Top Bonsai Choices 2

Bonsai Gardening Secrets
Top Bonsai Choices

Ficus
The Ficus is also known as the Rainforest Fig, which makes a great choice for Bonsai. Although figs are primarily tropical plants growing in the jungles of Asia, hundreds of species exist that can be grown outside of this type of environment.

The leaves of the Ficus are unusual in that very small flowersare encased in the fruit that develops, which then is born in the axils of the leaf. While the development of fruit is not common, the Ficusstill makes a good option for Bonsai.

For the best results, you need to provide this plant with lots of sunlight although it also does well in partial shade. The soil should be rich in humus, moist, and well drained. Since the Ficus does not do well in harsh conditions, you need to bring it indoors when the weather turns too hot and shield it from cold wind and frost.

Typically, the Ficus will produce aerial roots that come out of the branches and trunk. You can leave these roots if you like the look or remove them. Some Bonsai enthusiasts believe it takes away from the appearance but
others feel it enhances the plant’s natural beauty. Therefore, the decision is personal and completely your choice. When the roots first develop, they will be quite brittle. However, with the right nutrients and care, the roots will grow strong and hardy.

The size of the leaves on this Bonsai will vary in size from one-half to three-quarter of an inch, varying from one species to another. The nice thing about the Ficus is that it is very forgiving. In other words, if you forget to water it for days, it will do fine. If you aerial layer, you can propagate from the cuttings or seeds.

Care

• Make sure you do not over water or the roots will rot
• This particular plant will need to be pruned throughout the year, cutting back to three leaves
• Since the leaves tend to be large, you can help reduce their size by defoliating at the end of the summer. Just be sure the growing tip or sheath is removed. Then, the larger leaves can be thinned in the spring.
• If you live outside of a tropical climate, keep the Ficus under fluorescent lights inside in the winter
• While this plant will tolerate low levels of light, it does need some
• The Ficus needs to be protected from draught and frost and should never be exposed to temperatures lower than 59 degrees
• Do not subject this plant to sudden changes in temperature
• Between watering, allow the soil to dry
• To maintain humidity levels, mist the plant several times per week

Satsuki Azalea
This particular plant is very commonly used for Bonsai. With many varieties, this plant is very hardy and has gorgeous flowers up to seven inches in diameter. Considered a shrub, the bright flowers are produced in the spring. You will also enjoy beautiful blooms during the midwinter.

The Azalea is perfect for Bonsai in that they can be trained in any style. With a defined trunk, they can be trained to look like a tree without much effort. Again, while you could choose any style, the most common choices by Bonsai enthusiasts include Multiple Trunk, Raft, Root over Rock, Tree on Rock, Semi-Cascade, Slanting, Informal Upright, and Windswept.

Care

• With Azaleas, you will need to deadhead the flowers as well asthe leaves quickly
• Any new growth will also need to be removed once the blooming season is over
• Secondary shoots need to be pruned light in midsummer and heavier in the fall
• The best soil option is one without lime. Since the Azaleas fall within the Rhododendron family, they all need acid soil.
• The Azalea will do best when placed in partial shade
• Always protect this type of Bonsai from hard rains and frost, especially when in bloom

Japanese Maple
Of all the maples used for Bonsai, the Japanese Maple is the most popular. For one, this tree is small, making it great for training. Additionally, the appearance is beautiful. You will find the foliage to be delicate, fern like, and in the fall, the colors are brilliant, ranging from deep red to a rich, elegant gold.




Care

• The Japanese Maple needs partial shade during the summer months and then full sun the remainder of the year
• You will also need to ensure this tree is not placed in the path of direct wind
• During the springtime, any unwanted shoots will need to be removed
• Any shoots with five nodes or more should be removed, leaving approximately one-half inch for die back.
• Every winter to early spring, you will need to repot and fertilize
• The Japanese Maple requires plenty of water without allowing the plant to dry out in between watering, which can cause the leaves to burn or become over watered causing the roots to rot

Caution

• While the Japanese Maple can tolerate changes during the wintertime better than other maples can, they will still need proper shelter and shade to ensure the leaves do not shrivel up and die
• Drying winds can cause significant damage to this type of Bonsai, causing the leaves to become burned and die

Trident Maple
While the Trident Maple is similar to the Japanese Maple, this tree is deciduous. The foliage produces rich and vibrant colors, making it a favorite of many Bonsai growers. The Trident Maple will often form a bush top that has a strong, thick trunk. The bark of the trunk is a light brown that is spotted with small leaves, typically three short lobes
together.

The nice thing about the Trident Maple is that it will mature quickly and the branches are nice and refined. Best of all, you can train this tree in just about any style with the exception of the Broom style.

Care

• The Trident Maple needs to have partial shade during the summer and then full shade the rest of the year
• Make sure this Bonsai is out of direct wind
• Never allow this tree to dry out completely
• You will need repot this Bonsai each springs as the time when the buds begin to swell
• Be sure to feed this Bonsai on a weekly basis during the spring and then nightly until late summer

Caution

• The Trident Maple is intolerant to poor soil and exposed positions
• Never use free draining soil mix

Bonsai Gardening Secrets