It's just amazing to consider the quantity and great diversity of trees and plants that can be used and trained for bonsai. If a plant or tree has a woody stem there is a very good chance that it can be used to develop a bonsai plant.
Yet another favorite is the Chinese Juniper (Juniperus Chinensis). This coniferous juniper with dark green needle-shaped leaves is hardy and straightforward to work with. Again, this plant can endure and thrive in full sunlight all year round, but needs a little protection from very cold winter winds and frosts. This plant will do its best when you keep the soil moist all year long. This will likely require you to check the moisture level in th soil regularly, especially in winter.Your Japanese maple bonsai will require regular watering from spring, when you begin to see signs that the tree is coming out of dormancy, through late fall when the tree has dropped the last of it's leaves. Japanese maples like moist soil, so you will need to be vigilant in checking the moisture level in the soil to maintain the optimum level of moisture. The best way to water your Japanese Maple is to water it in the morning. Let it dry out over the course of the day but never allow it to become completely dry. You don't want to over-water your Japanese Maple bonsai either. Your bonsai pot should have enough drainage holes to allow all excess water to drain out. Japanese Maple trees are vulnerable to root rot so it is very important that the pots drain thoroughly and the roots don't sit in water.You can improve the odds by controlling some of these conditions, and shorten the cycle. Once you have picked the seeds and removed the wing just place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool dry place until you are ready for them. You don�t want to plant your seeds out in the spring until the danger of frost has past. Here in the north May 15th is a safe bet.--FeedingThe Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) is amongst the best trees of all for the beginner bonsai grower. This tree is relatively slow growing and extremely forgiving of poor cutting and pruning. When grown outdoors this tree reluctantly loses it's leaves and oftentime continues to have some at mid-winter. For best results you need to keep the plant in an area which is sheltered from the wind, but that's nevertheless pleasant and sunny. During the winter you can keep it inside a cool room that has good light. Just like the Chinese Juniper you need to keep this plant's soil moist continuously through the summer, Again, don't overwater in order to keep it moist, just water more frequently. Through the winter keep the soil just barely moist after all the leaves have fallen.To plant the seeds just sow them on top of a bed of well drained topsoil or sterilized potting soil, and cover with approximately 3/8� of soil. Water them thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly again. If you water them frequently, not only do you stand a chance of the seeds rotting from being too wet, but you will also keep them cool, which will slow down the germination process.
It's not hard whatsoever to get started in the hobby of bonsai. A good, practical, step-by-step guide to bonsai gardening is essential to a beginner's success. And I'm not talking about a picture-book that is better suited for the coffee table. I have a link on my website to what I consider to be the best practical guide, dollar for dollar, that you can find. Don't wait to get started in this fascinating hobby. Check out this really great book and get started today!
Author: Mike Andrews
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