Seeds: Why They Can Reproduce Cultivars Characteristics

For a short anwser yes. But, it’s like the lottery. Your chance of reproducing the exact characteristic well known are minimal. To be in context, bonsai enthusiast often praise a specific species for it’s characteristics that adpat well to bonsai growing techniques. For example, small leaves and small internodes are quality sougth after.

You can find these specific characteristics present in all japanese black pine’s (Pinus thunbergiana). But some growers have found a certain plant, that as even more pronunciated specific characteristics. From that plant, they have reproduce it by cloning technique such as cuttings or layering. This plant was attributed a name, wich is called “cultivar”.

To continue our example, the common name of japanese black pine is Pinus thunbergiana, but a cultivar would be Pinus thunbergiana ‘yatsubusa’. This yatsubusa is a cultivar of the japanese black being known for it’s short needles and short internodes compare to the general japanese black pines. Another example of a cultivar would be ‘Nishiki Matsu’ which is known to offer a japanese black pine with a cork like bark.

But can growing bonsai from seeds reproduce these characteristics ? Yes and no. We say yes and no, because, you cannot reproduce 100% the same genetics as the known cultivar but you can reproduce another genetic sets that will have the same characteristics, ie: short needles or cork bark. Furthermore, you can produce an even more pronounced dwarf plant, or with leafed tree’s, a new color of leaves perhaps.

Bonsai seeds, as in seeds from a bonsai tree dont exist. Growing seeds from a bonsai tree will not guarantee a bonsai. All seeds are tree seeds since a bonsai is fundamentally a tree. But some tree’s have been found to produce seeds that will mimic the parent characteristic’s. The yatsubusa tree seeds are one of them. Yatsubusa, which is japanese for witch broom, is a genetic disease caused by a fungi. When a tree is affected by this disease, it will produce dwarf shoots, and seeds produce will inherit the disease because it is genetics. Chinese elms, Trident maples and japanese black pines are three known species that have this yatsubusa disease.

Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com, a website with ressource for Bonsai seeds and tree seeds.

Bonsai Tree Care

First and foremost think about the conditions the tree will be in. Indoor Bonsai will generally need to be close to a window or be supplemented with artificial light. A small tray with gravel and a little bit of water under the tree will add humidity around the tree. It may not need to be watered every day but it should be checked daily as the small pots can dry out rather quickly.

Steps in bonsai care

Watering
Watering is the most important part in bonsai care. This is the crux of the art of bonsai. Most Bonsai tree that die are lost due to dehydration, either from lack of watering or from being kept in a low humidity environment (indoors) for too long. How often you should water is a common question people ask about bonsai trees. There is no hard and fast rule prescribed for the same. When the soil begins to dry out water your plant thoroughly until the excess water runs out of the bottom of the pot, signifying you're done. Remember, over-watering is as bad as under-watering, thus all the fuss about getting it just right.

Pots and soil
The soil you use affects rooting, feeding, watering and transpiration, it is where half your tree lives so this is the second biggest consideration in maintaining your bonsai. While the needs of individual species vary greatly a good rule of thumb is 30% grit, 70% humus for deciduous trees, and 70% grit with 30% humus for evergreen-needled plants. Bonsai trees should be fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer once or twice per month during the growing season. However the choice of fertilizer may vary depending on the species you've chosen to miniaturize. Always apply fertilizer when the soil is wet. Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots too, are pruned.

Pruning
A bonsai plant is pruned in two ways viz. branch pruning and root pruning. Pruning of branches is performed in spring. Much, but not all of the new growth is removed. Branches are selected early on as the only branches to be allowed to prosper, while the excess branches are mercilessly pruned off. The main factor in maintaining bonsai is the removal of all but the most important parts of the plant. Bonsai is all about the reduction of everything just to the essential elements. Also Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots too, are pruned. But root-bound plants won't thrive forever in that condition and, indeed, bonsai trees must be re-potted every two or three years to furnish the roots with fresh soil.

Changing the shape of the tree
Bonsai tree wiring is an advanced skill to grow the bonsai into an art form. Desirable branches are wired to control the direction in which they grow. Wiring can do a great deal to change the shape of the plant, but it can also do a great deal of damage to the plant if done incorrectly.

To sum up
This may seem like a lot to do to just to buy a little tree, but it's no different than any other informed purchase, just as you wouldn't buy a fish without having a special home for it you should have a special home for your Bonsai tree.

Rob Mellor owns http://www.lost-bonsai-secrets.com This website helps people find out more about the bonsai tree. Please visit the site for more information on bonsai tree care.

The Bonsai Braided Money Plant Tree

Bonsai trees can be a great hobby and a wonderful way to add interest to your garden or inside your home. They take a minimal of care and the ability to train and prune them can be a great creative outlet. Not all bonsai trees are the same and there are many different types of trees that can be interesting to grow. A favorite for bonsai enthusiasts is the braided money plant tree as it is easy to grow and makes a great indoor plant.

The braided bonsai money plant tree, also known as Pachira aquatica, is a miniature tree characterized by multiple intertwining trunks. Each tree is actually four to five separate trees with their trunks braided together. Its size varies anywhere from 10-18 inches tall. (Full-grown money plant trees can reach 7 feet tall.) The tree is topped with large, bright green leaves that form a tuft at the tip of each stem.

The braided bonsai money plant tree is usually given as a gift, as it is reputed to bring good luck. Generally, the more leaves the money tree has, the better! While it is common to find money trees with five to six leaves on each stem, it is quite rare to find one with seven leaves. Like a four-leaf clover, a money plant tree with a seven-leaf stem is considered to bring incredibly good fortune.

The braided bonsai money plant tree is also a mainstay in feng shui. Feng shui practitioners believe that the braided bonsai creates positive energy for any room that it placed in. According to this belief, you should place your money tree in the “financial” part of your home or office. Each new leaf of the tree will then bring added financial blessing and success.

The Pachira aquatica is an easy bonsai to grow; it is ideal for indoor cultivation. Unlike other bonsai, it is quite hardy. It can thrive for many years with minimal care. It is tolerant of both low light conditions and dryness. All you will need is a little bit of soil to hold the roots. Other than that, brief exposure to sunlight and weekly watering will be enough to make the plant thrive.

The amount of water you give your plant is critical and one common mistake that many beginning plant owners make is over watering. This can actually kill your plant! You want to be sure to water so that the soil is moist but you don’t want to put so much in so that there is standing water in the planter.

If you are a bonsai beginner, the braided bonsai can be ideal for you! (And the added luck couldn’t hurt.) Even if the braided bonsai money plant tree you acquire seems to have damaged leaves, don’t worry. Those leaves will drop off and beautiful leaves will sprout up in their place. Enjoy both your tree and your newfound luck!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://bonsai.garden-corner.com/ where you can learn more about bonsai plants as well as find out about more types of bonsai trees.

US Bonsai Gardens to Visit

Visiting a Japanese garden is a serene experience. It beckons its visitors to leave the world behind and enjoy the beauty and splendor of nature. Bonsai are included in most Japanese gardens and enhance their uniqueness and beauty. In a Japanese garden you are encouraged to observe, listen and reflect. Visiting just one of these gardens is a treat for all of the senses.

The United States National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington DC has one of the largest collections of bonsai and penjing trees in North America. The garden began when Japan donated 53 bonsai trees to the people of the United States to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. It now contains over 150 plants donated by American and Japanese bonsai masters and penjing from China. The exhibit also includes viewing stones and ikebana which is Japanese flower arranging. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas.

The Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection in Federal Way Washington was created in 1989 by the Weyerhaeuser Company to honor their trade relations with Pacific Rim nations and as a tribute to the Washington state centennial. It contains over 50 bonsai trees from around the world and is free of charge. It is opened year round March - September 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Thursdays and October - February 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Thursdays and Fridays. The bonsai represents works by renowned artists and several of their trees have won awards.

Elandan Gardens located in Bremerton Washington is a family-owned garden that is opened to the public. The collection includes trees more than 1000 years old. The owner, Dan Robinson, has spent more than 40 years dedicated to the art of bonsai. Built in 1993, it is located on six acres of land off the shores of Puget Sound. It is a dynamic garden, changing from season to season as Dan continues to add more bonsai to his collection. The garden is open Tuesdays through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed on Mondays and the month of January.

Harvard University Arboretum or the Arnold Arboretum is home to the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection. Most of the trees in the Bonsai collection were imported by Larz Anderson in 1913 when he returned after serving as ambassador to Japan. The trees were donated to the Arboretum in 1937 and 1949 with the deaths of Larz and eventually his wife, Isabel. They also donated funds to build a shade house for their display. Today, due to theft and inexperience with the bonsai when they were first donated, there are only 15 of the original 39 trees left, but the collection is still enjoyable to look at. The bonsai can be viewed mid April through early November from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The international Bonsai Arboretum is owned by William N. Valavanis and is dedicated to the art of bonsai. It is mainly an educational facility to teach bonsai, but it also sells bonsai equipment. The bonsai garden can be viewed by appointment only. It is an unusual garden full of sculptured trees and rare plant material. It is located in West Henrietta, New York, a suburb of Rochester.

One of the most spectacular conservatories in the United States is the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It features 13 indoor garden rooms and 6 outdoor garden areas. One of the outdoor gardens is the Japanese Courtyard Garden that includes Japanese lanterns, a quaint stream and a beautiful bonsai collection. The conservatory is open year round, seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Fridays.

Copyright 2006 Emma Snow

About the Author Emma Snow works in marketing at Bonsai Garden http://www.bonsai-garden.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for bonsai gardening and natural exercise.

What You Need To Know About Pruning Bonsai Trees

Pruning bonsai trees is one of the most important things you will have to do as a bonsai enthusiast. Generally, you will be pruning two parts of your bonsai: the roots, which is the bottom part of the plant, and the foliage, which is the top part of the plant. Pruning your bonsais is one of the more interesting aspects of growing these interesting plants and is a way to let your creativity shine.

Root pruning is important because it allows the tree to grow new roots. Because of their small containers, the roots of bonsai trees are often stunted in growth. By pruning the root system of your bonsai regularly, you will ensure that the plant has the space needed to grow new roots, which in turn helps the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. As with any other plant, the root structure is critical to the growth and health of your bonsai.

On the other hand, pruning a bonsai tree’s foliage is also vital – if only for aesthetic purposes. If you are a bonsai owner, you probably have a specific design in mind for your tree. Pruning will help you achieve the results you desire. Pruning can help shape your tree into the form you want as well as removes any dead leaves to help keep it healthy and beautiful.

Also, don’t forget that the roots and the foliage of your bonsai tree are interconnected. When you reduce the foliage (or number of leaves) that your tree has, you are also reducing the strain on its roots. In other words, the less leaves there are, the less work the roots have to do to keep them alive.

The amount of pruning you will do will depend heavily on your plans for the tree. It is best for you to have a plan here before you begin. Remember that the changes that you make to your tree are permanent! If you cut a branch off, that branch is gone forever, and you will have to wait for a new one to take its place. Remember to prune your tree gently - if you are removing leaves pinch them off with your fingers and don’t use sharp or harsh tools.

Most people like to prune off branches that cross the trunk or each other. Why? Because it isn’t very pretty to look at. So unless you think you can rewire the branch and force it to grow in another direction, cut it off. Branches that stick out towards you are also common pruning targets. Of course, what you prune from your plant should be your personal decision. What is really important is that you find your bonsai tree beautiful; what others think of it is a secondary consideration. Trust your own good taste.

Remember: pruning your bonsai trees is supposed to be fun! Don’t get too worked up if your trees don’t turn out the way you want them at first. If you keep learning and practicing your botanical skills, the day will soon come when your bonsai will be the envy of your neighbors!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about types of bonsai trees and their care.

Watering Care Tips For Bonsai Growing

The most important aspect of a successful Bonsai gardening is the proper watering care given to Bonsai plants. Proper water supply and watering schedule could spell the Bonsai's continued life or caused their death. The lack of ample supply of water would cause the Bonsai plants to lose energy or dispose waste properly. Just like a human being, Bonsai plants need water to survive. Too much water will drown the Bonsai and too less water will cause the Bonsai to dehydrate. Bonsai artists should learn the proper steps and facts about watering Bonsai plants in order to become successful Bonsai artists or gardeners.

When providing water to Bonsai plants, there are two major things to consider. One is the amount of water to give to Bonsai plants. And the other is when to water the plants. When determining the amount of water to give the Bonsai plants, bonsai artists especially those who are new to the art of Bonsai gardening must not give too much or too less water. To know the amount of water to give the Bonsai plants, the Bonsai artists must know several factors about the Bonsai plants. These are size and specie of the Bonsai, size and shape of the pot, the soil mixture used and the weather conditions where the Bonsai plant is to be grown.

Smaller Bonsai waters need less water than bigger Bonsai. For Bonsais that are planted on smaller pot, less water should be supplied as compared to a Bonsai planted in a given pot since the water supplied is sipped in by more soil mixtures. Thus, the soil mixture dries up quickly.

The other factor to consider when caring for Bonsai plants is the watering schedule. The best time to water Bonsai plants is in the morning where the weather is colder. And the frequency of watering Bonsai plants depends on the season. During winter, Bonsai plants should be watered periodically to prevent the soil from drying up. During spring, summer or fall, Bonsais should be watered daily. During rainy season, the Bonsai artists must make sure that Bonsai plants, especially located outdoors gets ample supply of water from the rain.

Additionally, for better supply of water, watering containers should also be considered. As a general rule, use watering sprinkles which have holes that when the water passes through can create droplets that is similar to soft rain showers. Too much or too strong droplets will damage the soil mixture where the Bonsai is planted. And lastly, when watering the Bonsai make sure the water is completely drained to avoid over flooding the soil mixture. There are various water sprinkles available in the market that have built in holes that are specifically meant for watering Bonsai.

Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com, a website with resources for Bonsai seeds and tree seeds.

From Bonzai To Moribana - The Extraordinary Artforms Of The Japanese!

The Japanese are supposed to be the very best in the world when it comes to creating Bonsai, they are acclaimed as the creators of the finest Bonsai masterpieces which are sophisticated and inspiring. Not forgetting their unusual designs which can only be described as extraordinarily out of this world and has yet to be outdone by other creators.

Japanese create bonsai with a great passion while adhering strictly to the rules of nature. The trees are sturdily anchored to the ground and ascend regally in harmonious pots. A bonsai is formally displayed on a stand in a tokonoma display alcove and a display accessory will complement the bonsai, along with a hanging print to complete the presentation theme and artistic arrangement.

Bonsai trees can be found in many shapes, sizes and of course the trees themselves are almost unlimited. Orange trees are particularly nice when made into bonsai trees. Their dark green leaves and tiny white blossoms provide beautiful contrast, when they bear the little oranges however is when you really begin to marvel at this perfect miniaturization of one of the giants of the forests.

Bonsai is not the only flower arrangement that Japanese are famous for. The ikebana plays an integral part in their floral designs and art culture. While western style arrangements emphasize size and multitude of flowers, the Japanese emphasize the linearity of the arrangement in Ikebana, choosing to create harmony and rhythm in the perpendicularity of their arrangements. This art has gone on to include the vase, stems, leaves and branches in the arrangement as well as the flowers.

In addition to Ikebana there is the Rikka or standing flower style which embodies the magnificence of nature. There are also simpler styles of flower arrangement called nageire or cha-bana, which literally means ‘tea flowers’ as the arrangement is often seen during the tea ceremony. This is a very naturalistic style of arranging flowers as they are made to appear as they would in nature, to the best of the florists’ abilities. In the last hundred years the moribana style appeared, mostly due to the western influence on Japan. The moribana style translates as ‘pile of flowers’ and is exactly what it sounds like, this style can be adapted for both formal and informal occasions. So as you can see while Bonsai may be the most popularly known gardening tradition of the Japanese, it is not the last word in flower arranging in Japan.

For more interesting articles on flowers visit http://www.worldofflowers.info/ a website offering views, opinions and resources on matters such as finding unique silk flower arrangements, flowers and gifts and you can even discover some of the best online florists.