Evergreen
Outdoor Bonsai Trees
Bonsai means literally "tree planted in a tray".
They are miniature replicas of much larger regular trees.
Depending on the species of bonsai tree, their height ranges
from a few inches to a few feet or a few centimetres to over
one metre. Like normal trees, bonsai trees also produce flowers
and fruits depending upon the species in question.
Two Groups Of Bonsai Trees -
Outdoor and Indoor - Includes Evergreen Outdoor Bonsai
Trees
For practical reasons bonsai trees are generally divided into
two groups being indoor and outdoor. The majority of bonsai are outdoor trees, whilst
selected individual varieties are adaptable enough to
thrive indoors. Typically these bonsai are stock from
tropical or subtropical varieties and hence it may be
essential to grow the indoors in some climates. If you
intend to grow indoor varieties, ensure you place them in
a location where they are exposed to some sunlight in the
mornings and have shade in the afternoons. Please keep
them out of too much sunlight. A significant number of
bonsai get stressed under intense heat and light. Indoor
varieties of bonsai include baby jade, elm varieties,
Ficus, Fukien Tea, Gardenia, Pachira, Sago Palms, and
Serissa.
Two Groups Of Outdoor Bonsai
Trees
There are two groups of outdoor bonsai and the first group
comprises evergreen outdoor bonsai trees, including
pine
,
juniper
,
and azalea
. As with their regular outdoor counterparts, they grow and
function according to the seasons. Typically they have a period
of dormancy during winter months creating a yellow trace around
their leaves which can look quite attractive.
Deciduous Bonsai
Trees
Deciduous trees require a mention as they are also popular
within bonsai and include elms and maples. They perform
much the same way as their taller relatives by dropping their
leaves and producing new growth according to the seasons. Many
elms are part of this category; the same applies to apricot,
gingko, and hornbeam. Deciduous bonsai are not at all adaptable
to growing indoors as they require the changes of seasons to
grow properly and nothing in a home can replace their natural
habitat.
Common Requirements Of Bonsai
Trees
There are a tremendous variety of evergreen outdoor bonsai
trees, and all have common requirements in that they require
specific and knowledgeable care if they are to thrive. You must
protect them from the extremes of hot and cold. Be aware of
their natural habitat, climate and humidity and do your best to
provide adequate accommodation for them.
Care Of Bonsai
Trees
Caring for bonsai trees is not to be taken lightly by the
amateur. By their very nature, bonsai trees are different to
the same species growing wild. Being so deliberately cared for
and managed to grow into miniature specimens does require
specialist knowledge or advice. Always seek help if you are not
sure about anything and try not to endanger your bonsai trees
chance of survival. Compared to other types of plants, bonsai
are not as hardy as you may expect, so treat them with
respect.
Consult A
Specialist Bonsai
Grower
Having made your mind up and intending to purchase a bonsai or
two, first do some research. Try to find a specialist grower
and purchase from them after discussing with them. A specialist
will have given loving care to their plants, whereas as store
may not have the skill or conditions to provide adequate care
to sustain the life of the bonsai they intent to sell. Whatever
you do, unless you are reliably informed, always select and buy
you bonsai trees in person. Evergreen outdoor bonsai trees are
probably the most famous of the varieties.
Buy Special Bonsai Tree
Tools
Once you have your bonsai tree or trees, you will need to
invest in some special tools. You must prune the tree with
concave cutters that are designed to cut very close to the
point of growth without leaving a stub. Other maintenance tools
include shears, pliers and branch bending jacks. With bonsai
you want that all important shape they are famous for and so
you will need aluminium and copper wire to train and maintain
the desired shape.
Done properly, you will have exceptionally long lived miniature
evergreen outdoor bonsai trees that will give you pleasure and
achievement.
Evergreen Outdoor Bonsai
Trees
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