When looking at an Imperial Bonsai tree you will immediately notice the different varieties that exist. The main reason behind this is it has always been thought the most prized form of bonsai garden trees. When viewed next to red maple trees, these miniature varieties have bigger foliage, deeper coloring and a more lovelier look. Imperial bonsais trees are actually a mix of three different species: a crab apple tree, a cherry tree and a plum tree. All three of these trees grow well in areas with cooler summers. The one big difference between them is how they are cared for.
Cherry trees, for example, require more maintenance than other varieties. They can be easily damaged by outdoor temperatures, winds or too much moisture. This fact often makes cherry bonsai specimens unsuitable for outdoor displays. On the other hand, crabapples do not need to be cared for as frequently, do not require a high amount of upkeep and can tolerate lower temperatures.
There are many beautiful varieties of these trees. The first thing you should consider when looking for imperial bonsai is how large the tree is. The easiest way to determine this is by holding the specimen up against a wall. If the foliage is very large, you should be able to see about two to three inches in front of the specimen. This is a good guideline, but not an exact science as each tree will have distinctive characteristics.
When determining the correct bonsai tree size classification, one factor that is extremely important is the type of tree you are taking care of. Some varieties are suitable for indoor environments and some require a well drained, rich soil. Bonsai cannot thrive in a dry soil. Instead, it thrives in a soil that is moderately moist and slightly acidic. This is one of the reasons that the Imperial scale is used when classifying bonsais.
Another important characteristic to examine is the method of training. There are two schools of thought in regard to training with miniature trees. In the first, known as traditional training, the tree is trained over a period of years. The second method is known as pruning, and works better with the largest bonsai trees.
One of the biggest problems encountered with miniature trees is how to keep them healthy. An individual who is not trained can easily lose interest and kill their plants. A qualified person will trim back any branches that are not growing on their master plan. They will also ensure that the tree grows in a direction that is beneficial to the plant. Many Japanese imperial bonsai gardens are based on this principle.
The final characteristic that we are going to examine is the quality of soil. Bonsais often require pots that are the correct size and shape. If the containers do not fit they will not be strong enough to support the plant. Pots are often made from ceramic or terracotta. Each material has its benefits and each should be carefully considered before purchasing. It is also important to consider how many plants you have before deciding on the correct pots for your needs.
Bonsais will often grow into beautiful trees. However, they will fail if they do not have the proper pot in which to support their growth. When you are finished looking at the various characteristics of an imperial pot, you will understand why it has been so popular. You will want to start collecting trees and grow them in pots of your own!
Imperial bonsai trees are quite small and do well in either small pots or large ceramic containers. There are many aspects that make this possible and it all starts with the choice of potting soil. Bonsais that grow successfully in this type of soil are known as miniaturization trees. In other words they are dwarf trees that look and act like a regular bonsai. Smaller pots allow the tiny tree to grow at its full capacity.
It is important to keep an eye on the health of your bonsai tree and to prune your tree accordingly. In the early stages of growth you may need to prune the tree. However, after the tree has reached its full-grown stage you will want to keep it trimmed to keep the shape that you desire.
Learning how to care for a Japanese Imperial cherry blossom bonsai takes time, patience, and practice. If you keep these aspects of growing in mind you will be well on your way to developing one of the most beautiful small trees available. Your efforts will pay off when you can watch your new bonsai tree grow into a beautiful specimen that adds beauty and value to your home.