One of the most common and easiest bonsai types to care for is the evergreen tree. Most bonsai trees are evergreens, and can be maintained easily when started from seed or by planting in a container. Evergreen trees are often potted into containers made of plastic, wood, ceramic or terracotta and placed in sunny windows or backyards. They will usually endure all four seasons in the home environment before requiring pruning or removal to keep the roots from drying out and killing the plant. Pots should be changed frequently, especially in the winter. The best time to repot an evergreen tree is late summer to early fall, but some varieties of bonsai do better in the winter months.
There are many indoor bonsai types that can thrive where other types will not. A ficus tree will tolerate a wide range of temperatures and does well indoors in a small pot. Ficus also tends to be resistant to mold and mildew. In caring for an indoor bonsai type, it is best to purchase a container that has been painted with non-toxic paint that prevents damage to the roots. Some ficus are also available with shallow roots that make it easy to root them.
Of the many types of bonsai types that can be placed outdoors, the money tree makes a great bonsai plant to start indoors. A ficus tree can be placed outdoors and cared for by watering once a week, depending on the season. Pots should be placed outdoors during the summer and indoors during the colder winter months. Watering should be done often enough to keep the roots damp but not soaking. Moisture is key to helping the bonsai thrive, so it is important to water the money tree only when the soil appears dry.
Kits are available for most bonsai tree species and will help you get started growing your first bonsai tree. However, some require more work than others, especially for beginners. A starter kit is usually designed with one or two trees that need care for all year, providing the hobbyist with the foundation on which to build their collection. Some kits contain a variety of plants that can be added to the starter set for additional additions.
Bonsai grower keepers are those who provide bonsai growing tips and information to beginners. These bonsai growers have spent years learning about the various types of trees, shrubs, and plants that can be used for bonsai growing. They offer bonsai growing tips that can help beginners decide which bonsai species will suit them best. Most bonsai growers offer their knowledge freely because they recognize the enjoyment that people take in growing bonsai and want to share their experience so that other enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy the joys of bonsai gardening.
One of the most popular bonsai species is the tea plant, which is native to Japan. The tea plant is a deciduous plant that prefers well drained, slightly moist soil. Because of this characteristic, it should be placed in an area with good circulation. Some types of tea plants do better in partial shade, while others can thrive in full sun. If you plan to purchase a tea plant, check and see if it’s a true teaplant and not a weed. Many weeds will do damage to your plant; do not purchase a weed-less tea potting soil.
Watering is another important part of caring for your bonsai. Watering should be done when the soil is dry but not wet. For instance, during the hot summer months, do not water your plant until the soil has absorbed about one-fourth of its water. Do not overwater, and keep in mind that fertilizer should not be applied during the wet season, as this will run off and wash away into the soil, possibly killing the plant. In addition to watering, fertilizing your soil will help to retain moisture in the leaves and root system of the plant.
There are many types of wiring that can be used to shape your bonsai, including traditional bonsai wiring, wire bonsai wiring, and pruning shears. Wire wiring allows for the shaping of branches without removing the main trunk of the plant. Pruning shears are used to thin out large branches and allow for more natural-looking growth. No matter what type of bonsai you choose to grow, remember that they need plenty of light, fresh water, and regular feeding, especially if you choose to start them indoors. The more care you put into your bonsai, the healthier they will become over time.