Copyright Notice Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or passed on in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as allowed under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher and Author. Terms and Conditions The information contained in this guide is for information purposes only, and may not apply to your situation. The author, publisher, distributor and provider provide no warranty about the content or accuracy of content enclosed. Information is subjective. Keep this in mind when reviewing this guide. Neither the Publisher nor Author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages resulting from use of this guide. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose. 2
Table of Contents Introduction...5 Even More Explanation of Bonsai... 5 History of Bonsai... 6 Modern Bonsai... 8 Basic Bonsai Care...10 Bonsai Overview... 10 Keeping Bonsai Small... 11 Watering Your Bonsai... 13 Feeding Your Bonsai... 14 Care Review for Primary Bonsai... 15 Selecting Your Tree... 16 Outdoor and Indoor Bonsai Care... 18 Bonsai and Pruning... 21 Species of Bonsai...24 Cedar Elm Ulmus Crassifolia... 24 Chinese Elm Ulmu Parvifolia... 25 Ficus... 26 Japanese Maple Acer Palmatum... 27 Juniper Juniperus... 27 Fuchsia... 28 Camellia... 28 Types of Bonsai...30 Bonsai Types and Styles... 30 Primary Categories... 31 Formal Upright... 31 Formal Upright Techniques... 32 Informal Bonsai... 33 Informal Bonsai Techniques... 34 Slanting Bonsai Category... 34 3
Slanting Bonsai Techniques... 35 Cascade and Semi-Cascade Style Bonsai... 36 Procedures and Techniques... 37 Bonsai FAQ...38 Resources...41 4
Introduction Many people consider bonsai a form of art. Bonsai can be an art, or for many, a hobby. Bonsai is also a form of horticulture and landscaping. Many interpretations of bonsai exist, something you will learn in this introductory guide to bonsai. Before you learn how to engage in the art or hobby of bonsai, you have to know what bonsai means. Most people think bonsai is a simple term used to describe a type of plant. This definition is only partially correct. To understand bonsai, first understand the foundation for the term, bonsai. The word bonsai when literally translated means tray planting or potted plant. Bonsai is much more however, than buying a tree or a plant and growing it in a pot or tray. Bonsai is in fact, an ancient practice involving the shaping and pruning of trees and shrubs into a structured form. The practice of bonsai for many can be quite peaceful and relaxing. Many engage in bonsai as a form of meditation or stress relief. Others enjoy the challenge of creating the perfect bonsai. If you know anything about bonsai, you may fear the art is difficult to master. The good news is by using the tips in this guide; you will find bonsai is much easier to master than you think. In fact, you can start creating your own bonsai within a day of reading this guide. Even More Explanation of Bonsai If you are reading this guide, you are probably familiar with the bonsai plant or tree, or at least have an idea of what bonsai looks like in your mind. If you do not, refer to the photographs throughout this guide. Bonsai trees resemble a dwarfed or miniature plant, and many often mistake the tiny plant for something that is indeed, improperly grown when realistically, the plant is shaped and pruned to grow into a distinct yet small shape and size. It is important you recognize this practice does not harm the plant, and when done correctly, can actually expand and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by the plant. Most ordinary plants require routine maintenance and care. The same 5
is true of bonsai, only the type of care needed to maintain bonsai is often more intense than the care one need offer an ordinary plant or tree. Some people refer to bonsai as the act of dwarfing trees, to create an aesthetically appealing plant. This really makes bonsai sound like something aggressive, wrong or unpleasant. So again, it is important you realize no harm befalls any plant created for purposes of bonsai. Bonsai is a form of horticulture that is popular the world over, though it originated in the East. Bonsai owners care for their trees and shrubs more diligently than most people care for their own flower gardens or landscaping. Bonsai owners are much like pet lovers. They nurture, protect, groom, feed, water and care for their trees and plants year round. Many owners pass their bonsai from generation to generation, as bonsai may outlive the lifetime of the owner. Plants used for bonsai remain small so they can grow and thrive, receiving ample supplies of water and other nutrients necessary to grow. While small, bonsai are actually a normal size for the type of plant they represent. Some plants are only 2 inches tall while others grow to over three feet, depending on the type of tree used and the cutting style adopted by the hobbyist or planter. There are plants ideally suited for outdoor bonsai and some plants that can serve as indoor bonsai. Those interested in creating indoor bonsai will find by reading this guide a greater challenge lies ahead, however indoor bonsai can provide an aesthetically pleasing and very natural living environment. History of Bonsai Many consider Bonsai an ancient hobby or form of art, originating to allow the bonsai tree or plant to live independent or apart from the earth. It is a plant considered complete, capable of sustaining life on its own. This is one-reason bonsai plants or trees often live in a potted area or in a special place separate from other forms of vegetation. 6
The ancients believed bonsai held many mystical and magical powers. Today, many believe the bonsai plant provides good energy, truth, goodness and beauty into the homes and lives of those that care for this life-providing plant. Most bonsai plants live for hundreds of years, outliving many other plants and species of similar size. This is one reason people can pass their bonsai plants from one generation to the next. Many people do not realize most bonsai are everyday trees and plants that people shape and create into a specialized form, creating the typical appearance one associates with a bonsai plant. Bonsai come from maple trees, elm trees, cedar, pine and many other common trees and evergreen shrubs. The distinguishing feature of bonsai is that bonsai is a plant that one modifies to grow in a distinct shape and size. The goal of someone growing bonsai is to create something that looks natural in most cases, with few exceptions where bonsai tree shapes represent something symbolic. This is more common among those where the practice of bonsai first originated The first bonsai plants originated in China several thousand years ago. Many consider the first bonsai plants primitive when compared to their modern-day counterparts. Early bonsai, often called punsai, typically consisted of small plants with little foliage. The trunks often represented twisted and gnarled edges. Many Chinese artists shaped bonsai to look like dragons or other mythological creatures. Some did this for fun, while others believed these symbolic bonsai might bring good fortune to their homes. The Japanese soon followed the Chinese in their love of bonsai. It was during the time Zen Buddhism arose that bonsai became a popular pastime in Japan. For a short time, only Buddhist monks practiced the art of bonsai, believing it was a sacred form of art reserved for spiritual purposes of enlightenment and meditation. Some time later, the monarchy took up the idea that having bonsai trees stood for aristocracy, power, luck, and honor. Thus, bonsai became popular among the wealthy. Today bonsai is a popular pastime of the wealthy and ordinary alike. Anyone can enjoy this calm, relaxing and peaceful pastime, whether for profit or personal fulfillment. You do not have to have a degree in horticulture; you do not have to 7
know a thing about landscaping. That is the beauty of professional and amateur bonsai today anyone can enjoy it! Modern Bonsai Today bonsai takes on many contemporary styles and traditions. The art of bonsai has evolved tremendously for centuries. There is no one type of bonsai, and no one way to practice bonsai. There are some methods of refining bonsai techniques however, which often result in more eloquent bonsai plants. Bonsai styles and types vary immensely. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find two bonsai plants that looked identical, unless the bonsai master intended for this to happen. If this were the case the bonsai master would have to spend hours pruning, wiring and shaping his or her plants to achieve the desired effect. While in the early stages of development, practitioners typically used plants with little foliage (or leaves and greenery), modern practitioners are not afraid to use plants with dense foliage for purposes of creating eclectic and eye-raising art. This foliage may be trimmed and shaped with varying results depending on the type of tree and pruning techniques used when creating the bonsai plant. For many, bonsai still incorporates important parts of their cultural upbringing. The Chinese for example, still create bonsai shaped like dragons or other symbolic creatures for luck, prosperity or harmony. Some artists use bonsai as a method of adding aesthetic appeal to landscapes. For example, larger bonsai plants may reside as accent trees between other features within a landscape of one s home or residence. Many people pass by bonsai every day without realizing it. It is easy to mistake a well-pruned bush or tree for a bonsai plant. One way to distinguish the two is to establish whether the tree is separate from the earth. Remember, bonsai refers to potted plants for the most part, or those separated from the ground or earth by some means. Bonsai is a rapidly growing industry today, with many bonsai practitioners concerned about the commercial or rapid production of younger plants into 8
mature bonsai. However, this has led to an improvement in some cases in the art of bonsai. While many people capitalize on the bonsai industry, others simply appreciate the aesthetic appeal and nature bonsai has to offer. There are many organizations committed to preserving the sanctity of bonsai, and ensuring bonsai is conducted in the best manner possible. If you care about trees and want to create bonsai safely, the remaining part of this guide will help you in your journey. In the next section, you will learn some important features of basic bonsai care. These include how to prune, feed, water and create the perfect bonsai tree. You will also discover later in this guide the types of plants best suited for beginning bonsai masters. If you are ready to dive in, then move ahead to the next section! 9
Chapter 1 - Basic Bonsai Care Before we go on to talk about the many styles and types of bonsai, you must first understand what goes into caring for a bonsai tree. A bonsai is a unique style of plant requiring much in the way of loving attention and care. Many people enjoy bonsai because they find the practice of caring for bonsai enjoyable, meditative and peaceful. Once you get past the preliminary how to part of bonsai, you too will find creating and maintaining your bonsai plants an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You should know however that if you decide to participate in bonsai, you must remain committed to your tree to ensure its health and wellness. Many find the early challenges associated with feeding and watering a bonsai tree easily overcome when they take the time to learn as much as they can about the species of bonsai they work with. You will note this point emphasized multiple times throughout this book. To begin, here is a brief overview of the critical components of caring for bonsai everyone should know. Make sure you read this section carefully, so you do not miss any important concepts related to the proper care of your bonsai tree. Bonsai Overview Much of HOW you care for your bonsai will depend on the style of bonsai you want and the type, species or family of tree you use to create a bonsai. Some people use these terms interchangeably. There are many different trees and plants used to create bonsai, though some are far more common than others are. You should know that each different type or family has different needs. Some plants for example, are better suited for outdoor growth (most trees are) while others may thrive as indoor plants. Examples of common trees often used indoors and outdoors include juniper, conifers and maples. These are good trees to select because they generally grow well under harsh conditions, even in colder climates. They tend to survive when exposed to the elements much more so than more delicate species like hybrid, ornamental, or flowering trees and plants. 10
Indoor bonsai fans find pine among the better varieties of trees to use, especially because pine lends a distinct and pleasant smell creating an aesthetically pleasing but also aromatic atmosphere. You do have to learn how to properly care for pine however, and allow pine some outdoor time if you want your bonsai to survive for years to come. This leads us to the most important part of bonsai The first step in bonsai care is selecting the type of tree you plan to use. This may depend on the style of bonsai you select. You should read this book fully before selecting the type of tree you plan to use for bonsai. By reading this book from beginning to end you will have a much better understanding of how bonsai works and what trees are best suited to your needs. Once you finish this book, you should consider talking with someone who works in a plant nursery or bonsai garden to learn more about the family of bonsai plant you want to invest in. Someone who has practiced the art of bonsai consistently is the best suited to care for your needs. If you can find someone local, you can also call on them in times of crisis, and keep your plant from succumbing to pests or other illnesses in the event something like this happens. Now, once you start thinking about trees, you should also think about bonsai size. Keeping Bonsai Small Most people know bonsai trees and plants typically are much smaller than ordinary trees. This process, referred to as miniaturization by some, occurs with constant and repetitive attention to the trees growth, pruning, and the use of wires and scaffolding to shape the tree as it grows. Some trees grow year round, while others grow only during the early spring. You may consider how much time you have to attend to and prune your tree before you decide what type of tree you want to create bonsai from. Many flowering plants or trees often require more regular maintenance than their non-flowering peers. 11
How do you keep a tree from growing too large? You do this by selecting primary branches to create the look and feel of your bonsai. Typically, a bonsai master will select only primary branches for foliage when creating bonsai. Primary branches are those that grow directly from the trunk or base of the tree. Most times a bonsai artist will select a distinct number of primary branches from which he or she will allow foliage to grow. This foliage is then pruned and shaped consistently with time. To achieve the bonsai effect, you will first select your tree, and then select which primary branches you want to remain on your tree to create an aesthetic appeal that you enjoy. The rest of the branches of the tree must be pruned and removed. If you are not certain which branches would make good primary branches, again, find out if you can consult with a local nursery or bonsai expert. If you are not sure, you can always buy a starter plant with pre-pruned primary branches. Once you have your tree, you will need to prune the tree consistently during early maturation to ensure it grows in the fashion you desire. To keep the tree from growing to great heights, even the roots of the bonsai tree need care regularly, so they can accommodate the small containers in which they live. Some refer to this process as root binding. This does not mean however, that once you have a tree it will remain in the same pot or potted surface forever. The opposite is true. As part of the bonsai growth process, most bonsai trees at some point, typically after three years of growth, require replanting to allow the roots to stretch and grow freely for a short time. Some bonsai plants with vigorous growth schedules need replanting every year. This is true more often with flowering trees. Make sure you know how long you should wait before repotting when you buy your first bonsai. The store or nursery you buy from can tell you this. Usually planters select a given time of the year to shape and prune their trees. You can do this in the spring, when most plants bloom or blossom. Most bonsai masters prune branches to keep them a certain length or style. They may also wire branches so they can control the direction a branch grows in. 12
Wiring is very advanced and requires much experience. Since this is a beginner s guide to bonsai, we will not talk much about the process involved with wiring. Know that you should master basic bonsai care before you attempt to wire or change the shape of your bonsai plant. Many people find the easiest way to break into bonsai is by buying a pre-planted tree. All you need to do if you do this is set a schedule for regular pruning, watering and maintenance. Many trees come with a how-to manual you can use to ensure you care for your tree in the best way possible. The best soil to grow bonsai in is fertilized soil, which is nutrient rich and will provide your tree the best possible opportunity for growth. You can add fertilizer to the soil of your new bonsai tree after watering to achieve the best affect. Watering Your Bonsai Like any plant or tree, how often you water a bonsai depends on multiple factors, including the species you are growing and the type of bonsai you have. Size is another factor, as is direct exposure to sunlight. It is very important you do not over or underwater a bonsai. The best way to assess whether a plant requires watering is by keeping a daily log or track of the moisture of the soil. Some bonsai masters recommend weighing a perfectly watered bonsai on purchase if you are starting out, then weighing the bonsai when the soil appears to dry out. You can then water the plant until it weighs roughly its original weight when well watered. Keep in mind some plants always need more water than others. Like people, bonsai have differing water and nutrient needs. Many use common sense, and test the soil of a plant to find out if a plant needs watering. If it seems dry, give your bonsai some water. Do not consistently water however, to the point where water always drains out or the soil is consistently very moist and damp. You will know how well you are doing based on your plants growth and appearance. A healthy plant will continue to grow and maintain its luster, 13
whereas an under or over-watered plant may change colors, grow too fast or simply die. Fortunately, most species used in bonsai, including juniper, conifer and pine are hardy, and do not require much water. Therefore, if you are the type of person that may forget to water your bonsai, rather than over-water your tree, bonsai may be the perfect companion to you. Feeding Your Bonsai The next most important part of bonsai care is feeding. Like any plant, bonsai need more than water to survive. What do you feed bonsai? How do you feed bonsai? Like drinking water, bonsai receive nutrients best when absorbed through the root. There are special foods or liquid foods available you can put into your bonsai plant to feed it. You can buy organic liquid foods so you do not disrupt the ph balance of your bonsai plant. Feeding sometimes occurs only during growth spurts for some species, like in the early spring or fall. Other plants may need feedings daily or weekly. Make sure you know how often to feed your bonsai when you buy it. Some nurseries offer sprays you can use to spray the foliage of your bonsai with. Some people believe the plant can absorb the nutrients it needs through the leaves rather than through the roots. There are pros and cons to both methods. Pick whichever you feel is most convenient, both are very easy. If you find you feed your bonsai but it does not seem to thrive, try an alternative feeding method or ask your local nursery what you can do to better your bonsai s state of health. Some people create solutions containing trace elements made from organic materials including seaweed. You can add this to the bonsai tree s water when watering. Remember, whether you feed your plant by spraying your plant or pouring your plants food through the soil to reach the roots, either way your bonsai is likely to absorb the nutrients you provide gladly. Spraying may be a good idea for some bonsai that need feedings throughout the summer months, when the leaves of the plant are more likely to dry out. If you do this however, do it early in the morning or at dusk, before the sun is likely to dry your feeding 14
solution out. You have to give your plant the opportunity to eat the food you feed it! Care Review for Primary Bonsai Here is a short summary of the basic steps involved in caring for your bonsai, some we covered in the previous section. If you follow each of these steps, chances are good you will maintain a healthy bonsai for years to come. Most of the care tips provided for bonsai are similar to the care you would provide any other plant or tree. All live organisms, including trees and plants for example, need food and water. Often, they need shade. They need attention to their growth and development. You might liken raising a bonsai plant to raising a pet or small child! 1. Make sure you water your bonsai. If you live in a humid area you probably will find you need to water your bonsai less often than if you live in a dry climate. If your plant resides indoors, it may require watering less or more frequently depending on the climate you live in. Regardless of how much you water, most bonsai will want a drink every other day at the minimum. Most people find the best way to tell they watered their plant enough is when a little extra water runs from the base or drainage at the bottom of the plant holder. Just make sure you do not let too much water drain out, a clear sign you put too much water in your plant to begin with. As with any plant, you do not want the soil overly dry or wet. 2. Fertilize bonsai soil to keep it nutrient dense when you pot your plant. Fertilizer is like giving your bonsai a vitamin. By fertilizing your plant you will enable your bonsai to grow healthier and stronger. Most people find fertilizer works best when used at least once each month during the growing season, which for most plants is the spring. To fertilize your bonsai, you should follow the directions on the fertilizer. Typically, you will need to water your bonsai before fertilizing. 3. Repot your plant every few years. Usually by the time you own a plant for three years at the most, you should repot your bonsai to maintain its 15
health. The early part of spring is the best time to repot plants. Some plants may need to be repotted annually, so be sure you are confident of the timeframes for repotting your bonsai. You can always look up your plant species on the Web, go to the resources section of this guide for more information, or ask your local bonsai expert or plant nursery for more information and help with repotting. 4. Trim and prune your tree regularly. This is how a bonsai remains a bonsai. Unless you want your bonsai to grow into a full-grown tree, you will have to trim and prune your tree regularly. Most pruning occurs during the growing season. Once your bonsai takes on its primary shape, you will need to prune all new growth to prevent a change in your bonsai s appearance. Advanced owners may wire branches so they grow in a certain direction. Most of the time wires are placed on branches that are growing for six months or less, then removed. By this time, a branch learns how to grow in the direction you want effortlessly. Trimming and pruning your bonsai, even shaping your bonsai, is much like training your favorite pet. Once you provide gentle and loving guidance, your bonsai is likely to respond vigorously and willingly to future requests and demands. You may find pruning and care challenging initially, but with time, you will find caring for your bonsai simple and easy. Now that you understand the basic elements of caring for a bonsai, you should think about selecting a tree. Do not do this until you finish reading this guide and do some research; you can however, use the tips in the next section to help you when the time for selection comes. Selecting Your Tree Selecting the right tree can make a world of difference when it comes to bonsai. Some trees are much hardier than other trees. For your first tree, you will fair far better if you avoid an ornamental tree, and instead try for something like a juniper or pine. Unusual species or those with little information may prove challenging to keep alive. Go for a hardy plant you know is likely to survive even if you mess up a few things or important points when caring for your plant. 16
People have differing opinions about what the best starter tree is. You may feel overwhelmed by the choices available to you. True, selecting a bonsai tree is crucial to your success. However, you should not feel intimidated during the process. Bonsai is a fun, practical and enjoyable art or hobby anyone can master with proper information. Most people select what bonsai experts refer to as a starter tree when they grow their first bonsai plant. A starter tree is a tree that you can easily care for, and one that is likely already partially grown. While some people are very ambitious and choose to grow their tree from a seedling, you should know this takes a lot more time and care. If you want to enjoy bonsai the first time you try, start with a starter tree. This is a tree already potted and planted, ready for your careful care, trimming, pruning and attention. Some trees of the maple species prove easier to care for than other trees for beginning bonsai artists. Maple trees tend to have nice foliage or leaves, so their appeal is evident even among novices. Usually a maple tree makes for a good upright or informal upright style of bonsai. You will learn more about bonsai styles later in this guidebook. Typically, you can trim the foliage of a maple down to roughly one-inch for easy care and maintenance. This type of tree tends to produce leaves almost year round, making it a perfect choice for someone that wants a pleasant bonsai all-year round. Another good starter is the Sea Grape, which is a distinct tree with very large leaves. This is a good tree to use if you want to practice the art of cutting and shaping the foliage. When the foliage of this tree species is cut the edges become red in color, which creates an aesthetic appeal in its own right. Despite the large size of leaves, you can trim them safely most of the time to roughly one inch or less. Many people recommend going with a hardy cedar or elm variety when selecting a starter bonsai, as these trees typically do well and thrive even when not handled correctly all of the time. 17
This starter tree is often a better choice for those living in humid climates, because many bonsai come from temperate climates and thus are harder to care for. If you want one of the most affordable and easy to maintain trees as your starter bonsai, try going for a cedar tree. There are many different species within the cedar family. Some grow to six inches tall. Most cedars easily shape into any style of bonsai you like, whether you prefer upright, slanted, or cascading. If you are a bit brave when it comes to style but are intimidated at the thought of destroying your tree, go with a cedar, something akin to the Himalayan Cedar. You will have a hard time going wrong with this hardy species. Most starter trees come already clipped and pruned. They are ready to go. All you need to do is care for them. Most average 12 inches in height though some are a bit larger. They should also come with a pot for you to plant your tree. Keep in mind when buying your first bonsai some species are better suited for outdoors care and some for indoor care. Outdoor and Indoor Bonsai Care Many bonsai need full light to thrive, so most people buy outdoor varieties or place their bonsai in places where they are confident the tree receives sunlight much of the day. Remember most trees live outdoors, so it is a natural place for bonsai to thrive. You can have a separate garden for your bonsai, bringing some plants in or covering them when the weather turns icy cold if you live in a climate with distinctive seasons. Remember however, for most bonsai the most important part of life is receiving steady sunlight. Junipers for example, conifers, and even spruces all require a steady influx of light. These species also typically thrive at near freezing temperatures, so if you live in a warm climate you may find they do not survive. Tropical varieties however, are good plants to use for either indoor or outdoor planting. These trees can adapt to warm temperatures, but will thrive in an indoor 18
setting that is of average temperature. Most people when growing bonsai initially seek an indoor variety as they are aesthetically appealing and easily cared for. Keep in mind however that most trees normally grow outdoors, so you will need to care for them gently if you want them to survive indoors. Some trees will go into a dormant period indoors where they do not produce foliage for a short time. This is normal. Eventually however, many will die. Trees coming from temperate climates are those best suited for outdoor bonsai. If you truly want a thriving indoor bonsai, then buy a tropical species. Typically trees grown in tropical areas do not rely on dormancy to survive freezing temperatures. Most grow well as long as the temperature remains above 69-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Most homes are at or around this temperature. Another good selection if you prefer an indoor variety may be a subtropical tree, one like the Chinese elm. These, like the tropical trees, typically can outgrow or do not need a dormancy period. Some will continuously grow, thus require much in the way of maintenance and pruning to keep them at a manageable size. Almost all indoor plants need sunlight or a fluorescent light to provide them with enough light to grow. Of course, some expert bonsai artists do grow temperate trees, (those requiring dormancy) indoors. To do this they must allow the trees up to 1000 hours of life in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit each year to inhibit growth. While challenging, some enjoy this. Some simply keep them in the refrigerator and place them outdoors when it frosts or when the air gets cold enough. MOST of you beginning bonsai planters however, if you plan to grow your plant indoor, should stick to plants that are tropical and do not require dormancy. A good example is a ficus tree. Once you have some experience caring for and maintaining (without killing) a tree, then you can decide whether to try growing a plant that ordinarily would need a temperate climate to survive in. Naturally, if you live in this type of climate, you may find growing an outdoor bonsai easy. 19
Tip for Novice Growers What do you think of when you see bonsai? Did you know most bonsai are OUTDOOR trees? Think about it. What types of trees naturally grow indoors? None. Most beginners make the mistake of buying an outdoor tree and attempting to grow it inside. You can grow an indoor bonsai, but if you plan to you will have to stick with tropical varieties for the most part. Usually, you will find bonsai thrive best when kept outdoors. Most species used for bonsai are accustomed to a winter or cold period. During this time, they hibernate or remain dormant, so they stop growing for a short time. If you do not allow plants to do this when they require it, they will eventually die. IF you do decide indoor bonsai is necessary for you, then make sure you give your tree enough light to survive. Putting a plant in the window is not enough to care for its need for light. If you have an indoor plant, you will likely need to buy strong indoor lighting to supplement the light your plant receives from the window, even if it resides in a fully lit room. No light source in your home can compare to the light the natural sun provides. The window does not even supply enough sunlight for many species of bonsai. The best way to decide the exact amount of light, water and other essentials your bonsai needs is to research the species you plan to buy. BEFORE buying. Take some time to peruse the Net or buy a book specific to the species you plan to grow, indoor or out of doors. When you do this, you will learn the exact temperature 20
needs and sunlight needs of your bonsai. This will improve your odds of creating a thriving environment for your potted friend. Remember, all trees need enough light, fertilizer, water and care to thrive and survive. They also need a little TLC. Be sure you treat your bonsai like a small gift, a pet, a good friend, and your bonsai will respond accordingly. Bonsai and Pruning Pruning is nothing more than trimming your bonsai plant to help maintain its shape and growth. While we make pruning sound like something simple and ordinary, it is important and essential to the wellness of your bonsai. Without pruning, your bonsai plant would begin to look like any other ordinary tree. Many also refer to pruning as refinement of the trees growth. It is the regular cutting and shaping of trees that creates bonsai. Most plants require some pruning or they grow out-of-control. This is a normal part of a plants life. It is much like a haircut if you will, for plants. Typically, plant pruning occurs during the early spring. This is when bonsai tend to grow. Some bonsai do require pruning in the fall, and others year round (usually flowering plants). Some bonsai fans refer to pruning in specific ways. You can for example, finger prune a plant. Some plants simply cannot handle the sharp edge of scissors, so you should prune only by using your fingers, not scissors. This refers to pruning specific plant species, including cedars, which are a good starter plant. When you finger prune a bonsai, you remove any new growth that doesn t agree with the general shape of your plant, or growth that arises above the tip of your plant. This actually encourages the bonsai plant to grow fuller foliage, contrary to what you may think. When finger pruning, you must use your fingers to pinch any new growth by holding the branch with your hand and pinching off any new growth (including twigs or foliage) with your fingers. This is safer than pruning with scissors, as the latter approach sometimes looks less natural and can cause leaves to turn brown at the edges. 21
This is not always true however. With other species, including maples and elm trees, often it is best to prune trees using scissors. This is because it is much easier to trim and prune the plant using scissors in these cases. Deciduous trees are among the trees most commonly pruned using scissors. Hardy and vibrant trees can often tolerate the swift blade of a well-sharpened pruning tool. Yet another type of pruning, defoliation, involves cutting the leaves of the plant so they are smaller. Some trees selected for bonsai naturally have larger than normal leaves. The bonsai master in these cases will also remove any leaves that look unhealthy to help encourage plant growth. You can defoliate in the summer. Some bonsai owners become quite aggressive in their approach, cutting up to 80 percent or more of the leaves from the bonsai plant they have. This just means the plant appears smaller however. Usually fine scissors defoliate much better than ordinary thick scissors. As with watering, it is important you learn how to prune the bonsai you have correctly by first learning as much as you can about the species of plant you have. Remember, after pruning a bonsai plant it is important you give your tree enough time to recover from pruning. The type of tree you select will dictate the pruning method you select, however all trees need time to rest after pruning. Some trees do well when pruned during the early spring, while others prefer pruning year round. These are all things you will learn once you get to know the species of plant you select better. If you prune a tree at the wrong time or the wrong way, you quickly learn this can be a fatal mistake. If you need help, find out if there is a local plant nursery specializing in bonsai plants. Take your bonsai there, or better, buy your bonsai from this nursery, so they can give you proper information on pruning your species of tree. Some may even let you attempt pruning at the nursery the first time you try, so you are more likely to prune correctly. Others may let you sit in on a pruning session so you can watch an expert in action. This may also allay any fears you have about pruning your tree. 22
Since we have given much of our time to talking about caring for specific species of bonsai, you should spend some time learning about the more common species of bonsai. In doing so, you will learn what types of bonsai are likely best suited to your environment, your needs, your maintenance schedule and lifestyle. In the next section, we will review some of the more common types of trees used for creating indoor and outdoor bonsai. You will find information on pruning and potting each of these plants, as well as general info on the hardiness of each plant reviewed. 23
Chapter 2 - Species of Bonsai There are hundreds of different species of trees meeting the criteria of bonsai. Some are deciduous trees, which are often better for individuals interested in growing bonsai indoors. Remember this list contains only a few of the many different species of bonsai available. If you do not find information on the plants you want to create bonsai from, be sure you look up information before you buy the plant so you know how to care for it properly. Most local agricultural facilities or plant nurseries provide information on many species of trees, including those commonly (and uncommonly) used for creating bonsai. Cedar Elm Remember, cedar is always a good choice for a first time bonsai planter. This plant is native to southern parts of the United States. This is a good choice of plant for individuals desiring a hardy plant that does not require dormancy periods. That means the cedar elm does not need to sleep during the winter, so you can maintain your bonsai indoors year round if you want. Typically, the cedar elm grows up to nine inches tall. This is an average size for most bonsai. One reason this tree is popular is the unusual structure of the bark. Many have an aged look even when the plant is quite young. This adds an aesthetic appeal making the youngest of trees appear ancient in nature. Do you want a wise or elder-looking bonsai? Try a cedar elm. Typically a cedar elm involves pinching as a method for pruning, so very little maintenance is needed to keep the bonsai looking its best. Many consider this species among the best of bonsai for beginners interested in bonsai plants that are most likely to thrive despite their novice knowledge. Cedar elm can live in almost any soil, and do not need watering as often as other species, as they are accustomed to living in hot and dry climates. Most will need full sun or a sunlamp to thrive. Usually a cedar elm needs fertilizing around the 24
early spring and in the early fall. The cedar elm tends to stop growing during the mid summer. It is also one of the easiest plants to repot without fear of killing the plant in the process. Usually you can cut back the roots without fear of harming the tree, just be sure you keep them wet. Cedar elms are most susceptible to caterpillars, but aside from that have relatively few pest problems. If you keep your cedar bonsai indoors, the chances are high your plant will grow healthy and strong with little work on your part. Chinese Elm Like the cedar elm, the Chinese elm is a popular tree for bonsai, growing much taller however, up to 60ft in its true form. This tree is suitable for indoor and outdoor bonsai. The tree, which is deciduous, if kept outdoors, changes colors with the seasons (the leaf that is). When left to grow indoors the tree usually remains green throughout the year. The leaves tend to have a dark green color many find appealing when contrasted with bonsai of lighter foliage. One of the benefits of this tree, especially when planted outdoors, is its high resistance to many diseases that commonly plague elms, including Dutch elm disease. As with any elm or cedar, this is a good plant for someone new to the art of bonsai. Fighting off pests is something most people would rather ignore, so this is a good tree if you want to avoid small nuisances. Most Chinese elm grow well even when exposed to frosts, though you will want to protect your tree if exposed to severe fluctuations in temperature. Typically, pruning is needed in the early spring though some aggressive artists may prune their elm more often. Most times an experienced artist will leave up to two nodes, the ones closes to the trunk on the bonsai for growth. This tree must remain moist, but make sure you do not over water your plant. One way to find out if your plant receives enough water is to put your finger on the topsoil. If it feels dry, dig a bit deeper. If your tree is still dry, you probably need to water it. This is one tree that does best if repotted annually rather than once every two or three years. The Chinese elm is one bonsai tree that does enjoy some shade, at 25
least during the hottest parts of the day. This helps prevent drying. If you find you plant your Chinese elm in a hot spot, be sure to keep it moist to prevent drying out. Ficus This is one of the best plants, and according to some, the #1 plant for bonsai beginners because it is pretty and relatively easy to grow. While not AS easy as the cedar (another one of our favorite choices) this tree is a real beauty when cared for properly. The ficus family is a tropical plant, meaning you can grow bonsai inside our outside. Some refer to ficus as the rainforest fig because they can flower, although most when grown as bonsai do not. They grow naturally in the jungles of Asia, with many sub-species belonging to this family. Ficus do well in full or partial sun and moist climates. You do want to protect this plant from overly cold weather and too much wind. The leaves of this tree can range from less than one inch to four inches depending on whether you prune the leaves and what species of ficus you buy. Many need constant food to survive, but can go up to two days without water. If you water a ficus too frequently, the roots will shrivel and die. The ficus is a good bonsai for someone interested in growing a bonsai from seedling to maturity. You can grow a ficus relatively easy from a seed. If you keep the plant indoors, be sure to offer it fluorescent lighting during the winter months. While this plant proves hardy even during less than sunny conditions, a little extra light always helps. You do want to keep ficus away from climates that are too hot or too cold, so anywhere with a moderate temperature will do fine, which is why many enjoy this species as an indoor bonsai. You can get away with leaving your ficus by a window if you ensure the bonsai window does not allow for too harsh or fluctuating temperatures. Ficus have a deep-seated root foundation and often grow as straight or upright bonsai. The leaves are beautiful and relaxing to view any time of the year. 26
Japanese Maple This is a common plant used for outdoor bonsai. The leaves of the plant tend to vary from gold to dark red. One reason for the maple s popularity is its range in foliage and size. While Japanese Maples do enjoy a little shade during the hottest months of summer, generally they thrive when in full sunlight during the rest of the year. This is another bonsai that you can easily prune using the pinching technique. Just pinch and twist off any unwanted or new growth, usually occurring during the spring. You may find it is best to prune once a new shoot has up to five nodes on it. All maples do require you allow roughly one half inch when pruning so the shoot succumbs naturally to pruning without dying. The Japanese maple must remain well watered throughout the year. The leaves of the Japanese maple have a tendency to dry out or burn when not watered properly. It can tolerate cooler temperatures and warmer ones. You will need to shelter this bonsai however, in harsh extremes of temperature to avoid falling of foliage or the shriveling of the bonsai s leaves. There is nothing worse than spending months on your bonsai only to find your bonsai leaves shrivel into nonexistence. Many find very rare forms of bonsai when they seek this species. You can also try growing a Japanese maple from a seed, as many beginners find they are easier to grow than others. The Japanese maple is often used as a cascading plant because the trunk easily bends into a vertical position with foliage growing horizontally. It remains tapered much like the upright bonsai. Juniper Juniper is a common and hardy bonsai. They do not flower. These conifer varietals typically grow well and easily adapt to changes in shape through pruning and wiring. Many bonsai lovers enjoy juniper because it grows quickly and responds quickly to efforts at pruning and feeding. The juniper is a good species for outdoor bonsai, even if it tends to get very cold during the winter months. Many people bring their bonsai indoors however, if the 27
temperature dips too low. You do want to prevent the roots of the bonsai plant from frosting over. Pruning requires nothing more than a simple pinch of newly formed buds during growth spurts. Usually, junipers require little maintenance. No summer maintenance is necessary. Some people find they are allergic to juniper, so if you work with this plant and find you develop a rash, you might opt for another species. Fuchsia Fuchsia is a good species for anyone interested in keeping up with a fastgrowing hybrid. The fuchsia species has over 8000 varietals. Fuchsia is another type of bonsai many find easy to grow indoors. The leaves can grow large, but you can easily cut them back to shape. However, this species does produce flowers, and it is impossible to prune or cut back the shape of flowers without affecting the bonsai s overall appearance. In fact, most people prefer the look of the flowers when they invest in the fuchsia bonsai. Fuchsia species includes shrubs with leaves growing up to two inches. Some flower purple and red as well as fuchsia colored. These bonsai are suitable as outdoor trees for much of the year typically, rather than indoor trees. They do need to experience a period of dormancy to survive, or they will lack luster and may not thrive. Many people find leaving trees outdoors until the first frost is enough to encourage dormancy. During the coldest months, once the plant is dormant it can be brought inside. Most enjoy full sunlight and lots of water. These plants do need much in the way of pruning as they tend to flower frequently. Easy to shape, many people like this species because it is one that easily propagates a garden. You can take a small bit of fuchsia and grow the cuttings separately to create an entirely new bonsai. Camellia Camellia trees often respond well to the manipulations a bonsai artist exposes it to throughout its lifetime. Many grow flowers that are alluring and easily 28
cultivated. There are over 250 species of Camellia to choose from, each with unique characteristics and needs. The Camellia is very sensitive to cold temperatures, and does need some shade. If you live in the desert, you probably do not want to adopt a member of this family. Camellia often feed every other week, more often than many species, but only requires potting every third year. The most important fact to know about camellia is the species will not thrive if lime is present in the soil mix, so make sure you keep lime and your camellia separated. Hardy and flowering plants, many can tolerate even vigorous pruning. Like the fuchsia family, members of camellia can easily propagate a yard or garden. This type of bonsai is susceptible more so than other species to certain diseases and insects. 29
Chapter 3 - Types of Bonsai When bonsai artists first began practicing their art, they usually used the same species repeatedly. Today, depending on the person you talk to, you may find them describe two, five or more styles of bonsai. In the next section, we will talk about the more common forms, or types, and styles of bonsai popular today. Keep in mind when reading this list it is not comprehensive. You will find however, the more common types or styles of bonsai listed in this book. These styles are well suited to novice and experienced bonsai practitioners alike. Bonsai Types and Styles There are many different styles or types of bonsai. You may find one appeals to you much more so than another. If a beginning bonsai master, you may find it helpful to seek guidance from someone that has experience creating bonsai ornamental trees. This can further the education you receive in this book tremendously. The key to good bonsai is learning as much as you can about bonsai before you prune your first tree. To help you, let us begin by explaining the primary styles of bonsai. There are two primary styles of bonsai, the classic style and the informal style. Many call these the koten style and the bunjin style. Often in the classic style a tree or plant with a wide trunk is used, one that narrows toward the upper half of the tree. The bunjin style uses a narrow trunk that expands as the tree grows taller. Depending on the person or reference you consult, you may find many other styles of bonsai explained or described. Remember bonsai is a tradition that has a long history, thus many people interpret it in many different ways. Tips for a Bonsai Beginner Tip # 1: Have Fun Remember when working with bonsai it is far too easy to struggle with styles and technicalities. Pick a plant that you find interesting, and then worry about what style it is. When you learn 30
more about bonsai, then you can decide what style you prefer to work with. Tip #2: If you do not succeed the first time, try again. Bonsai is a delicate art. Do not take your first attempts too seriously, or you may find you become easily overwhelmed by the work involved. Instead, do something you enjoy. Pick a starter plant and follow the directions if you must. Do not over-worry about styles and types, feedings and pruning schedules. Take on one plant at a time and you cannot help but succeed. Primary Categories Within each of the two primary styles of bonsai there are multiple categories. Some call them categories styles or types so keep in mind these terms are sometimes used to describe the same thing! Sometimes, every aspect of bonsai seems confusing, but not when explained to you like this! In this section, you will learn more about each of these categories (styles, types of bonsai). They are: Formal Or Upright Bonsai Style, Informal Relaxed Bonsai Style, Slanting Bonsai Style, and Cascade and Semi-Cascade Each of these categories has an appeal that is unique in its own right and deserves further explanation. Formal Upright The name alone is enough to describe this type of bonsai category. This is a classic bonsai style, one most ancients probably began pruning. This type of bonsai is the one most likely to resemble a miniature tree or even pine tree. Sometimes children mistake them for miniature Christmas trees. 31
The trunk of an upright formal bonsai remains straight throughout the growth process. Typically, the trunk will taper slightly as it extends. This means as the trunk of the tree grows it becomes narrower in size. Usually the branches on this bonsai plant are symmetrical in appearance and even. You can view the tree from any direction and each side should look almost identical if created correctly. Many different species and trees make good formal upright bonsai plants. Some examples of good plants or trees to use when creating an upright bonsai include: Maple Trees, Pines, Spruces, or Junipers Any tree you would normally think of as a holiday tree or a tree that typically grows in a symmetrical pattern or style would make for a good formal upright. Most trees, if cared and pruned correctly, can easily transform into formal upright bonsai, with the exception of some naturally twisted trees or trees that produce flowers or fruit. As most trees normally grow in an upright fashion, this classic and elegant style or category of bonsai is a good one to try if you are just learning about bonsai. Formal Upright Techniques If you plan to create a formal bonsai, you must use proper technique when creating and pruning your tree. Typically when selecting a tree, you will want to find a tree that allows for visibility of at least one third to one quarter of the straight trunk of the tree. Branches typically grow in distinct symmetrical patterns, meaning when a branch exists on one side, it also exists on another. Usually branches at the base of the tree grow longer and wider than those at the top of the tree, giving the formal bonsai an upright appearance resembling a triangle of sorts. 32
Some people also refer to this style or category as a cone style bonsai, because the shape of the finished bonsai plant resembles a cone you might see on the street, or an upside down ice-cream cone. The most important aspect of this category of bonsai is tapering of the branches and trunk of the tree to create the bonsai tree s characteristic triangular or cone-like shape. The tree should also look relatively symmetrical, though some trees are more symmetrical looking than others. The picture below is an example of a starter formal upright bonsai tree. You can see the foliage is sparse, however the tree takes on a tapered appearance with much of the base trunk visible. This tree looks much like a potted pine or Christmas tree. To maintain this style, the branches require regular pruning. The branches at the base of the tree should remain larger and wider than the branches at the top of the tree. This is one of the simplest types of bonsai for beginners to grow and care for. To achieve a tapered look on the tree, it may be necessary to wire the tree and some of the branches to create the desired appearance. Often the tip of the tree trunk is cut to help maintain the trees stature and position. Other types of bonsai require much more in the way of pruning and styling to help them conform to the shape they should grow. Informal Bonsai An informal bonsai, much like a formal bonsai, maintains an upright appearance, yet tends to bend one way or another. This may result from wind, direct sunlight or from a trees relationship with other plants. Typically when creating and maintaining an informal bonsai, one will look for a plant with a trunk that bends slightly one way or another. Proper technique dictates the tree trunk bend either right or left not straight or back. Many different types of plants and tress create perfect informal bonsai. Some examples include species of Maple, Conifers and ornamental species. 33
Informal Bonsai Techniques Typically to maintain an informal bonsai you would adopt the same strategy you might with a formal bonsai. You want the base of the trunk to remain the widest portion of the tree with roughly one quarter of the trunk or base of the plant visible. The trunk tapers as it branches upward, however the tree will lean distinctly to the right or left. Many times informal bonsai incorporate unique twists, which some advanced practitioners encourage by positioning branches with wires to maintain this look as the tree grows. The top of the tree can be full but must look tapered to remain informal. As you can see from this photograph, this bonsai leans distinctly toward the left when you view it at this angle. The tree is upright and gently tapers to the top. The foliage on this tree is much fuller than in the previous tree, as this tree likely is an ornamental species. If you are not confident of your ability to create this effect, you might start with a tree already grown in a slanted position, then work on maintaining this effect. Informal bonsai are often elegant as they most closely resemble ordinary trees but have a fun and interesting twist to them that delights and brings a smile to the face of the owner. Slanting Bonsai Category The slanting bonsai, much like the informal bonsai, appears to veer slightly toward the left or right, however this slight slant is a naturally occurring phenomenon native to the tree. The trunk may be curved or straight, however you will notice the tree maintains a sharp angle. The tree s trunk and roots on the angled side of the tree remain much stronger than those on the opposite side to support the plant with time. Almost any type of 34
plant can become a slanted bonsai, though many bonsai experts prefer to use pine trees or conifers to achieve this effect and maintain it. Slanting Bonsai Techniques This is an example of a slanted bonsai, sometimes referred to as an angled bonsai, leaning slightly to the left naturally. growth. The foliage toward the top of the tree is dense. To maintain a slanted or angled bonsai, one will want to ensure much of the trunk at the base of the tree remains visible during This may require trimming of branches that may grow at the base of the trunk. This popular style of bonsai you will find is also easy to maintain. This style is not the same as the informal or formal bonsai because there is no tapering of the trunk of the tree. Rather, most tress in the slanted category remain fullest at the top of the trunk. There are many ways to achieve a slanted style when growing an angled bonsai. Some experts prefer to allow the seedling to grow with sunlight pointing in a distinct direction so the trunk naturally grows toward the light. Another technique you can use to achieve a slanted effect is to place the pot an early bonsai lives in at a slant. This causes the tree to grow unbalanced, with stronger roots growing on one side leading to a distinctive slant as the tree ages. Did You Know? With the upright, informal and angled bonsai categories, typically branches on the tree are grouped in threes that do not begin until one is at least one third to one fourth of the way up the trunk of the tree. This allows for greater visibility of the trunk. The bottom cluster of branches appear to form a circle around the trunk, and are often 35
densest. Often one branch between clusters of three is set such that it appears lower than the other branches on the bonsai plant. This allows expert bonsai reviewers to tell whether they are looking at the front of the tree or the back, and creates a nicer aesthetic appearance for the tree. Until this point we have talked about some of the most common categories of bonsai. The next two categories are distinctive from the rest, and often among the more prized among experienced bonsai artists. Cascade and Semi-Cascade Style Bonsai The cascade style bonsai is among the easiest to identify, due to the unique nature and shape they provide. If you look at the picture to the left, you can see how the plant distinctly leans as if on the side of a giant hill. It almost appears the plant lies on its side, with the top of the plant almost touching or touching the base of the plant bottom. Some people refer to this type of bonsai as shrubbery because the plant appears to lay so close to the base of the pot or the earth. This style is unique when combined with other styles of bonsai, and often is very ornamental in nature. The semi-cascaded bonsai, one that is more suited to flowering plants for those that enjoy these species, leans distinctly toward one side; however, the tip of the tree does not touch the base of the planted pot. It may appear the plant has fallen, when realistically speaking the plant has a strong trunk and solid root structure for support. Usually the tip of the cascaded bonsai will be at the level of the base of its plant base or container. 36