Bored With Basic Bonsai? Try These Advanced Bonsai Styles

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Once you have mastered the basic bonsai styles such as the formal upright style of chokkan, the informal upright style of shakan and the cascade style of kengai, you may want to try some more advanced bonsai styles for a better challenge.

Intermediate Bonsai artists may try some of the more common advanced styles such as the Bankan (Twisted), the Fukinagashi (Windswept), or the Bunjin (Literati). Here’s a brief explanation of each.

Bankan (Twisted)

Thought to have originated in China, this style features trunks that are twisted and gnarled. Some expert artists can even form them Into animal shapes, the dragon being the most popular in Japan.

There are some styles to the Bankan which include the Nejikan with a trunk is only partially turned. Another style, the Takzukuri, is also called the octopus and in this style the trunk is quite twisted with the branches following it in the shape of a vortex. This style emulates the natural wind which shapes the full-size species of the tree.

Fukinagashi (Windswept)

This style is an attempt to emulate nature’s effects on the tree but in miniature.

In the Fukinagashi style, the trunk is slanted as if it has been blown by a strong wind coming from one direction. The branches follow suit in that direction as a result of the bent growth.

This can be seen in areas near a class or a hill such as coastal regions. In these areas Fukinagashi is formed by nature.

of course, the bonsai artist cannot emulate a forceful wind and must use different means to cause the plant to grow in one direction. One could use wire, although this is most often used for the branches, and use a cord tied to a stake to force the tree to grow in the direction you want.

Oftentimes, the bonsai artist who makes sure the foliage is sparse to emulate the natural conditions where leaves would’ve been blown away by the strong winds.

Bunjin (Literati)

This is one of the most popular bonsai styles and no it is simple, it is deceptively difficult. The style consists of a thin trunk with very few branches and is inspired by Chinese paintings that show trees growing in a harsh climate. While this might sound sparse it produces rather dramatic results.

The trunk has frequent twists and branches come out at sharp upward angles giving the tree a different view from every angle. A popular species for the Bunjin style is the Japanese red Pine but it can be done using many other types of trees.

these advanced styles require a lot of skill and patience so they would be quite frustrating for the novice bonsai artists. However, once you are bored with the basics you might want to try your hand at these styles which will reward your skill and patience with beauty.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about the art of bonsai and different types of bonsai trees.

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What You Need To Know About Pruning Bonsai Trees

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Pruning bonsai trees is one of the most important things you will have to do as a bonsai enthusiast. Generally, you will be pruning two parts of your bonsai: the roots, which is the bottom part of the plant, and the foliage, which is the top part of the plant. Pruning your bonsais is one of the more interesting aspects of growing these interesting plants and is a way to let your creativity shine.

Root pruning is important because it allows the tree to grow new roots. Because of their small containers, the roots of bonsai trees are often stunted in growth. By pruning the root system of your bonsai regularly, you will ensure that the plant has the space needed to grow new roots, which in turn helps the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. As with any other plant, the root structure is critical to the growth and health of your bonsai.

On the other hand, pruning a bonsai tree’s foliage is also vital – if only for aesthetic purposes. If you are a bonsai owner, you probably have a specific design in mind for your tree. Pruning will help you achieve the results you desire. Pruning can help shape your tree into the form you want as well as removes any dead leaves to help keep it healthy and beautiful.

Also, don’t forget that the roots and the foliage of your bonsai tree are interconnected. When you reduce the foliage (or number of leaves) that your tree has, you are also reducing the strain on its roots. In other words, the less leaves there are, the less work the roots have to do to keep them alive.

The amount of pruning you will do will depend heavily on your plans for the tree. It is best for you to have a plan here before you begin. Remember that the changes that you make to your tree are permanent! If you cut a branch off, that branch is gone forever, and you will have to wait for a new one to take its place. Remember to prune your tree gently - if you are removing leaves pinch them off with your fingers and don’t use sharp or harsh tools.

Most people like to prune off branches that cross the trunk or each other. Why? Because it isn’t very pretty to look at. So unless you think you can rewire the branch and force it to grow in another direction, cut it off. Branches that stick out towards you are also common pruning targets. Of course, what you prune from your plant should be your personal decision. What is really important is that you find your bonsai tree beautiful; what others think of it is a secondary consideration. Trust your own good taste.

Remember: pruning your bonsai trees is supposed to be fun! Don’t get too worked up if your trees don’t turn out the way you want them at first. If you keep learning and practicing your botanical skills, the day will soon come when your bonsai will be the envy of your neighbors!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about types of bonsai trees and their care.

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Beginner Bonsai Trees: The 5 Easiest To Care For

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Beginner bonsai trees should all have one thing in common - they should all be easy to look after. Although the art of the bonsai is often seen as one which is extremely difficult and takes many years to master, this should not put off anyone new to bonsai growing. There are a number of species which are very hardy, can withstand various light conditions and don't need to be monitored as if it were a hospital patient. These include:

Cherry Blossom - Many bonsai trees are considered to be either indoor or outdoor species, however the cherry blossom is one bonsai which can fit into both categories. Not only that but they are especially beautiful.

Azalea - The most common species you will find are the satkuzi azalea and the kurume azalea. They also have very beautiful flowers which will brighten up any garden.

Cotoneaster - There are over 200 varieties of cotoneaster however the most popular for bonsai purposes are horizontalis, Microphyllus and Compacta Nana. These plants should be kept outdoors, and although they are generally very hardy plant, you will need to protect them from the winter frost.

Juniper - Whenever most people think of a bonsai tree it is the juniper plant to springs to mind and is commonly referred to as the "Karate Kid".

Japanese Maple - Although this is not a flowering bonsai, the leaves more than make up for it, ranging from tones of gold to red.

This article is simply an introduction to anyone thinking of growing bonsai trees. It is important that you read up as much as possible on each variety to make sure you are buying the bonsai that is right for you. Just because they are the easiest of bonsai to care for does not mean you should neglect them. They will still need watering, feeding, pruning and re-potting, however this should be easy enough for any beginner bonsai grower.

April Kerr writes for internet site Bonsai Tree Care. Her favourite bonsai is the Cherry Blosom however she also has written descriptions on how to care for many other bonsai trees.

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The Primary Art Of Pruning A Bonsai Tree

The art of Bonsai is the ability to artificially modify an ordinary to tree to appear dwarf like or miniature. This can only be achieved by careful pruning of both roots and branches.

Although there are other key aspects like the type of soil used to grow a Bonsai tree, and watering techniques you need to be aware of, arguably non are more important than pruning.

However, before you even think about grabbing the shears from the shed you need to do a little bit of planning. It's a good idea to get a pen and notepad before sketching out a design that you would be happy to use to help sculpt your Bonsai tree.

You need to get familiar with finger pruning which is a must have skill needed to shape your Bonsai tree. The basic process involves pinching new buds or growth off with your fingers to control the shape of your Bonsai tree. Although the concept is relatively simple, the ability to hold the branch of your Bonsai with one hand and gently roll, and twist any unwanted growth between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand should be practiced first before experimented on your Bonsai tree. Its important to remember when performing this not to pull on the branch or tree which could cause serious damage.

Its likely to be a while before you have enough confidence to perform this technique on your Bonsai tree. Its therefore a good idea to hone you skills on a small bush. Only when you are capable of making clean cuts should you think about implementing this on your Bonsai tree.

Often deciduous bonsai trees like Chinese Elms and Maples prefer pruning with sharp scissors With these types of Bonsai trees you can prune back to a bud closely matching your originally sketch. Any new growth will then take the direction of the bud you pruned back too.

When it comes to root pruning you need to trim about two thirds of the root ball every two years. Get in the habit of performing this ritual in tandem with any major branch pruning. Its important to remember that the roots are where your Bonsai tree provides nutrition and therefore should be in perfect balance with the rest of the tree.

Proper Bonsai pruning schedules are dependent on the type of species, but its advisable to look at a full-sized tree in its natural environment as a guideline. Some Bonsai trees are pruned at the beginning of the growing season and thereby will stunt growth, and others towards the end in order to leave less leaves during the dormant winter months.

For more indepth information on the art of bonsai tree pruning why not visit http://www.growing-a-bonsai-tree.co.uk today for essiential help and advice. View also review the best Bonsai tree books & products

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A Few Usefull Things To Do With Tree Seeds And Bonsai

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To the contrary belief of certain persons, seeds and seedlings have many ways of being useful to bonsai enthusiast. Ill elaborate on a few of them.

Seeds are of many uses and the first one them is to have a tree to develop into a bonsai plant. Pretty obvious, no? But other then growing a future bonsai tree, what could you do with tree seeds?

Another use for seeds is the potential to develop a new cultivar. Every seeds are a different gene pool then its parents. This is why; some say a cultivar can only be reproduce by cuttings. This is true. But from a seed can come an even better cultivar. I like to think of it as the lottery. I usually sow around thirty seeds of the desired species. Average germination rate of tree seeds is 75%. So 75% of 30 seeds is around 22. A month after sowing, I usually get 22 seedlings. From these 22, I will prick out the weakest and nurture the strongest. After a few weeks of growth im usually able to distinguish the fastest grower (which is very interesting) but im also able to find the ones that grow compact with short internodes. I then select the 10 best seedlings and bonsai plant candidate to be moved to their individual pot. I called this method discriminative growing. This leaves me with excellent bonsai stock, which I can then propagate via cuttings.

A third uses for seeds/seedlings, is to grow many thin seedlings that we will use for a graft later. You could either graft some roots to accentuate your nebari or even graft a branch. We all have looked at a bonsai tree and wished that a bud would break at a very specific point. Well you could do it with a graft from side to side.

I also have seen some people who will do a root over rock bonsai tree by using many tree seedlings that they wrap around a rock then join the seedlings together over the rock. Roots and seedlings will eventually fuse with the rock, but seedlings will eventually fuse together on top of the rock.

One other thing that I find seeds useful for is that they can be a source of uncommon species pretty cheaply and easily. If you don't have access to a certain species of tree in your area, you could always buy some seeds of your desired species and grow them. Shipping tree's can be tricky and cost a lot. Seeds are easily ship around the world.

Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com/, a website with ressource for Bonsai seeds and Bonsai tree.

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Growing bonsai is a great, fun thing to do, it is very enjoyable, it is very rewarding and you get to display beautiful trees around your home and garden when you do it, it really is a great hobby to have. Many people are enjoying bonsai growing at this moment in time and many people want to enjoy it too, in this article I am going to share with you some tips and advice for growing your own stunning bonsai trees.

Bonsai Tree Care Tips And Advice

The first thing I want to tell you is that although it would be nice, you probably won't get your tree's the exact way you want them on your first try, it often takes practise and learning before you can master the art of growing bonsai so you shouldn't give up if you fail the first time, in fact, you shouldn't give up until you get it right, you will be glad you didn't when you have your own amazing looking bonsai tree sitting in front of you.

The second thing I want to tell you is that you should read and learn as much as you can about it, there is so much great information out there for you to read and apply to growing bonsai and it will help you tremendously if you don't know what you're doing, start reading everything you can about growing bonsai and you will have a better chance of getting it right sooner.

Most importantly of all, you should enjoy yourself as you grow your trees, don't let it become a chore or something you think you "need" to do, instead let it be fun and enjoyable, this way you will find it much easier to do it and keep growing beautiful trees one after the other.

Remember, growing bonsai is a great experience and can be very rewarding when you see all your efforts pay off and create an amazing tree of your own, don't give up when you fail (if you fail), read and learn as much as you can as it will benefit you a lot and enjoy yourself as you do it all, growing bonsai doesn't have to be hard, in fact, it can be extremely easy when you know how to do it so go for it.

Discover How To Grow Beautiful Bonsai Trees In This FREE Report:

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