how can i learn to grow bonsai plants?

Answer 1

this is easier
Planting a tree in a small pot does not automatically turn it into a Bonsai. To create a Bonsai involves continual pruning and shaping of suitable species of shrubs or trees to produce a style that you desire.

You start the hobby of growing Bonsai with a young tree or shrub. Suitable species include Bottlebrush, Ironwood, She Oak, Silky Oak, Crepe Myrtle and Fig. Ask your local nursery for other suggestions that are suited for your climate.

When choosing a plant consider the following points:

*The plant will need material for you to work with, so look for a tree with many branches.

*The plant should have a wide trunk, preferably wider at the base.

*The leaves of the plant should be naturally small.

*The lowest branches should start close to the ground.

*To add the illusion of age to the tree, try to find a plant with radiating roots present.

*Make sure the plant is healthy.

When choosing a pot for the plant, aim for shallow pots unless the tree you choose has a thick trunk. The wider the trunk the deeper the pot. The pots must have drainage holes, and pots that have been glazed on the inside prevent the plant from breathing. Using your artistic flair, choose a pot by its colour and texture, and ask yourself whether it will suit the plant you have purchased.

After you have chosen a plant it is a good idea to plant it either in a large pot or in the ground until it has matured. This will speed up the growing process and give the roots greater strength. To increase the mass of branches, prune the tree continuously.

When you feel the tree has matured enough to be styled into a bonsai, prepare the pot by covering it¡¦s drainage holes with insect screening or thin fabric. This prevents the soil from clogging up the holes when you water the plant. When you fill the pot with potting mixture choose a mixture for outdoor plants. The Bonsai is not an indoor plant. The tree will not be as strong once it has been potted, so style the tree before you remove it from its location.

When you unpot the plant from its initial location, get a stick and loosen the soil from around the roots. Scrape up to a third to a half of the old soil away. Using a pair of scissors, trim the roots that are exposed outside of the existing soil. You can now place the tree in the pot, filling the rest of the pot with your potting mixture.

After decorating the top of the potting mixture with pebbles, moss or fine bark, you are now ready to style the plant. You can shape the trunk of the tree by using wire. Wind a thin piece of wire around the trunk of the tree and to the branches you wish to shape. Bend the tree gently allowing the wire to hold it in place. The wire can be removed from the tree when the branches do not spring back if the wire is released. With continuous pruning and trimming, your artistic talents will show as the tree matures. You have now created a Bonsai.

Answer 2

Here is a really good website...Hope you find it helpful....

Creating a Bonsai

Bonsai can be obtained in a number of ways. A bonsai from a dealer may seem an expensive option, however you will be buying much more than just a tree. You will find someone to talk to if you have a problem. Most dealers run classes for beginners and indeed some organise workshops run by internationally known figures in the world of bonsai. These courses are of great benifit if you want to take your knowledge that little bit further. Bonsai dealers will also be able to put you in touch with any local group. You should also bear in mind that the price tag on the tree reflects the time that someone has put into creating it and indeed if the tree is imported will reflect the shipping charge and any costs incurred while the tree is in quarantine.

However the most enjoyable aspect of Bonsai is to see a tree that you have created on show.

From seed
From cuttings
Layering
From Garden center stock
Collecting by digging
A case study on creating a Bonsai from a stock tree

Answer 3

You should look for a Bonsai Club in your area.
Go to a few meetings, talk to the members, and see them at work on their plants. You'll see different types of Bonsai's and be able to decide what you want to grow.
Clubs usually hold workshops in techniques, different types of plants, etc. You can also get supplies through your club, usually at discounted prices.

Have fun!

Answer 4

i am writing from india so obviously i will have no information that will be of help to you,i write to wish you the best in this absorbing & fulfilling hobby,i have grown bonsai for well over twelve years,
i have not bought a single specimen but developed my own from all known sources,seedlings,cuttings,dug up from around my farm,garden centres called here as nurseries.i've grown them in all styles but my favourite is slanting & also root over rock.good luck,with bonsai growing.

Answer 5

There are many hardy plants that you can grow which need full sun. Sunflower, marigold and carnation are on of the best and will grow about 2 and half months time. Here are tropical seeds that suit your country.

Answer 6

i hope the follwing links can provide the detail which you are expecting

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/bonsai/
http://www.emperorsbonsai.com/care.htm
http://www.bonsaicenter.com/

Answer 7

Try this ebook:

http://www.ebook-maniacs.com/bonsai.zip