Tea Tree Bonsai
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Beginner's Basic Bonsai
SUPPLIES NEEDED
For starters, you will need to take a shopping list with you to
the plant nursery or garden department of a home improvement store. You might
also need to stop by a craft store for additional items such as decorative
stones, small ceramic or porcelain figurines, etc. Here are the basics; you may
add additional items as your ideas multiply.
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A good book on the art of bonsai. One that is highly
recommended is Harry Tomlinson's, "The Complete Book of Bonsai". You
may be able to borrow it from a local library but you'll be better of if you
purchase it outright. It's available at better books stores or on-line
through Amazon. An advantage of using Amazon is that they often have used
copies available that are in good condition and a lot less expensive. The
downside is that it might take 3-4 weeks for delivery or longer.
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The plant you want to turn into a bonsai. If you are truly a
beginner, you might want to choose a plant that is relatively easy to grow and
needs minimum care. Herbs are good - rosemary, for example. Also small fir
trees, holly, or the popular Japanese maple. Pick the smallest one available.
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If you aren't in a hurry, try
starting your own from seed.
Then you'll be able to allow it to grow until it is the size you want. If
possible, put the seed in soil in the fall and allow it to germinate and
grow until spring. This will give you the whole winter to determine how you
want your plant to look. It will also give you lots of time to read up on
the art of creating a bonsai.
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Bonsai planter. This is a specially designed planter made
for bonsai arrangements. The word "bonsai" actually means "tray gardening"
suggesting a shallow rectangular dish. You will find, however, that bonsai
planters come in many shapes and sizes. The actual bonsai plant may wind up
to be anywhere from 2 inches to 2 feet tall, depending on the type of plant
and what your vision is.
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Potting mixture. Again, there are a variety of soils and
planting mediums available. What you choose is determined by the variety of
plant you are using. Most cacti will require a sandy soil. But if you bonsai a
Christmas cactus, you'll want a little heavier mixture with more humus mixed in.
Look at the package to see what plants the manufacturer recommends. You won't
need a whole lot since you'll be using only enough to fill the bonsai planter.
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Florist wire. This comes in various grades and stiffness.
You'll probably want 24 gauge, green coated wire, either by roll or cut
length. Again, for beginners, you don't need a whole bunch.
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Small bamboo stakes or skewers. You may also use decorated chop
sticks which add a decorative touch while your bonsai is in its formative
stages. The sticks are used as support for the trunk of the plant.
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BASIC BONSAI STARTER TIPS: Once
you've assembled your materials and have chosen your plant, begin
by trimming the roots using sharp, clean shears until the roots are about two inches
long. Cover the bottom of the planter with soil and set the plant
upright in the position you wish it to grow. Carefully spread the roots
around and cover them with soil until the dirt is just below the top of
the planter. Tamp the dirt firmly. You may need to brace the plant with
pebbles or small stones to hold it in place until it settles in and can
hold itself.
Pinch off the tip of the plant. This forces branches to sprout
from the main stem or trunk. As they grow, be selective in removing the
branches with the goal of creating a well-balanced living art form.
The bonsai is shaped by wrapping the florist wire around the tiny
trunk and gently forcing it into a design. Leave the wire in place until
the trunk or branches have grown permanently into the desired form. The
wire may have to be replaced from time to time if it looks like it is
cutting into the bark. You do not want to damage your little bonsai.
Selective pruning of roots and branches stunts the growth of the
plant and causes it to remain in miniature form. Many blossoming and/or
fruit bearing specimens will bloom and produce fruit. In certain
climates, the bonsai can remain out of doors year 'round but in most
cases they need to be protected from the elements until they are quite
mature and hardened.
Your arrangement may be finished by topping the soil with pieces of
lava rock, a small Oriental figurine, or whatever decoration strikes
your fancy. We update our site on a regular basis. If you don't
find the information you need,
let us know.
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