoor Bonsai Chinese Elm Trees
One of the most popular indoor bonsai is a bonsai Chinese elm tree. Reason is they are an easy tree to grow and care for. In fact they are a recommended indoor tree by the biggest grower and nursery in the country,
bonsaiboy.
Chinese elm have tiny small evergreen leaves and excellent branching characteristics. If you want a tree that looks very old find one with a curved trunk and exposed roots. Average age of these small or tiny trees are between 7 years to 48 years old.
Size is usually dependent on age and they can range from 7 inches tall to the very old bonsai elm tree that is 3 feet tall. The larger the bonsai tree the bigger the bonsai pot will also be. With all indoor bonsai we recommend that you buy a suitable humidity-drip tray to go with it prices range from 6 dollars to over 30 dollars for the very large plant drip trays.
Elm trees (ulmus parvifolia) between 7 and 15 years old – Trees under 100 dollars
View all information here- This tree is trained in the traditional tiered layered style with a curved trunk. It is planted in a 14 inch by 8 inch by 1 inch thick tall fiber reinforced concrete slab. This elm is 7 years old, 12 to 14 inches tall. Price at nursery is 125 dollars.
View all information here- This tiny tree is only 6 inches tall and has a straight trunk and is a semi-deciduous indoor bonsai tree. It is 7 years old and the price is 39.95
View all information here- This elm is trained in the traditional curved trunk style. The tree is 7 years old and only 8 inches tall, price is 49.95
View all information here- 10 year old tree that is 13 inches tall. The tiered trained trunk gives the appearance of being a very old bonsai tree. Price is $59.95
View all information here-The bonsai pictured here has a heavy trunk with exposed roots and its branches are trained in the traditional art shape trunk style and semi cascade style. Age os 13 years old and measures 23 inches x 12 inches and 9 inches tall. Planted in a green oval bonsai pot. price for this unique tree is $99.95.
Older one of a kind chinese elm bonsai trees
Old bonsai elm trees take years to produce and require many hours of pruning and training, this is why they usually cost more and are rated as one of a kind. You could say that these small ornamental trees are unique elm trees because no two will be alike. Once bonsai elm trees are shaped (wire is used to shape branches and trunks into the desired shape) they will remain that way so you don’t need to do this yourself.
Review small elm trees between 15 and 48 years old
View all information here - Item: k3291 Has small evergreen leaves. Hardy with excellent branching characteristics. Has a tiered, curved, trunk that gives it the appearance of great age. This plant is 29 years old and measures approx. 21 inches x 15 inches and 27 inches tall. Price for this large bonsai tree is $195dollars. It is planted in a 18″ rectangular brown mica pot. It is recommended that you purchased a drip tray with this bonsai.
View all information here -This bonsai elm is grown and trained in the traditional tiered layered style with a curved trunk and does very well indoors. This one is a one of a kind large bonsai at 27 years old. It measures 15″ x 16″ and 26 inches tall and priced low at 295 dollars. Potted in a 15″ brown rectangle mica container. To purchase a suitable humidity tray add $18.95 at checkout.
View all information here – Description; 27 years old and 15 inches x 13 inches and 25 inches tall, price is 295 dollars. Potted in a 13″ brown, rectangle, mica container. A suitable humidity/drip tray is recommended. To purchase add $16.95.
View all information here- This elm bonsai is one of the old bonsai trees at 48 years. It is also a large tree at 28″x24″x36 inches tall. Potted in a large 22″ rectangle brown mica container. To purchase a large humidity/drip tray add $39.95 at checkout. Price is 595 dollars.
Chinese elm tree care
A Chinese elm bonsai tree is considered the best species for beginners learning how to prune, because it does not require a dormant period its very forgiving.
Elm are often sold as indoor bonsai and as such are acclimatized to indoor growing conditions. Chinese Elms grown indoors or in climates with very mild winters will remain evergreen, whereas outdoor cultivation results in a deciduous tree.
Though Elms should be able to cope with the adverse growing conditions indoors, they are never as vigorous as outdoor trees. To be entirely frost hardy your bonsai Elm must spend the Autumn outside to harden up for the winter. Never place a Chinese Elm that has been grown indoors straight outside during the winter.
Like most Bonsai trees the Chinese elm bonsai trees should be repotted in early spring. Repot after the first year, but not later than the third year. Repotting should occur at least one month before or after pruning. Do not do both at the same time. This is very stressful for the tree and can cause long lasting or fatal damage. New shoots should be pinched back and pruned in the summer growing season as needed to maintain the size and shape desired. Elm bonsai are not affected by Dutch Elm Disease as the beetle requires the volume of wood only available to it in fully grown mature trees.
solar birdbaths
Solar birdbath water fountains a decorative water feature
If you are into birding a birdbath water fountain is a perfect addition to your patio or garden area. Decorative solar powered birdbaths will attract and keep birds around your home longer by supplying a fresh water source. Bird habitats are being destroyed at an unbelievable rate, it’s even worse in new subdivisions where they cut down all the trees.
Place a birdbath fountain near a window overlooking the garden or by the patio so you can see the birds from inside your home. (as long as it gets sun) Bird baths can be hanging, pedestal style or an elaborate cement statue. For all other types of birbath water fountains go to this store and review 100’s of Bird Baths at Garden.com
Solar Powered Birdbaths with Pedestals
The two birdbaths pictured here are solar powered so there is no need for cords and plugs. Just find a sunny spot and away it goes. The water keeps flowing so there is no worry about having to change it on a regular basis.
Smart Solar Country Garden Solar Birdbath
Review price and shipping information here at this store …Description: The Country Garden Solar Birdbath is made of lightweight and maintenance free resin with a weathered stone finish with two turtles on the bowl’s edge. A patented underwater integral solar panel and pump system constantly recycles water from a hidden reservoir through two fountain heads – umbrella spray or bubbling. Included is a vacation insert dish to function as a birdbath during periods of unattended use. No wiring or heated operating costs required; simply install and enjoy! Creates a relaxing atmosphere on your patio, deck, balcony or in your garden. Item Specifications: Product Weight 20 lbs. Solar panel: Voltage 6 V Current 180 mA Power 1.1 W Pump Voltage 6 V Current 130 mA Flow Rate 55 gph
Review price and shipping information at this store…. Description – The Verona Solar Birdbath Fountain with brushed natural copper creates a relaxing atmosphere on your patio, balcony or in your garden. It operated in direct sunlight and has a patented underwater integral solar panel and pump system that constantly recycles water from the hidden reservoir. Has a low voltage water pump with a filter. There is no wiring or operating costs required; simply install and enjoy! Features: Copper solar birdbath Low voltage water pump with filter No wiring, simple to install. Please Note: The birdbath is made of natural copper which will age and patina over time. Certain chemicals can remove any buildup although copper oxidization can enhance the natural beauty of the product.
Bird baths on pedestals or stands are surprisingly popular with all types of birds. A elevated garden fountain provides an extra sense of protection, as birds are more vulnerable drinking at ground level. Flowing water no matter how slow it is, does not become stagnant, which means these water features makes it less likely that mosquitoes will not be a problem.
A 2-inch extender tube can be added or removed to increase or decrease the spray height of the water. If your birdbath remains outdoors where it may freeze simply remove the pump and solar panel for storage and insert the included winterizing plate. This pump does have a filter to prevent build-up but we recommend cleaning it every month or two, depending on the level of build-up accumulated.
small handheld garden hoe
Japanese hoe is a small handheld garden tool that is Made in America
Bully tools hand held japanese garden hoe is ideal for cultivating around tender plants, small small ornamental trees and all container gardens. It’s also an excellent handheld garden tool for weeding, trenching and irrigation in your flower beds and vegetable garden.
With small gardens its easy to preserve the environment by weeding without chemicals, water your plants with less run-off or cultivating, edging, and aerating without the use of fossil fuels. Great little gardening tool for transplanting and weeding around patio container trees and small patio gardens.
For shipping details and more information about this japanese garden hoe which is made in the USA go here, This handheld garden hoe is made in America.
This is a small hand-held garden hoe or weeding tool with a 4 inch head which enables you to cultivate around delicate outdoor bonsai trees and plants without damaging the roots or trunks. The garden tool design is light weight and digs down into the soil without any effort, which makes it easy on the wrist.
Even with the solid steel construction it has a comfortable rubber grip. The powder coated finish ensures that this garden tool wont rust and will look good for many years.
azalea bonsai
Azalea bonsai the perfect flowering bonsai tree for a patio
A Chinese azalea is unlike other bonsai azaleas that bloom in the spring, the Chinzan can bloom frequently throughout the year with one or more pink blooms. Satsuki Azaleas are known for their prized flowers and small evergreen leaves this plant has always been the favored azalea bonsai for planting or container growing on the patio. Satsuki Azaleas are known for their many large 2″ salmon colored blooms which can flower frequently in late spring and summer. The plant pictured here is our top specimen at the nursery.
Click to go to the nursery for more details. These azaleas are 16 years old. The double arrangement is 19 inches by 9 inches and 11 inches tall.
Azalea Bonsai Tree Care
To keep any Azalea bonsai healthy, remove any dead flowers and leaves just like any other flowering plant. You should grow these bonsai in a bonsai pot or container with a drainage system or hole to prevent excessive water from resting on the roots. Excessive water causes the azalea’s foliage and blooms to brown and can promote disease. You should grow these trees in a pot because you have greater control over its growing environment and you can bring it inside when it blooms to add color in your home. Just place it back outside when it finishes blooming.
When the tree has finished flowering for the year remove the yearly growth, this will help its overall structure. If there are any secondary shoots these should be pruned during midsummer. For the best results, please the Azalea in partial shade, protecting it from heavy rain and frost. You can use the same type of potting soil or fertilizer as you would any other bonsai plant in the Rhododendron family that like acidic soil.
More details and shipping information here at the nursery
Unlike other Azaleas that bloom in the spring, the Chinzan can bloom frequently throughout the year with one or more pink blooms. Satsuki Azaleas are known for their prized flowers and small evergreen leaves. The tree you see pictured here is seven years old and stands about eleven inches tall.
Watering will depend on the type of soil mix you are using, the humidity in the air, the temperature. Azaleas like to be around moist soil or at least damp all the time. This doesn’t mean however that you water them everyday. If you are growing your azalea in a pot or container be sure to have a drainage system or hole to prevent excessive water from resting on the roots. Excessive water causes the foliage and blooms to brown and can promote disease. You can explore other outdoor trees for the garden or patio in this section about outdoor bonsai trees. Review other ornamental patio trees here chinese elm bonsai, japanese maple bonsai
If you are shaping your bonsai tree trunk or branches with wire don’t wrap too tight so you do not damage the trunk and bark of your azalea bonsai.
