The Five-Needled Pine Bonsai Tree

The Five-Needled Pine Bonsai Trees for sale is a hardy tree that has can potentially live for hundreds of years with proper care and is available for purchase at most suppliers with bonsai trees for sale. It is a very slow growing tree, but the trunk will eventually thicken and the branches will multiply. The Five-Needled Pine bark is very similar, but yet finer than the Japanese Red Pine. Typically, the evergreen leaves are short and will grow in cluster of five with a distinguished white line through the middle. The Japanese usually consider this to be a feminine tree due to the shape and grace of the tree. This is a particularly good tree for bonsai because of the numerous and various shapes that it can be trained to take. This tree will typically maintain a pronounced shape for several years at a time. Along with the Japanese Black Pine, this is considered one of the best trees for bonsai.

There are several different varieties of the Five-Needled Pine, or Goyo-Matsu, that all grow in separate regions of Japan. Some of the trees have bark that is think and fine, while others have coarse, thick bar. Several of the types of thin, short, and straight needles while others have thick, long and curved ones. These needles can vary in color as well, ranging from dark and pale to silver and gold. A very well known variety in Japan is the Hai-Matsu, and it lives in the alpine area and has a trunk that literally crawls across the ground. Although there are many variations of this tree, the best suited for bonsai tree have small, short, dense leaves and delicate branches with relatively rough bark. The Five-Needled Pine is dwarfed by nature and is ideal for thriving, miniature bonsai tree.

Reasons not to keep your bonsai tree on the ground

There are many reasons not to keep your bonsai tree on the ground, but rather, on a shelf or table. There are many places that have bonsai trees for sale, and knowing where to put your bonsai after you purchase it is key to the health and prosperity of the tree. On windy days, many beginners fear that their tree will be blown off a shelf by the wind and be severely injured. Wind can cause a significant of damage to a bonsai tree and you should be careful on windy days, but do not place the tree on the ground – pick another location. Placing the tree and pot on the ground could possibly result in both the pot and the leaves becoming muddy. If the leaves are muddy, they will not be able to receive adequate sunlight, which could wither the leaves and ruin the appearance of your bonsai for some time. Also, earthworms are a common problem when trees are left on the ground because they can easily enter the pot through the drainage holes on the bottom. Containers on the ground are also more difficult to suitably care for. For example, if the bonsai is left on a rock, stone, tile, brick, or concrete, the roots of the tree can be severely damaged from the strong heat of summer or cold temperatures in the winter. Lastly, a bonsai on the ground is much more likely to be knocked over and damaged, whether by you or a dog or cat, because it is often easy to forget they are under your feet. I had a good friend a couple of years ago that put a 32 year old Japanese Maple on the ground for two days, and was then totally destroyed because his dog thought it was a chew toy. Needless to say, he doesn’t put his bonsai trees on the ground anymore. I have also heard stories of dogs urinating on trees. The best place to keep a bonsai trees for sale is on a table or shelf that is made of thick wood.

How to make another bonsai tree from your existing bonsai tree: Layering

Layering a bonsai tree is a method that can be used to help propagate new plants by causing the branches of the existing plant to sprout new roots. After roots have developed on the parent plant, the branch is severed from the tree and then replanted in a differently pot as an individual tree. There are many places that have bonsai trees for sale, and knowing how to layer your tree can be a valuable technique to master and create new bonsai trees.

There are two common techniques in layering: earth layering and air layering. I will discuss air layering in the message. Air layering is the best and most common method for creating a new bonsai from an existing branch that already displays the curvature and natural shape of a desirable bonsai tree. The first step is to wrap #10 width wire around the base of the selected branch one time, checking to make sure the wire cut about halfway into the bark. You should then water the tree thoroughly, and cover the area with a pack of sphagnum (moss). Then tie each end of the moss with a durable rope to close the ends around the area. Then, as the selected branch grows larger, the wire will cut deeper into the bark, which will help aid in the growth of new roots.

You should water the tree twice a day- once in the morning and once in the evening. After one or two months have passed, you should remove the moss. If the layering was done successfully, there should be 4 or 5 new roots growing where the moss was. The roots should be white with reddish-black tips. You should then cut the branch from the parent branch below the roots and replant into a new bonsai pot. You should put this new bonsai tree for sale in full sun for half the day for the first week. After a week has passed, it should be able to remain in the sun for a full day.

Concealing a scar on your bonsai tree

Any true bonsai trees for sale should be free from visible scarring. Just one scar on a bonsai can significantly reduce the value and visual appeal of the tree. There are many places that have bonsai trees for sale, and knowing how to keep your tree free from scars will be an important factor in the trees growth. There is good news. If your tree has been damaged by insects, disease, or simply has a scar from branch arrangement, it can be concealed with a useful technique called carving.

Carving is often preformed indoors during the winter dormant state of the tree. You should firmly tie the base of the trunk to the container so the tree cannot move. Then, use a sharp carving knife, and slowly care out the withered or decayed bark. Be careful not to damage any living part of the bonsai or the leaves. Try your best to fashion the section of bark you cut out to resemble a natural hole found in old trees. Leave the hard core, and smooth the rest of the bark of the carved area. You should then apply wax cloth or adhesive plaster to prevent further decay of the bark. After you have completed the carving, you should place your bonsai tree in a warm room, and water it daily to help trigger the recovery to help the wound heal. You can also give your tree weak fertilizer if you feel necessary. This whole recovery process will often take two to three years before the scar from carving is invisible.

In Japan, some of the most dignified and highly valued bonsai trees have a weathered, lifeless branch or trunk. These features were achieved by using the carving method described above. Rugged attributes of branches and trunks help to foster the illusion that the tree is centuries old and has been subject to harsh environments. Adding these elements to your tree will only further enhance its appearance.

 

Why arrange the branches of your bonsai tree?

Why arrange the branches of your bonsai tree?

Branch arranging is possibly the most important and difficult facet of the art in bonsai. Bonsai is, after all, an art that simply reveres the balance of nature. There are many places with bonsai trees for sale, and after you find the perfect bonsai, it is important to know how to arrange the branches. Because bonsai trees for sale grow in such small containers with limited soil, they can’t be expected to grow with the same capacity and vigor as a tree found in nature. The fact that bonsai are grown in these containers will greatly deter their growth and will cause the tree to become more compact. But having a small, compact tree does not make it a “true” bonsai. A true bonsai tree is a miniature tree that aspires to duplicate the appearance of a full sized tree found on a natural landscape. In order to grow a bonsai tree, you will need to master the technique of branch arranging, as it is a skill that no bonsai grower can go without.

Basic branch arranging is preformed to improve and correct the shape of your tree by cutting away unwanted branches or leaves. Branch arranging strives to improve the natural characteristics of your bonsai trees by straightening unattractive bends and providing a sense of grace to the tree, which will enhance the inherent character of the tree. It can also tremendously increase the value of a tree. Too much bending or twisting should be avoided, as this can cause an unwanted and unpleasant feeling to the tree. If you take the time to learn the basic of branch arranging as a beginner, it can pay significant dividends in the future for your trees. Start with the easier methods, and gradually master the more advanced techniques.

Where to keep your bonsai tree

Where to keep your bonsai tree

Knowing where to keep your bonsai trees for sale is an essential factor in the art of bonsai which will effect the health and longevity of your tree. There are many places to find bonsai trees for sale, and knowing where to put your tree after you have it is very important. It is recommended that for the first two weeks you put your freshly planted bonsai tree in a location that is protected from the wind, but will still receive two to three hours of the morning sunshine. This will help warrant the tree to take root properly, and will not be overexposed to the elements. During this two-week period, you should not expose the tree to the cold or to heavy rain. The bonsai should be watered often to repress the threat of dry soil, and should not be placed indoors.

The tree should be exposed to an ample amount of sunlight and air, and it is recommended that the tree is placed on a strong shelf that was built for the outdoors. Deciduous trees will often need individual attention in the summer because it is possible for their leaves to become damaged by strong, direct sunshine. In the winter it is also possible for the branches to become damaged by frost. If you notice that the leaves of your tree are being damaged by the sunlight in the summer, simply move them to an area that is more shaded. In the winter, you can consider moving your tree to a garage or patio to help shield them from cold temperatures. You never want the soil in the container to freeze, as this can sometimes kill your bonsai trees. You should also never place a potted bonsai tree directly on the ground as this can cause the bark and the moss at the base of the tree to be damaged.

When to add fertilizer to your bonsai tree

Knowing when to add fertilizer to your bonsai trees for sale is just as important as knowing the type of fertilizer to use. There are many places with bonsai trees for sale, and once you have found the perfect tree, you need to ensure that it stays healthy by adding fertilizer at the proper times. Typically, the best time to add fertilizer is when the new buds begin to sprout in the early spring to mid-summer, and then again from the end of August to the first few weeks of September. You should never fertilizer immediately after a transplant or before a fruit bearing tree has fruits that have fully ripened, or while they are in the process of flowering. You should also avoid fertilizing on days with rainy weather or on hot summer days.

Depending on the strength of your fertilizer, you should apply once per week (rapeseed cake diluted 15 times with the same amount of water is recommended). If you use a stronger fertilizer, back off the applications to just once every two weeks or even once a month if you are using dried or powdered fertilizers.

Try to keep the following points in mind as general guidelines when applying fertilizer to your bonsai tree. Adjust the frequency of the applications based on the growth of the sprouting buds, the color of the foliage, and the overall health of the tree. You should not use fertilizer when the soil in the pot is completely dry. Dry soil can multiply the strength of a fertilizer. You should water first, then reach for the fertilizer. If you apply fertilizer when it is heavily raining, most of the fertilizer will be washed out of the pot and will go to waste. Adding fertilizer can actually injure the roots when temperatures are hot during mid-summer, which is why you should stop apply after the leaves have reach maturation for the season. If you have a fruit bearing bonsai tree, adding slightly more phosphate to your fertilizer mix will help in the development of the fruit.

What rules should bonsai growers keep in mind?

There are several guidelines that every experienced bonsai grower follows to help keep their trees alive and healthy. You should always start by putting a young bonsai tree in a small pot with good drainage, and provide it with plenty of water. It should be placed in a partially shaded area outside if possible. After your bonsai trees has developed a noticeable root system, it should be placed on an outside shelf where it can receive plenty of sunlight and fresh air. A key step in growing a bonsai is knowing when to water. You should water your bonsai trees whenever the soil on the surface on the pot becomes dry. If you water more than this, you could potentially kill your tree from overwatering. On the opposite side, be sure that you don’t let the soil stay dry for several days, as this can lead to a dried out tree. You will need to fertilize occasionally, but the frequency depends highly on the type of tree you have.

During the spring when new buds form, you should begin thinning them to maintain or alter the desired shape of the tree. During the winter, you should not leave your tree outside, especially if you live in the north. I have had great success with keeping my trees in my garage during the winter. It keeps them warm enough to stay alive but still allows them to go into a dormant state. A key step that many people forget is the need to transplant your bonsai every one to two years. Since bonsai trees for sale are kept in such small pots, the root system absorbs the nutrients from the soil very quickly. If the soil is not replaced it will keep new roots from developing, and eventually kill the bonsai tree. Also, if the soil is not regularly replaced, the surface of the soil will become hard and water can just leak through the cracks while not being absorbed by the tree. You should transplant your tree in the spring, just before the new buds begin to appear. There are many places to find bonsai trees for sale, and knowing these fundamental rules with help keep your bonsai alive and happy.

What features make a true bonsai?

To be considered a true bonsai tree, the tree must have the following features. To start off, it should display the characteristics of an full-size tree that is several decades old. The appearance of the tree in its pot should resemble a natural landscape of a tree thriving in woods. The limbs and branches of the tree need to vary in shape and length, which help create the illusion of a full-size tree, and often add to the artistic effect. The pot should create a sense of balance and stability to the tree with rocks and other artistic décor. The bonsai tree should also reflect all of the changes in a full-size tree though the changing of seasons, which will help create variety and add to the sense of realism through the year. The main goal of bonsai tree growing is to create the illusion of a real tree, so it is best to choose trees that display very little artificiality. For this reason, many bonsai growers often scar and shape the branches to add to the trees natural and symmetrical shape. If the tree displays these characteristics, it is easier to appreciate the bonsai as a whole. There are many places to find bonsai trees for sale, and knowing the essential features of bonsai will help you pick the best tree.

There are more points for consideration. It is important to note the condition of the roots, as it can significantly add to the “aged” effect of the tree. If the roots are sturdy and have grown thick over the years, and are clearly noticeable in the pot, it draws attention to the age of the tree. If the roots of your tree are minuscule or trivial, more time needs to be spent on training the roots. It can take years of practice to grow large roots, so do not become frustrated if it doesn’t happen overnight. The trunk of the bonsai tree should also be similar in appearance- thick and sturdy, especially at the base. Lastly, the bark needs to be rugged in appearance to foster the illusion of age.

Protecting your bonsai tree from the cold

As a basic rule, most bonsai trees need protection from the cold. Even bonsai trees that are considered hardy in the cold should be protected from the cold if they have recently been transplanted or if the weight of the snow could potentially break their branches. There are many places with bonsai trees for sale, and after you find the perfect bonsai tree, you will need to know how to care for it during the winter. All bonsai trees that are susceptible to the cold weather should be positioned in a location where they will not be subject to direct sunlight and be well protected from the cold. Extra precaution needs to be taken when dealing with Japanese Maple and Trident Maple, as these tree are native to warm climates have little resistance to the cold.

The easiest option for protecting your bonsai is to place them under an eave or near a window, where they the tree will be better protected from the rain, wind, snow, frost, and colder temperatures. You can also place your bonsai in an unheated greenhouse or sunroom that will provide a decent amount of warmth and protection. Some people choose to construct a shelter with waterproof cloth that is closed off on all sides except the south (for some air and sunlight). Some “hardcore” bonsai enthusiasts choose to build a shelter for the bonsai tree after digging a trench in the ground in a location with acceptable drainage. This option gives the bonsai the protection of the shelter and warmth of the earth.

Most bonsai trees should be placed in the shelter, or location you have selected, after they have been exposed to a light frost once or twice. If you have a tree that is sensitive to cold weather, move to the shelter before the first frost. In the spring, you can move the bonsai back to its outdoor shelf once the temperatures have begun to warm.