When you attempt to age your bonsai you want it to have certain characteristics, such as: tight, fine foliage; bark with fractures; branches that are open with angular bends; and a domed (as opposed to pointed) crown. Starting with a bonsai plant that already has some or all of these attributes–like old yamadori–is the quickest way, but they have their drawbacks as well. You will have to perform heavy cutting and carving to hide the removal of the heavier branches and diminish the size. This is incredibly difficult to do well, and if done incorrectly, can never be rectified. The fact that new branches grown and trained by the bonsai artist always appear more juvenile, thus complicating the matter further.

There are some techniques you can use to advance to apparent age of our bonsai, though. Some do take more time than others to have an effect.

First you must make sure that you understand what is being referred to when describing the appearance of age in bonsai. These can be broken down into five main characteristics:

1. A domed crown

2. The poise of the branches

3. Angular branch ramification

4. Distinct, separated foliage ‘clouds’

5. Mature bark texture

THE BONSAI CROWN

When you look at trees that are hundreds of years old you should notice that they all carry a common trait: a domed crown. In order to create a domed crown for your bonsai you will need to dispose of the concept of “wiring a new leader”. The leader should have been grown and shaped while the trunk was being developed. Once the trunk is finished all thoughts of the leader are abandoned. The apex of your bonsai should now be thought of as an apical, central branch. It should be constructed the same as any other branch, however, the limb supporting the apical branch structure will approach from below instead of from a side.

BONSAI BRANCH POISE

The principles of branch positioning are relatively easy to follow, but often it is compromised in the beginning as you rush for a finished image. The old broadleaved branches are generally horizontal and old conifer branches tend to sweep downward–in the simplified world of bonsai. You must remember that arching branches will not convey the impression of age. Most artist do not realize this until years later when the branches have set and are to thick to change. The key to bonsai branch poise is the get the branches correct at the outset.

ANGULAR BRANCH RAMIFICATION

Some bonsai have fine ramification and some bonsai have really fine ramification. A broom style bonsai could have millions of well-packed, miniature shoots, look well-developed and mature, but never appear ancient. It just is not that kind of image. So, ramification by itself will not give the bonsai a look of age, but the way the branches ramify does. Dramatic taper, sharp angles, switch-backs, these are all indicative of bonsai age. Restricting short foliage bearing shoots to the periferal areas, lacking thin laterals growing from the inner portion of the limbs, and short distances between the ends and forks also contribute. Old trees do not have branches forming a triangular framework, nor do they have pointed apices. These branches should be cut back at the earliest opportunity. Every time you prune or wire your bonsai you should consider these points. No matter what age or stage of development your bonsai is in, there are always opportunities to improve.

FOLIAGE CLOUDS

Foliage on a mature bonsai can become one solid mass without proper attendance. As trees reach an older age, the foliage masses will become more isolated and sparse. The individual “clouds” will start to fragment, seeming to consist of multiple smaller clouds. Take the time to study your well developed and more established bonsai. Do you think removing one or two branches, or even thinning out the clouds to fragment them will improve both the image and apparent age of your bonsai?

BARK TEXTURE

The most precious feature of any bonsai is undeniably mature textured bark. Without it, few bonsai can appear mature. There are some exceptions such as acers. taxus, fagus, etc., because the bark stays smooth throughout the tree’s life. Most species, however, will create a characteristic mature bark as they mature, getting a plated or fissured texture. Some, like pseudocydonia and platanus have bark that flakes in patches revealing shades of pink, buff, and green. Betula and most prunus species all their bark to peel, displaying many colorful layers.

Jason Dempsey is an avid bonsai enthusiast and artist. To learn more about using the internet to help you flourish your bonsai collection feel free to visit http://www.BonsaiMastery.com

Learn How to Grow bonsai from tree seeds.

Bonsai trees are kept small by pruning the branches and roots and growing the trees in pots. A tree planted in a small pot is not a bonsai until it has been pruned, shaped, and trained into the desired shape. Bonsai trees are associated with artistic shapes and forms. This refers to the art of training and cultivating miniature trees in pots and containers.

Bonsai trees are not miniature naturally, but can be made out of any ordinary tree or shrub and are miniaturized through bonsai techniques. There are many different bonsai techniques, some are basic techniques while others are very advanced and only practiced by experienced bonsai masters.

These trees are living miniature trees and bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature. The practice of growing and forming these beautiful little trees has been going on for centuries in China and Japan. Bonsai trees are usually about balance, you do not want to get a tree that looks like it will fall over.

Branches that stick out towards you are also common pruning targets. Of course, what you prune from your plant should be your personal decision. Branches and twigs that can easily be bent towards the “good side” are tied together loosely with bonsai wire.

The more branches you can tie together, the more trees you will have for your little forest. Branch pruning should also occur near the start of spring. Pick the branches that you wish to keep and carefully remove the others.

Techniques cover both indoor and garden bonsai plants. Plants suited to bonsai pruning include ficus, azalea, Japanese maple trees, Chinese elm, bamboo, wisteria, gardenia and juniper.

Techniques such as cutting, pruning, and pinching are used to manipulate the pattern of growth and the result is a magnificent tree that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Today, Bonsai trees and their beauty fascinate western cultures.

Fertilize with a balanced tree fertilizer. Remember, bonsai are not houseplants. Fertilizer must be carefully monitored. Fertilization is usually very light and is usually applied in the spring just before new growth begins. During the summer bonsai may require daily watering, depending on the exposure and container size employed.

Trees are cultivated and groomed in a small container to stunt their growth and they are a beautiful miniaturized version of the real trees. It is possible to cultivate whatever trees you fancy. Bonsai trees are mostly outdoors and can often only be viewed indoors for a limited period of time before the tree is stressed and eventually dies.

Some reasons for this include improper temperature, humidity, air circulation and lighting. Bonsai trees are living miniature trees which increase in beauty and value as they mature over the years. Get into Bonzai trees for some are really dramatic patio or unique LIVING home and garden decorations.

Bonsai trees are intentionally allowed to become root-bound in their containers, and the roots, likewise, are pruned. But root-bound plants won’t thrive forever in that condition and bonsai trees must be re-potted every two or three years to leave the roots with new soil.

Bonsai trees are truly an art form. They are plants that are grown in trays or containers and developed so that they remain small. Bonsai trees are offered much more attention at their budding stage by the bonsai farmer. The main aim of the Bonsai tree owner or Bonsai tree farmer is to provide all the conditions necessary for the Bonsai tree to grow up strong, healthy and aesthetic.

Andre Arnett is an owner of many websites. Be sure to stop by his Bonsai website at http://basicsofbonsai.com/blog and read other bonsai stories.

Learn the beautiful bonsai art by reading bonsai books.

Bonsai trees were originally outdoor plants. Only with the recent advent of climate control, indoor techniques have made it possible to grow it indoors. Today however, even oldtimers who keep traditional concepts about bonsai growing mostly agree that growing bonsai plants indoors are fine.

Here are some of the considerations for raising bonsai plants inside.

Climate Control

Growing bonsai indoors allows you to control the growing environment of your plants. Indoor temperatures can be easily controlled. This allows you to grow bonsai that may not normally grow in your area. Even loving bonsai tree can be grown inside the house.

The humidity levels can also be kept under control. Bonsai are temperamental plants and prefers moist air. You can keep the humidity inside at the level the plants like. You can also make sure that your bonsai tree is getting the proper lighting. When you leave it outside, the lighting is dependent on the sunshine. By growing bonsai indoors it allows you to create natural lighting with artificial sunlight allowing for better and more even growth.

Watering of the plants is also more easily controlled inside. You can easily water your plant when it’s needed, without the fear of over watering. The soil can be monitored to be sure it is kept at the moisture level the bonsai likes.

Year Round Enjoyment

By letting your bonsai grow indoors you’ll be able to enjoy your hobby through the year year long. You can watch of your plants any time you would like. The plants thrives by having a controlled climate in which to grow. Caring for your plants is much easier when you monitor your plants on a daily basis. You’ll be able to immediately see and correct any trouble that happens. By keeping your bonsai plants inside you can also eliminate many of the pest issues that can happens with growing bonsai outdoors.

Bonsai plants will help in decorating your home. You’ll also be able to grow any variety of bonsai plant that’s possible. You no longer need to have to depend upon the temperatures in your area to determine which plants you can grow. Indoor growing allows you to pick from hundreds of bonsai trees. Having a bonsai tree inside helps brings nature into the house.

Your Lighting

Bonsai need light to survive. Different types of plants will require more or less lighting. Usually plants that flower require more light while others will require less. Check for the specific requirements of your particular choice of bonsai plants. Natural lighting works best, position your bonsai in a place that receives good natural sunshine. In the winter months it may be necessary to supplement natural light with an artificial light. Install a timer if necessary.

Humidity Levels

Many bonsai plants are tropical or sub-tropical. They are used to a humid atmosphere and tend to grow best with more humidity. In dry conditions the leaves and flowers may shrivel. You may also opt to spray the leaves with a find mist to provide additional humidity to the plant. Avoid spraying it in direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can provide humidity to the bonsai by placing the entire plant, pot and all, on a gravel-filled container that you keep moist with water.

Temperature Control

Most bonsai trees are used to mild temperatures and thrives in these conditions. Different kinds of bonsai plants will require different environmental ranges. Keep this information in mind when selecting your plants. Remember that the environment will be affected by the amount of light your bonsai receives.

Watering Requirements

The amount of water a bonsai needs will differ throughout the year. This happens because the bonsai will go through stages of growth and dormant periods. They generally need less water during the dormant periods and more watering during their growth periods. A flowering bonsai plant needs more water and food right before and during the time it flowers. Each type of bonsai plant have different water needs which you can check when buying your plants.

Pruning Your Bonsai

A large part of enjoyment of your bonsai tree is keeping them properly pruned. Use sharp pruning shears when making cuts taking care not to prune too much. Care needs to be taken keeping in mind the total shape and appearance of the bonsai when you prune. Thinning the plant is usually done to avoid thick shapes and is often done on the bottom third of the plant.

Repotting

Your bonsai tree needs to be repotted occasionally. The root of the plant may start to become bound and impacted. When the plants roots become too thick there’s no longer enough soil around the roots system to keep it moist. The bonsai will not grow in these conditions. How often the plant needs to be repotted will depend entirely on its growth rate. Some bonsai will grow quicker than others. To repot the bonsai tree, remove the plant from the ground. Remove any of the smaller root system. Repot the plant in a bigger container using a proper blend of potting soil.

B.J. Smith has been online since 1997 and runs several successful businesses. You can learn more at: [http://www.growing-bonsai-trees.net] Learn How to Grow bonsai from tree seeds. ]]> http://mishsai123.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/how-to-care-for-your-bonsai-tree/feed/ 0 mishsai123 http://mishsai123.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/hello-world/ http://mishsai123.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/hello-world/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:12:04 +0000 mishsai123 ]]> Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging! ]]> http://mishsai123.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/hello-world/feed/ 1 mishsai123