Bonsai Care Guides

Japanese Black Pine Care Guide

Details: Category: Bonsai Care Guides; Published on Sunday, 13 November 2011 07:12; Written by Greg Gould; Hits: 143

Keep the soil well drained and a mixture of 50/50 pumice and akadama. If you have a younger Japanese Black Pine, then you should add a little more grit whereas the more mature trees like more akadama. The key is to go with soil that drains well to eliminate the risk of root rot. In addition, the Japanese Black Pine must be kept evenly moist, never too damp. In fact, when watering, we suggest you keep the soil a little more on the dry side in that this tree can withstand some drought. Just remember that water for the Japanese Black Pine should have a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 for the best results.

The Japanese Black Pine loves full sun and in the summer time, can easily tolerate temperatures of 100 degrees or more. Keep in mind that when kept in full sun all summer long, the color of this bonsai tree will change to a green/yellow color whereas in the shade or partial shade, the color would turn a beautiful, deep green. Because the hot sun can cause the bonsai container to become too hot, thus baking the tree’s roots, you should cover the container with some type of material that can block out sun.

During the springtime, the Japanese Black Pine must be significantly pruned. Interestingly, while other deciduous trees need to be fertilized, this species does not. However, this type of bonsai does appreciate products like Bio Gold in mid-spring through early fall. For pruning, this would be performed in late fall or early winter to help stop sap bleeding. Once a branch has been cut off, use a sharp knife with putty cut paste around the edges of the wound.

The key with the Japanese Black Pine is to work slowly. In fact, training of this type of bonsai tree should take place over several years. Unfortunately, dramatic pruning causes too much stress on the tree. Then, once the tree has been pruned, make sure it stays in shade for about three to four weeks. Additionally, the Japanese Black Pine should not put in locations where there are extreme temperatures.

To help promote ramification, shoot trimming should be done but only after the growing season is over. While you can prune this tree in the fall, be sure this is done only on well-fed and mature trees. Typically, the best time to wire this tree is late in the wintertime. Wiring any other time of the year causes sap leakage, which damages and even kills branches. The repotting schedule for the Japanese Black Pine depends largely on the region in which you live. For this, you would need to talk to your local gardening center or nursery for the best advice. Regardless, be sure you do not remove too much root at the time of repotting and be aware of root feeder channels during the trimming process.

For the Japanese Black Pine, you want to rearrange the roots gently each time you repot the tree. This tree will need good surface root structure as well. Once the tree has been repotted, it should be set in partial sunlight or bright shade for about three to four weeks. Finally, the red spider mite is an enemy of this tree, attacking stressed or weak trees. Therefore, make it a part of your overall maintenance to check for these insects weekly, appearing as red specks on the tree’s needles.

Ficus Retusa Care Guide

Details: Category: Bonsai Care Guides; Published on Sunday, 13 November 2011 07:10; Written by Greg Gould; Hits: 218

The leaves of the Ficus vary in size depending on the specific variety and age of the tree. Known as hearty eaters, the Ficus is hardy. You want to ensure the soil remains on the dry to moist side, being careful not to over water, which can lead to root rot. If the leaves grow too large, you can defoliate the Ficus. Just be sure you remove the tip of the growing leaf. Pruning is also required, which can be performed all year round, cutting the Ficus to three leaves and thinning out the large leaves.

Ficus trees prefer indoor temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees, close to a window with lots of sunshine. Keep in mind when growing Ficus for bonsai that they are not fond of sudden changes. Therefore, make moves gradually. For water, the soil should be kept moist in the spring and summer if the Ficus is kept outdoors. Then in the wintertime, the soil should dry out between watering. However, Ficus love humidity. Therefore, use a humidity tray or spray the plant often.

Details: Category: Bonsai Care Guides; Published on Tuesday, 08 November 2011 07:53; Written by Greg Gould; Hits: 370

Greg's House Of Bonsai will be providing articles for all varieties of Bonsai to help you in carrying for each style we have in our store. Thanks from all of us at Greg's house Of Bonsai.

Chinese Elm Care Guide

Details: Category: Bonsai Care Guides; Published on Sunday, 13 November 2011 06:56; Written by Greg Gould; Hits: 211

The Chinese Elm is typically resistant to the deadly Dutch Elm disease, making it a great choice for bonsai. Although considered hardy, this type of tree needs to be protected from cold weather and harsh elements. After the growing period in the early spring, the tree needs to be carefully pruned with just one to two nodes remaining near the main branch.

This tree requires good, year round water, remaining moist without over watering. Then every one to three years, the Chinese Elm should be repotted, again in the spring. For pruning, this should be done one month prior to or one month after pruning is performed to avoid shock. Because the Chinese Elm is so hardy and strong, it can tolerate both shade and full sun. However, during the hot summer months, some shade is required to avoid drying out the soil.