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Fruiting Bonsai Trees

Fruiting Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Care, Bonsai Species, Bonsai Tree Care Basics, Flowing Bonsai Trees, Fruiting Bonsai Trees

How to Grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai

July 9, 2020

Few plants are as beautiful as the cherry blossom bonsai. This plant has existed since ancient times. Japan is the primary host of these plants since they are popularly grown there. Cherry blossom bonsai are also grown all over the world, so you need not reside in Japan to enjoy all this beauty. If you want to know more about the cherry blossom bonsai, keep reading this article.

How to Grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai from Seeds

If you want to grow cherry blossom bonsai, it is better to use seeds. However, this will result in a longer period of tree development. Ensure that you choose the appropriate type of tree. Note that the kind of tree you choose plays a vital role in planting from scratch. Most trees take approximately 4-5 years to develop a tree trunk of 1 inch with a diameter of 25cm. Therefore, it is appropriate that you make a wise decision regarding choosing the type of tree. For example, statistics show that the Citrus variety does not deliver remarkable performance in Toronto; thus, if you are a Toronto resident, you should avoid choosing Citrus.

It is essential to consider the climate at your home. This is possible if you check the type of trees grown at your residence. You can also opt to purchase online, but remember to go through customer reviews to select the best. 

When you obtain seeds, go ahead and create a standard layer of bonsai soil. After this, place the seeds in the soil, ensuring that there is space between the seeds. Note that this is a long process.

How to Grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai from Cuttings

There are only two ways for you to grow cherries: seeds or cuttings. However, growing cherries from cuttings is the easiest way to go. So, how do you grow cherry blossom bonsai from cuttings?

Before growing cherries using cuttings, you must note that there are two types of cherry blossom bonsai. These are:

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium)

Tart (Prunus Cerasus)

This is the stone fruit family. In this case, to get a duplicate of your tree, you need to grow it from a cherry cutting. You must note that sweet and tart cherries’ transmission is through hardwood as well as semi-hardwood cuttings. During the summer season, try to get semi-hardwood cuttings, especially when the wood is not mature enough and soft. On the other hand, you can get hardwood cuttings in dormant seasons, where the wood is mature and hard.

When you have acquired the plant, make sure you fill your plastic pot of 6 inches with clay, mixing it with ½ sphagnum peat moss as well as perlite. Choose a cherry branch with leaves and about 2 to 4 leaf nodes. It should be below the age of 5 years. Cuttings that you make from old trees should be from young branches that have just developed. During this process, use a sterile and sharp pruning shear to cut 10-20cm from a horizontal angle. After this process, dip the end of your cutting in a hormone for rooting. Use your finger to make a hole, put the end of your cutting into the hole and cover it up. Put a plastic bag over the container. Ensure that the container gets sufficient sun with an appropriate temperature. Moreover, keep the soil moist by using a spray bottle twice a day.

After 2-3 months, remove the plastic bag from your container and examine your cutting if it has developed roots. If there is any resistance, repeat the entire process until the roots fill the whole container. When the roots develop fully, transfer your cutting to a gallon container full of soil. Expose the cherry tree to outdoor sunlight and temperature before you do the transplanting to ensure proper germination. Carefully select your area of transplanting. Dig your hole twice the tree size but not deeper. Remove it from your container and make sure you support the trunk using your single hand. Fill the gap with sufficient soil and water it to do away with air pockets around the root balls, and fill it until you cannot see the roots anymore. Moreover, make sure you level the soil to the ground level.

How to Care for Cherry Blossom Bonsai

  • Repotting Your Cherry Blossom Bonsai

After 2 to 3 years, repot your cherry blossom bonsai. You can achieve repotting in late winter when your plant is not flowering. Repotting allows your plant to develop compact, strong roots.

  • Sunlight Needed for Your Cherry Blossom Bonsai

Cherries require maximum sunlight with reduced wind. During winter, it is appropriate that it goes dormant for three months. Additionally, it should also be kept fresh without frost. Place it in a garage to protect it from frost.

  • Fertilizing Your Cherry Blossom Bonsai

Make sure you fertilize your tree each month once using an organic or liquid fertilizer. You can achieve this efficiently during the period of development. However, do not attempt it during winter when your plant is dormant.

  • Watering Your Cherry Blossom Bonsai

Watering is necessary for any plant. Ensure that your plant gets sufficient water. If you grow your plant where there is direct sunlight, water it well, until water leaks out of the pot.

Conclusion

Based on the above information on how to grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai, you now have a clear understanding of how to plant using seed and cutting. Furthermore, you also know how to care for and maintain the tree. I hope that this information will be of benefit to you in learning how to grow cherry blossom bonsai.

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Apple Bonsai Tree Growing Tips

June 16, 2020

A miniature tree that bears fruit is one of the most beautiful bonsai growing projects. The apple tree makes a perfect fruit-bearing bonsai tree. The tree is well known for its dense form, green leaves, and beautiful fragrant flowers. There is great beauty in watching miniaturized apples blossom on the tree. Unlike some other bonsai trees, the apple requires quite specialized care. So, how does one care for the apple bonsai tree?

How to Care for the Apple Bonsai Tree

These growing tips for apple bonsai are crucial for a flourishing tree. Some of the fundamental care procedures include positioning, watering, fertilizing, training techniques, and disease and pest control. Let’s look at the following tips for growing the apple tree bonsai.

The Positioning of the Apple Bonsai

Positioning plays a vital role in the survival of the bonsai. Since the apple tree is a fruit-producing bonsai tree, a lot of sunlight is essential. While it can be grown indoors, I would recommend you find an exceptionally sunny location for the plant. In USDA zones eleven and twelve, the apple bonsai tree can be grown outdoors in full sunlight or under a shade. The apple bonsai tolerates summer heat well, and it flowers in this season. However, the roots of the outdoor-grown apple bonsai should be mulched for protection against cold temperatures.

Apple Bonsai Watering Tips

Apple bonsai need careful watering, especially during the summer. Since the plant flowers and bears fruits in summer, it will need a substantial amount of water. When the apple bonsai is exposed to the sun, you should water it daily. However, ensure that the soil is not waterlogged; just make the soil moist while watering. Take caution when watering the apple bonsai during its flowering period. The flowers are quickly spoiled by the water, with pollination affected as well.

Fertilizing Tips for the Apple Bonsai

With the small size of the apple bonsai canopy, the plant can barely make its food; hence, fertilizing is essential. Frequent watering can also wash away most of the nutrients in the soil. For the health of the apple bonsai, one should fertilize the plant at least twice a month with special bonsai fertilizers, especially liquid bonsai fertilizers. However, fertilizing should be stopped when the apple bonsai starts to bear fruit. With the winter period comes a slower nutrient intake by the apple bonsai tree. Therefore, one should fertilize the plant once in a month with low- or no-nitrogen feed in the winter months.

Training Techniques for Apple Bonsai

When training the apple bonsai tree, you will need professional skills or help from a professional bonsai gardener. Pruning is one of the important steps in training your apple bonsai tree. You should prune for training during autumn or early in spring. Wiring the bonsai tree is also a good way to help your apple bonsai branches stay in the desired shape. Through this technique, one can anchor the apple bonsai branches, pulling them to new directions as a training process.

Dealing with Apple Bonsai’s Pests and Diseases

Apple Bonsai Tree 1

One of the most common infestations in the apple bonsai tree is mildew. In some cases, mildew may be caused by poor air circulation and excessively humid conditions. Aphids may also appear during the growing season, especially when you are using nitrogen-based fertilizers. To combat mildew infestation, you should spray the apple bonsai tree with sulfur fungicides. Commercial sprays against aphids are helpful in fighting the aphids. In most cases, one treatment for the apple bonsai is enough to keep your tree free from the common pests and diseases.

Flowering bonsai trees like the apple are wonderful for offering fresh new looks in different seasons. The apple bonsai tree blooms with fragrant and lovely flowers as well as bearing small fruits. The apple bonsai tree growing tips discussed above are crucial for optimal care for the tree. While caring for the apple bonsai seems to involve a lot of work, the end product is a beautiful and healthy bonsai tree.

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Bonsai Species, Flowing Bonsai Trees, Fruiting Bonsai Trees, Indoor Bonsai Trees, Outdoor Bonsai Trees

Different Kinds of Bonsai Trees

May 20, 2020

Contrary to popular belief, bonsai trees are not genetically dwarfed. They are just plants grown under certain conditions to ensure that they do not reach full size. They comprise a wide variety of trees. Each tree species has its specific requirements for growth, from cultivation to care. There are different types of bonsai trees. These include the following:

Indoor bonsai trees

Unlike many other house plants, most bonsai species are meant to grow outside. They require ample and direct sunlight to grow and flourish. However, some species can tolerate indoor conditions, which makes them top the list of favorites for house or office decorations. Examples of suitable indoor bonsai trees include the following:

Ficus bonsai trees

There are many species of Ficus trees, but two species are most appropriate for bonsai, as they don’t require much maintenance and care. One of them is the Ficus benjamina, which is a fast-growing evergreen tree. It has lush foliage with fascinating roots.

The other species is the Ficus neriifolia. It is a willow-leafed tree that has thin leaves. These trees also have a substantial root spread.

Umbrella bonsai trees

This is another well-known evergreen bonsai tree. It also has other names such as the parasol plant or the octopus tree. Its umbrella appearance makes it look beautiful in a bonsai pot.

Also known as Schefflera arboricola, the umbrella bonsai buds back on old and worn-out wood. Therefore, these trees require heavy pruning to achieve the desired shape. However, many people do not prefer them since they do not develop an entire woody trunk.

Outdoor bonsai trees

can bonsai trees live indoors

Many bonsai tree varieties need to be kept outside to experience all four seasons. These varieties do not thrive when placed indoors. Care and maintenance practices for outdoor bonsai, including frequent watering and fertilizer addition, are quite different from those for indoor trees. Some of the most favored outdoor bonsai species include the following:

Japanese maple bonsai trees

These trees are highly recommended for bonsai beginners. They do not require much care. They have delicate leaves in shades of gold, red (during autumn), and orange. 

The Japanese maple bonsai tree performs well when grown in sunny environments. These trees are mostly grown outside, but they should be protected from frost or scorching days.

Juniper bonsai trees

The juniper bonsai trees are a species within the cypress family. These coniferous trees are evergreen, with foliage color ranging from light green to dark blue-green colors. The leaves appear needle-like when the tree is young.

Flowering bonsai trees

These are the bonsai species that fascinate almost all bonsai lovers. They are treated and styled using the same techniques as other species of bonsai, making them easy to grow. However, they should be pruned on time and allowed to get enough sunlight in order to produce the desired flowers.

Fruiting bonsai trees

Anyone who has ever had fruit fresh from a tree will tell you that it is much better than anything from the store. However, the space to grow such trees might be limited, and that is where the fruiting bonsai trees come in. Even though the bonsai plant is smaller, it will still produce full-size fruits. They make the perfect solution if you want to enjoy fresh fruit but have limited space.

Bonsai trees are beautiful, bringing nature right into your space. Why not go ahead and enjoy your own bonsai tree? It can be quite easy.

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How to Care For Carmona (Fukien Tea) Bonsai

May 18, 2020

The Carmona, also called the Fukien Tea, was named after the province Fukien in Chinese Fujian. Carmonas are indigenous to China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Australia. More recently these trees have become popular bonsai trees in Western countries. These trees are not recommended for beginners. Cultivation, maintenance, and pruning can prove to be quite difficult, but if you are up for a bit of a challenge, the reward is a beautiful tree.

Characteristics of Carmonas

The Fukien Tea tree’s trunk starts out very thin, which is not typically desired for bonsai growing. With these trees, however, the trunk thickens as it ages, which is perfect for growing a bonsai. Trunks on Carmona trees are light brown in youth, and age into a light gray color. These evergreen trees bloom quite frequently.

Tiny dark green leaves are covered in hairs on the underside of the leaf and white dots on the top. The leaves maintain their shape as the tree grows, and they make thick foliage. When the tree blooms, small white flowers grow. The tree will bloom once a month if cared for properly. As the blooms age, tiny round fruits will appear in red, green, or black.

How to Care for Your Carmona Bonsai

While the specific makeup of soil does not matter to these trees, it is crucial that you provide a well-draining soil. One big problem often found in Carmonas is that the roots are rotting because of soggy, compact soil. Carmonas do not like constantly damp soil; instead, they prefer moist or slightly dry soil. If you notice the leaves of your plant are shriveled up, your tree is likely under-watered. These trees like gentle sunlight, not a lot of direct sunlight.

Positioning Your Carmona Bonsai

Fukien Tea bonsai are indoor bonsai. They will only survive outdoors in very warm climates since they are tropical trees. Place your tree directly in front of a south facing window or wherever it will receive the most light. Any temperatures under 68 degrees Fahrenheit are undesirable. These trees also prefer high humidity, which can be a problem indoors, especially if you use air conditioning or heaters. You can increase the plant’s humidity levels by placing a humidity tray filled with water or wet gravel under the plant’s pot.

Watering Your Carmona Bonsai

Carmonas are quite picky when it comes to water. Constant moisture and total dryness are both undesirable for these trees. Water generously as soon as the soil gets slightly dry. A well-draining soil will help combat over-watering.

Fertilizing Your Carmona Bonsai

Feed Carmonas with an organic, solid fertilizer because their roots are very sensitive. Carefully measured liquid fertilizer can be applied to moist soil instead. Feed during the tree’s growth period, from spring to autumn, as often as the directions suggest.

Training Techniques for Your Carmona Bonsai

These trees take pruning and trimming very well. If a dense branch structure is desired, you can trim the tree regularly. The easiest branches to wire or trim are young, flexible shoots. Older branches are brittle and hard, so use caution when dealing with these branches. Wiring is rarely necessary for Fukien Tea trees, but it can be done.

Common Carmona Bonsai Diseases and Pests

Under proper care, Carmona trees shouldn’t have many health problems. When not properly taken care of, your tree may suffer from scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. Insecticide sticks and sprays will briefly rid your tree of pests, but to really tackle the problem, you must improve the tree’s living conditions. Chlorosis may occur when watering with hard water, but can be treated with iron fertilizer. Fungal infections are very rare.

While not recommended for beginners, these trees are beautiful bonsai trees. Carmona trees need lots of sunlight indoors, but do not like more than an hour of direct sunlight when placed outside. Water when the tree’s soil gets dry, and no more than that. It is acceptable if you go a day or two without the tree being watered. Use an organic fertilizer throughout the growth season, and apply less in the winter. Do not hesitate to prune these trees, as they respond very well to it, but wiring is often unnecessary. With proper care, your tree should be free of pests and diseases and will live a long life!

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Best Bonsai Tree Species

May 17, 2020

Anyone can grow a bonsai tree, with or without a green thumb! Bonsai are trees that are grown in shallow containers to limit their water and nutrient intake. What many may not realize is that what tree you bonsai will depend not only on your personal taste but also what your local climate is.

If you are new to the art of bonsai, don’t worry! We will be breaking down the best deciduous, coniferous, flowering, and fruiting bonsai to choose from. Almost any tree or plant can be made into a bonsai. Growing a bonsai is just what you need to brighten up your home for many, many years!

Bonsai and Your Climate

There are two kinds of bonsai, indoor and outdoor. In order to properly care for your bonsai, you must know what kind of tree you have. The main difference between indoor and outdoor bonsai is the dormancy period, or lack thereof.

Indoor bonsai are tropical or subtropical trees. These trees need lots of light and high humidity. Tropical and subtropical trees do not go dormant in the winter, meaning they do not stop growing to survive the winter. Instead, they grow consistently all year. Growing these trees outdoors will result in fatality most of the time, unless your climate is warm and has high temperatures all year.

Unlike indoor species, outdoor bonsai are temperate, maritime, Mediterranean, and continental bonsai. Outdoor bonsai go into dormancy in the winter to survive and prepare for new growth in the spring. Your climate must be cold enough so that the tree can go dormant, but warm and sunny in the summer.

Deciduous Bonsai

When you think of a bonsai tree, a deciduous tree is likely to come to mind. The leaves on deciduous trees change color and fall off in autumn. The best, most common tree species in this variety are Japanese maples, cherry trees, and Chinese elm. These are all great choices for beginners.

These trees are made to go into dormancy. Their leaves will fall off in the autumn, but don’t worry! The leaves will grow back the following spring. While they may look like they may be dead in the winter, they aren’t. They are simply dormant so that they can survive the winter.

Coniferous Bonsai

Unlike deciduous bonsai, coniferous trees have scale- or needle-like foliage. Their foliage is not shed in the fall, it stays on the tree all year. Conifers include pine, cedar, juniper, and taxus trees. The most common, best coniferous bonsai are the Japanese white and black pine, spruce, juniper, and cypress trees. We recommend more experienced bonsai growers grow these kinds of trees.

Pine and juniper bonsai should be placed outdoors so that they can go dormant. Cedar and taxus trees, on the other hand, should be placed indoors where they can receive lots of light.

Flowering Bonsai

Flowering bonsai trees are some of the most beautiful trees you will ever see. They should be pruned and wired the same as any other bonsai. The fertilizer you use on these trees should contain high phosphorus and potassium contents and low nitrogen. They should be protected from the rain, as the water will cause the flowers to wilt.

By far, the most common flowering bonsai is the azalea tree. Other popular trees include the apricot, bougainvillea, pomegranate, and potentilla.

Fruiting Bonsai

Not everyone is able to grow a full-sized fruiting tree in their yard. The art of bonsai makes this possible! Fruit on these trees will grow full sized while the rest of the tree will be miniaturized. The fruit will be completely safe to eat, and so fun to look at!

Just about any fruit tree can be made into a bonsai. The trees that grow best are apples, pomegranates, lemons, olives, blueberries, cherries, and more! It is best to grow a fruit tree that grows in your area, but any fruit tree that can grow in your climate will do just fine.

There are so many bonsai trees to choose from! Anything that can grow in your climate or in your home will thrive with the proper care. If you are looking for a tree with leaves, deciduous trees are the way to go. Trees with scale- and needle-like foliage are also beautiful, but a little harder to care for. Flowering bonsai are arguably the most beautiful bonsai, but fruiting bonsai are also so beautiful and the fruit that grows on them is edible. You cannot go wrong with any of the bonsai on this list, or any bonsai at all!

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