Bonsai trees are small, slow growing trees that need to be pruned and watched over in order for them to grow healthily.
Once you get your first bonsai tree, it will take years of maintenance before the tree produces any fruits. The idea is similar to making a cactus or succulent garden, but with smaller trees.
Bonsai Trees can range from very simple designs like pine trees to extremely complex ones like pines and junipers.
If you want to make your own simple bonsai tree, the best place to start would be with the simplest design: the Japanese maple or a pine.
This is an easy plant to care for and grows into something rather beautiful. There is no such thing as a perfect bonsai tree; if there were, then everyone would have one.
What Trees Can Be Used To Make A Bonsai?
You can use all kinds of different trees for a bonsai. Some popular choice includes:
- Pine Tree
- Juniper
- Hawthorn Tree
- Eucalyptus
- Acacia
- Chinese Elm
- Cherry Blossom
- Rhododendron Flowering Plant
These types of plants can sometimes be hard to find when buying them at your local nursery.
Fortunately, many people are now using their home gardens (if they have one) or even the balcony on their apartment building or house to cultivate a few of these types of trees.
The great thing about bonsai trees is that you do not need a lot of space to grow them. They also thrive well in pots, so even if you only have a small pot, you should still be able to create a nice bonsai out of it.
To make a bonsai of a particular size, you have two choices: either buy a pre-grown tree or try yourself. Pre-grown trees usually come already planted in a pot.
You just have to take the root ball out of the pot and insert it directly into soil in a pot of your desired size.
For those who prefer to make their own tree, there are many ways to go about this including potting up a seedling and transplanting it into its final destination.
How To Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree?
The process for growing a bonsai tree may vary depending on what type of plant you decide to grow. However, most plants require three things to survive: light, water, soil, and air.
Light – It’s important to remember that bonsai trees are grown indoors, which means they need special lighting conditions to thrive.
These lights produce low levels of red and blue light, and help stimulate growth by increasing photosynthesis. Also, these lights should mimic the sunlight during spring and summer months.
Water – Bonsai trees need plenty of water to flourish. This water must be filtered and carefully monitored because it is used to care for the roots.
Like other living organisms, bonsai trees respond poorly if they don’t receive enough water.
Soil – Depending on the species of plant you chose, you may have to amend the soil. Many bonsai trees are cultivated from scratch, so you need to ensure that the soil has been properly prepared.
In terms of soil, you may opt for regular soil, sand, gravel, organic soil, etc.
Air – You must give your bonsai trees proper ventilation in order to prevent mold. To accomplish this, you may consider adding a fan above the top of the terrarium to increase airflow.
All of these factors contribute to the overall beauty of your bonsai tree. With practice and dedication, you will soon see how satisfying it is to watch your bonsai grow and mature over time.
How To Make A Bonsai Tree?
There are a few key things you need to do in order to make a bonsai tree. We will go through them below so that you can get a good idea of what to expect.
Pruning
Pruning is the key to making a bonsai tree. To grow a bonsai, you will need to prune off dead branches and promote new ones as needed.
When growing a bonsai, there are several techniques you can use. If you choose to grow a seedling, then you need to wait until it grows some leaves before clipping any branches.
However, if you want to start with an existing tree, you can cut down all the buds on the trunk and allow it to naturally develop another set of buds.
You will need to prune the branches and roots of your bonsai, as this will help shape it. When you trim branches, new growth is encouraged, so you can shape it as you wish.
When you trip the roots, you will need to get rid of any roots that are diseased, while also shaping them to fit the pot the tree is in.
This is likely to take years, and a lot of practice is required, However, the end result is well worth it.
All you need to do is watch your tree carefully and make sure that you have the right pair of pruning shears to get the job done.
If you are unsure of when you should be pruning, the general rule of thumb is that it should be done whenever the tree or dormant. However, this does not apply to all trees.
Trimming Leaves
You will need to trim the leaves of your bonsai to encourage new growth and also shape your tree.
If you want to get a variety of styles and shapes of leaves, trimming them is an integral part of achieving this. You can achieve a windswept style, or anything else you like.
You should trim all the larger branches and leaves to train your bonsai into shape. They should be trimmed as close to the tree trunk as possible so that you can achieve a natural look.
As time goes on, the tree will heal and any scars left behind will barely even be noticeable.
Clamping And Wiring
As soon as your tree is doing well and is healthy, you will want to start thinking about clamping and wiring. This is done to start training the branches to match your preferred style.
You should follow the traditional guidelines doe doing this, but can also tailor it to your preferences. It is up to you to make the tree symmetrical or not.
Which Wires Can Be Used For Bonsai Trees?
When you wire your bonsai, you should use either aluminum or copper wire. This wire should be 1 third of the diameter of the trunk or branch you are attaching it to in order to make sure the method works.
As aluminum is less durable than copper, the latter is often preferred, so the branches are kept in place.
However, it should be noted that it is also possible for copper wire to damage the branches if you do not closely monitor your tree.
If you use copper wire, you should check on your tree at least once a week to make sure that it is not damaging your plant.
Aluminum may be used since it is easier to manipulate and use, and should damage the tree less. It’s a great choice if you are new to the world of bonsai trees, as it is more forgiving if you are unsure of what you are doing just yet.
Generally, if you are going to use aluminum wire for your bonsai, you should check on it about every two weeks and make any adjustments necessary.
When Should You Wire Your Bonsai (And How)?
You should wire your bonsai tree when the plant appears to be healthy and young. Never wire your bonsai when it looks like it may be doing unwell, as this could make things worse.
Additionally, wiring should only be done on strong branches. It’s best to do this once the tree has been repotted and hasn’t been freshly watered, but the best time will vary depending on the type of plant, and whether it is coniferous or deciduous.
The best time for a deciduous bonsai to be wired is early spring, or when there are new buds on the plant.
Doing the wiring at this stage will result in the most attractive outcome. You will also be able to restructure the tree without anything getting in the way.
If you have a coniferous tree, you should aim to do wiring in the late autumn or the early winter. This is because that time of year is when these trees will renew their foliage.
The sap content of the branches will be at the lowest, too, which makes them more flexible.
To wire a bonsai, you need to start at the trunk and wire from the thickest to the thinnest branches. It is important to never bend the branches towards the wire, but only move the wire to the branches, or else you could damage the plant.
You will need to be in a position that allows you freedom of movement, as you will get working on this for a while. Wrap the wire around the tree limbs at a 45-degree angle in a “barber pole” style.
Use the wire to form the limb so that it can guide it to how you want the plant to look. Avoid crossing tires, or else too much tension will be put on the plant.
Related: Mesmerizing Shapes and Vibrantly Colored Flowers in One – Flowering Bonsai
When Should You Remove The Wire (And How)?
When you see that the wiring you added has done its job, you can then begin to remove it.
Removing the wire is typically done in the same season that it was applied, but should be removed when it seems to be growing into the plant.
To remove the wires, you simply need to cut the wire with some cutters and carefully take it off. Cut the wire at every turn on the tree rather than trying to unwind it, or else you could damage the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bonsai Trees Difficult To Make?
Bonsai trees can be difficult to make, but only because they need constant attention to make sure that they are perfect. Some types of trees will be easier to grow than others, too.
Are Bonsai Trees Hard To Maintain?
Yes – especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Bonsai trees will need regular pruning and repotting to stay healthy over time. Without proper care, they can die quickly.
How Tall Do I Have To Keep My Bonsai Tree?
It’s not just about making them tall, though. Trees that are kept small tend to be healthier and live longer. However, don’t forget that bonsai trees are still plants, so they must receive light and water.
Do Bonsai Trees Need To Be Watered Often?
Yes – you’ll need to water the soil and roots regularly, especially during dry seasons. Make sure to check the water levels frequently and add more depending on how dry the climate it.
The Takeaway
Bonsai trees are great. They are attractive and make a great centerpiece, but they also take a lot of hard work and dedication.
If your tree isn’t performing well, remember that adding extra attention and care may help it become stronger.
The tips above can provide guidance for when you should add new wiring and improve existing ones.
Also remember that although many people say that bonsai are meant to be left alone, the reality is that they require work, maintenance, and even pruning.
Hopefully this post has helped you understand the world of bonsai a little more, and you can now go out and start one for yourself. Good luck!
Editor’s Recommendations
How To Grow Dwarf Japanese Maple Trees – One Of The Most Popular Bonsai Species
Becoming A Plant Parent: How To Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree
Taking Care: How to Look After a Bonsai Tree
The majority of people who have no interest in the subject, and aren’t green fingered assume that all plants and vegetables require the same growing conditions. This is not the case at all. Each plant has its own unique and interesting history and growing process.
I hope you will find The Natural List useful, and that it will help educate you on the wide variety of different flower and plant species there are across the globe.
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