Bonsai Growing Guides
Essential Tips for Bonsai Selection |
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Bonsai species are not difficult to care for if they are given the optimum environment. The checklist below will help you determine what type of tree and species will best suit your location and lifestyle. Following this brief checklist when selecting your tree will help you grow healthy, happy, long-lived bonsai.
1) Are you planning on growing your bonsai: indoors (see # 2), outdoors (see # 3) or do you want a tree which will do well in either location (go to # 4).
2) Indoor growing means that you will be selecting a tropical or subtropical tree. These trees generally need minimum temperatures of 55-60F at all times. Does your potential indoor location have lots of direct sunlight (go to # 5), morning sun (go to # 6) or indirect light (go to # 7)
3) Outdoor growing means you will most likely be choosing a temperate climate species. A Temperate climate tree requires a change of seasons, with a winter dormant rest period. Most species do best outdoors under filtered sunlight or several hours of direct morning sun. Are you interested in a deciduous species (go to # 8), an evergreen species (go to # 9), or a species which only requires a mild dormant period of 8-12 weeks with temperatures below 50F and above 30F at least at night (go to # 10).
4) Very few species are happy growing as either a subtropical or temperate tree. If the tree is grown as a subtropical, it will retain its foliage through the winter and slowly lose its leaves during the spring flush of growth. If grown outdoors as a temperate, it will be deciduous and become dormant. Some of the species which can be grown either way are: Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm) varieties, Celtis sinensis (Chinese hackberry).
5) Most tropical trees will thrive indoors when an abundance of direct sunlight or brightness is available. Beware hot sunshine and strong glare however, as it can harm or kill your tree. As a general rule, trees with slender or small leaves are adapted to and need a environment that provides a great deal of sunlight or artificial light (10-16 hours). Common species are: Jade, Ficus, Fukien-tea, Schefflera, Olives, Serissa, Chinese Brush Cherry, New Zealand Tea, Portulacaria and Gardenia.
6) When choosing a bonsai for growing indoors in a location with morning sun these trees make a good selection. Crape myrtle, Jaboticaba, Serissa, Barbados Cherry, Bahama Berry, Chinese Brush Cherry, Ficus, Schefflera.
7) Trees that will grow well indoors in a location with indirect light include Ficus and Schefflera.
8) Maple, Oak, Ginkgo, Bald Cypress, Larch, Crabapple, Hornbeam, Wisteria, and all other deciduous species will do best if kept outdoors from late winter-early spring until mid-late November. Never keep indoors at room temperature for more than 96 hours.
9) Pine, Fir, Spruce, Cedar, Juniper and Cypress (Chamacyapris sp.) will do best if kept outdoors from late winter/early spring until mid-late November (also go to 10 for Juniper and Cypress). Never keep indoors at room temperature for more than 96 hours.
10) Cypress (Chamacyparis sp.), Juniper, Azalea, Rosemary, Pomegranate, Chinese Elm and Chinese Hackberry may be kept indoors during winter as long as night temperatures are between 30F and 50F.
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