Aug 22 2007
The Life Of A Flowering Bonsai
Flowering bonsai plants can be developed from seed or cuttings or also from young trees. Flowering bonsai plants need feeding, watering pruning and training at regular intervals in order for them to grow healthy. They are grown in small containers to get a desired shape by the application of wire coils.
There are three main aspects to consider when going to buy a flowering bonsai:
The selection of the containers
The position of the plant within the container
The choice of the plant variety.
Four Sizes Of Flowering Bonsai
There are four main sizes of flowering bonsai. There is miniature, small, medium and average size. Miniature bonsai grow to two inches in height and mostly achieve this within two years. Small bonsai grow to two to six inches in height and usually take five to ten years to mature, where as medium bonsai grow to six to twelve inches in height and will reach their full potential within three years. Average sized flowering bonsai grow to approximately two feet, and are also grown within three years.
Two Basic Styles Of Growing Flowering Bonsai Plants
There is the classic style, also known as Koten, which has a wider trunk at the base and gets thinner towards the top. There is also the informal style, also known as comic and Bunkin, which is the opposite of classic with the top end wider than the trunk.
Popular Flowering Bonsai Trees
- Mt. Fuji Serissa - this is known for its white colorings on the outer edges of the leaves. It blooms a single white flower in summer and likes lots of warmth and sun so should be put in a correct spot in a garden. The soil should be dry before it is watered.
- Flowering Quince - This comes from Asian countries and has a display of white and red flowers on bare branches. It is a world favourite and the leaves have tiny teeth and flowers grow in tight clusters. It produces green and yellow fruits and may be tough, but needs a lot of sunlight and soil that is well-drained between watering. It should not be over watered.
- Okinawa Holly - This has small pink flowers that bloom during spring and summer. It is tough, but grows best in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees. For maintenance, it is best to be spray misted everyday from spring to fall and at least twice a day in winter.
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