Bonsai Dreams

Your Questions About Bonsai Trees

2011-09-29T15:02:45Z

Robert asks…

Need to know more about bonsai trees?

I know they have the really small trees for like indoors and some outdoors. But I would really like to know if they have any bonsai trees that are big for like a front yard. Like 5 or 6 feet tall and where would I find something like that.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

There is a class of bonsai that are very large, but they are also extremely expensive and rare (if you can find one, we’re talking thousands $). You would also be making a commitment to take care of it that you may not be ready for unless you are very skilled in bonsai culture.

You may want to consider using plants typical of Japanese gardens in your yard instead. Some could even be grown in large containers. Many of these plants can be trained and pruned to give a neat appearance similar to that of bonsai.

Here are a few suitable ones – Japanese maple (many varieties), Hinkoi Cypress, Chinese Wisteria, Mugho Pine… To name a few.

Google “Japanese Garden” to see some pictures.
Http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&q=Japanese+Garden&btnG=Search+Images

Ruth asks…

How long do bonsai trees take to grow?

I planted a Jack Pine bonsai that sprouted about 2 weeks ago. How long will it be until it actually starts looking like a tree?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Although bonsai is not something to be rushed there is a faster way to get to the end result, Trees grow faster in the ground then they do in a pot and field grown bonsai that are grown properly for bonsai, can get you that big fat base that melts into the soil and good taper 100 times faster then letting it inch along in a bonsai pot for the next 25 years you need to learn about escape branches and all the ways we use to make the tree do what we want and do it faster.

Sandy asks…

What bonsai trees turn color in the fall?

I would really like to get a affordable bonsai tree, say under $65. I want to get one that changes color in the fall. I tend to like the orange, redish-pink and bright red colors. Also, this bonsai tree will be indoors. All your answers will be appreciated!

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Maple

Your Questions About Chinese Juniper, Repotting Bonsai, Dryads

2011-12-17T16:55:24Z

Ruth asks…

Can my chinese juniper bonsai be grown inside?

I just got a bonsai that I think is a chinese juniper….it just says starter bonsai on the side of the pot. Ive been reading online and have found that I should not grow it inside and that it is ok to grow it inside, which is it.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

It is an OUTDOOR tree, and must not be kept in your house for more than 2 hours a MONTH. It must have a cold winter so it can go dormant. If you would like to send an email to me at:
wchoat@american-bonsai.com , I’ll be glad to send you care instructions that the seller should have given you. You may also want to look at the junipers on my site:

http://www.american-bonsai.com

Steven asks…

Repotting my bonsai tree ?

There are some roots coming out of the drainage hole in my pot that my bonsai tree is in. Does this automatically mean it needs to be repotted. There does not seem to be to many roots crowded on the top though.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Here is an expert village video on repotting bonsai trees. I refer to this site for lots of things because it is just awesome and free.
These people are experts. This bonsai guy has many other instructional videos that you may find useful.

Http://www.expertvillage.com/video/426_bonsai-repotting.htm

Good Luck

Joseph asks…

Can a bonsai tree attract a fairy, elf, dwarf, or gnome?

Some say that elementals, fairies or any unseen beings live in trees. Can we expect them to live in bonsai trees that grow in pots? If yes, only the gnomes pick them?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

They’re called Dryads or “wood nymphs” and are usually associated with bigger trees. All the ones I know about are deep in the forests and live in full size oaks, beech and I know of one in a willow…..I don’t think your bonsai is big enough to hold a dryad……Set out a saucer of cream and you might draw in a Pixie.

I hope this helped ya

Your Questions About Potting Bonsai Care

2011-09-27T15:02:23Z

Richard asks…

i just got a bonsai how do i?

replant it into a bigger pot so it can grow bigger and also how often should i replant it and basic care

Bonsai Dreams answers:

This website will give you some basic information on bonsai Care http://www.bonsai-garden.com/

Additionally there are a series of bonsai related articles that address specific issues growers of bonsai deal with http://www.bonsai-garden.com/bonsai-articles.htm

Goodluck!

Paul asks…

bonsai tree help?

we bought a serissa foetida in winter and have noticed it has had a recurring problem whereby mould is growing on the soil. sure that we were over watering it we changed the watering habits, and have changed our methods of emersing it. we scrape the soil regularly to remove the mould, but it reappears after a day or so. we assume the only thing we can do is to re-pot the tree, but are unsure of how to do this without damaging it in any way?

we have also found it difficult to find any useful care guides on the internet so if anyone can point us in the right direction we would be very grateful!

thanks.
the mould is grey/white.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

I’ve grown hundreds of serissas. The mold is certainly from it staying too wet. Best thing to do would be re-pot it. Serissas are very durable plants – probably the easiest of the tropicals. Even though it does have a tendency to drop leaves, it almost always recovers. You won’t hurt it at all if you just don’t force anything. Once you get it out of the pot & clear off most of the old soil, check the roots to see if any have rotted from being too wet. If so, prune them off.
Don’t water it from the bottom, That will encourage root rot, water from the top just like any other plant. Serissas like to stay a little moist, but not wet. If you water from the top, you’ll be able to tell when it needs water again easier by the dryness of the soil top.

Here’s a link to Flori-data that will give you growing requirements.

Http://www.floridata.com/ref/S/seri_foe.cfm

Another…from bonsai Clubs International
http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/serissa.html

Michael asks…

Ponytail Bonsais?

I received a ponytail bonsai about a yr ago and have taken great care of it. But now it is growing out of the pot it was given in. How do I go about re-potting it?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

I’ve had my ponytail (Beaucarnia recurvata) 35yrs. And only repot it every 3-4yrs. When you repot (I would wait until spring) you will see how small the roots are in relation to the “foot”. It’s almost impossible for them to become root bound, the foot will bust the pot first. RScott

Your Questions About Over Watering Bonsai

2011-09-26T15:02:15Z

Maria asks…

How do I encourage my bonsai gardenia to bloom?

I got a bonsai gardenia in mid January as a birthday present. It had beautiful buds all over it when it arrived. I’ve treated it just as directed; partial sun, misting, watering, humidity rock dish full of water right next to it, give it azalea fertilizer, keep the cats off of it. It lost a few inner/lower leaves these few months but equal numbers have grown in and the others look nice and green and are strong. I know I need to clip it back, it’s getting a bit straggly, but if I do then I’ll have to cut off all the blooms that have been tantalizing me this whole time! Not one has attempted to open; they don’t even look like they’ve gotten any bigger. I’ve never had a bonsai before, I know they aren’t easy and I’m trying really hard to keep this one going healthy, but I’d also like to see it flower like the pictures. So, what should I do? I just know I’m going to have to cut the buds off and hope for next year…

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Hi Alex,

Is your Gardenia indoors or outdoors. A lot of gardeners try to keep the tree indoors and unfortunately, gardenia’s are outdoor trees. It’s not uncommon for flowering trees to NOT flower the first year. Most of these trees are grown in ideal nursery conditions and it takes flowering trees a while to acclimate to their new location. Specific care instructions for the Gardenia can be downloaded from this bonsai website. Http://www.Learning2Bonsai.com

Helen asks…

What can I use to water proof a painted clay pot?

I have a clay dish that goes under a pot. I am using it to set my Bonsai on. I have painted it and it needs to be water proof. Is there a sealant that I can use to clear coat over it? Name and where to get it please?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Everyone is telling you clear coat but what they forgot to tell you is what type. Get the Maritime clear coat, they use on boats and around water.

Ken asks…

How to kill ants around my bonsai?

I have a Juniper bonsai tree growing around under and over a large rock, i recently noticed ants living in the rocks cracks, gaps etc..
im about to flood them in water, but i was wondering if there’s any type of spray that wont harm the tree.
Thanks DY, i got some powder here but the label doesn’t tell me on plant effect.. i have repotted the bonsai to check for anything else, theres nothing visible, roots are healthy, tree is healthy, ill go get something from bunnings later on

And yeah i know ants and trees are part of nature, so are fleas and ticks and mosquito’s and fly’s, they’re all household pests for my lifestyle, considering my plant is on a bracket built externally on my house’s wall, i dont want the ants to go for a mission up my wall, through the expansion joins, down through my internal wall, across to the kitchen bench and eating my tucker.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Don’t spray them, instead sprinkle Ant Sand all over them and in and around where you see them living. You will get rid of them faster than you can walk and get the garden hose.

There are a few different brands to choose from. Some brands are in sand form and others in powder form. They all work really fast without harming any plants. I buy mine from Coles supermarket in the garden section, you can also buy it from places like Kmart and Bunnings Hardware stores.

Honestly the stuff really works fast and effectively, and will not cause any harm to your bonsai.

Your Questions About Bonsai Kitten

2011-09-25T15:02:21Z

Sandra asks…

stupid people who created bonsai kitten! like human dat has no brain to created sumthing new…?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

I like kitty

Carol asks…

My environmental studies teacher said bonsai Kittens are real and I said no, and he told me I was wrong!!?

So I want to put this to rest. are Bonsai kittens real or not!

Bonsai Dreams answers:

No, they are not real.

Http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/bonsai.asp

David asks…

Have you haerd of bonsai kittens?

a kitten put in a bottle and let it grow without letting it to come out of the bottle. Does this incident exist in real life?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

No, it does not exist. It’s a stupid Internet legend that someone idiot who thinks it’s fun to upset people created. I’ve seen that. Don’t worry, it’s a hoax.

Check this link:

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/bonsai.asp

Bonsai – An Exceptional Art

2011-09-24T22:24:41Z

Bonsai are miniature form of bigger trees and plants that are grown in pots and containers. They are really great to look at and are created with a lot of care and technique. If you have never planted a bonsai or are planning to start with it, it would be helpful to know that it requires a lot of patience and time. Most of the people go to a shop and buy bonsai plants for their homes but the real pleasure is in actually turning a plant into bonsai on your own.

You can create your own bonsai by cutting and pruning with specific technique. In the beginning you would require a lot of plants to work upon and it might take several years to actually make your own bonsai plant. Before starting off, you need to take a few plants and picturize how would you like your bonsai to be. Do not start off by pruning it as soon as you buy the plants. You should be able to visualize what you want by finding its trunk line and then you can start with its pruning. You should start slowly because a real bonsai plant would take years of care and technique in pruning, styling and nourishing. It is also recommended not to directly start working on the roots of the plant as you may kill it if you do not recognize the main root of the plant. It will take some time to recognize the roots which have to be worked upon.

There is so much of care and time that goes into creating a bonsai that a good bonsai can even sell for thousands of dollars in the markets. Practicing and learning more about bonsai plants would help you to get the perfect bonsai. There are many books and magazines available that provide detailed information about creating a bonsai. You can refer to these books and do some research before planning to create bonsai plants.

Buy plants in bulk from a nursery and start working on them. You will require a lot of time and plants to master your skills and turn a plant into a bonsai.

Quick Growing Trees is a certified nursery located in Tennessee that provides all kinds of native plants, shrubs, ferns and trees for your garden.You can find more information on best quality plants at http://www.quick-growing-trees.com/
Article Source

Your Questions About Pruning Bonsai

2011-09-23T15:02:14Z

Joseph asks…

My azalea bonsai had a dieback from root pruning… What do i do? ?

I live in the Philippines, so i guess that helps, knowing what climate the bonsai is experiencing. It’s a whole-bonsai dieback; all the leaves are dead, but the fine branches are still green inside.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

This site has good information about bonsai.

Http://www.bonsai4me.com

Robert asks…

How to make a mugho pine bonsai?

Ok I have a mugho pine and want to try to make it into a bonsai. This is my first time making one (i bought two) so I have a vague idea of how this is done. I’m pretty sure that I need to do the ‘”Pruning to shape” method. It’s in a two gallon pot right now and about a 1′ or less. How do I cut it down? What branches do I cut? How do I trim the roots? Please help me!

Thanks!

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Http://www.bonsai4me.com Clicking on species will show mugo bonsai by Pinus.

That site gives good information about the care of bonsai.

Steven asks…

I have two bonsai trees and need advice?

one is a spruce and one is just an unspecified bonsai tree…with leaves. I mist these daily. making sure the soil is moist. I have heard about people clipping or pruning these trees. What does that mean and is it something I have to do? I’m not sure when…if ever I should do this or how to do this.Please help if you have any good advice. Thank you!

Bonsai Dreams answers:

These will help.

Your Questions About Bonsai Trees Care

2011-09-22T15:02:32Z

Lisa asks…

How hard is it to take care of a simple bonsai tree?

I have always been interested in botany, but never knew how to get into it. I am a college student so I only have a small amount of money to spend on plants and other necessities as well as the factor of time. Is there any tips that i can get to lead me into the right direction with taking care of a bonsai tree or any website that sells them for a cheap price? Planter included?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

It’s pretty easy if you follow these guidelines:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Tips-On-Caring-For-Your-Bonsai-Tree&id=551607

Ruth asks…

how to make my bonsai grow fast, or i mean how to care my bonsai tree?

i need natural fertilizer for my bonsai tree here in philippines and i wanna learn more about my bonsai caring..

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Fast, is not how a bonsai should grow, They’re supposed to stay small. That’s the whole point of bonsai. Find a local bonsai club because they’re a great source of info. In the meantime, peruse this site for care, etc.

Http://www.american-bonsai.com

James asks…

Bonsai Tree Care?

I’ve had my Bonsai tree for a week. I follow the instructions for watering but my tree is starting to turn brown. Anything special I can do to fix this problem?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

A “Bonsai” tree can be ANY tree, trained into the miniature form through root pruning and such.

It will very very much depend on what KIND of tree you have. You can have a bonsai orange tree, which is tropical, or a bonsai Juniper, a hardy evergreen. The care for those two trees will be very different. Just because it’s been miniatured – doesn’t mean you treat it the same as all other miniature trees.

Without knowing what kind of tree you have – it could be too much water, too little water, or too much sun.

Your Questions About Fox News

2011-09-21T15:02:37Z

Betty asks…

fox news…..?

do you think fox news is fair and balanced?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Seems to me, they are more for the Republican Party then the Democratic Party. No, they are not fair and balanced. Not, at all.

Sharon asks…

Is Fox News working in concert with Republicans to keep their viewer in the dark about Republican hypocrisy?

Fox News convince their viewers to only watch and trust them. So while other news outlets are reporting on Republican hypocrisy in regards to the stimulus bill Fox News is silent. If a Fox news viewer see a report about Republicans touting jobs that were created in their home district it is automatically dismissed as being liberal bias story because they only trust Fox News. Then those same Republicans get in front of national news cameras and claim the stimulus did not create a single job.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

That’s the danger of only trusting one source… What if they are wrong?

And odds are, every source is wrong on something at some point…

Robert asks…

Is Fox News considered an existential threat to the left?

I judge fox‘s success but how frequent and how vicious the attacks are on it from MSNBC and other left leaning organizations. Right now, the name “Fox News” is a punchline in itself on the Colbert Report and the Daily Show. Seems like Fox is doing something right if liberals are this up in arms about it. What do you think?
@the nazbol returns: you know exactly what I’m saying. I’m wondering why the mere mention of their name strikes such a tense chord in liberals.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

No. But definitely a treat to “fair and balanced”.

Your Questions About Ford

2011-09-20T15:02:17Z

Thomas asks…

How common and interchangeable are Ford parts?

I am living in Chile and I am in the process of buying a Ford Escape 2008 petrol 2.3. However, I will be moving to South Africa later this year, and I was planning to take the vehicle. I learned that Ford South Africa does not sell Ford Escape but sells instead Ford Territory and Ford Ranger. How common are the parts of Ford Escape with the other Ford ranges available in Africa and how easy will be to source parts?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

It depends on the parts you are looking for. Any petrolium burning 2.3L Ford engine will interchange parts almost 100% based on the production run of the engine. If the engine was built in 2008 than almost any 2.3L from 2005-present should interchange parts very readily. Suspension componants tend to differ from model to model so it would be difficult to find parts such as control arms and things of that nature. The brake system may have the same componants as the ranger or territory but you would have to research that in great detail and make sure the part numbers are EXACTLY the same. Hope that helps.

Lisa asks…

Is is recommended to buy used FORD Sedan when FORD is struggling with bailout?

I am a student in Florida. I am planning to buy a used Ford Focus. I am not sure whether to buy a Ford Sedan when Ford, GM are struggling for their survival. If Ford goes out of business will I still be able to maintain my vehicle by a local mechanic or some repair shop.

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Most parts on new vehicles are not made by the vehicle manufacturer themselves, but by other companies that supply them. The manufacturer puts these parts together and makes a car. If a car company were to go out of business, these suppliers would still be able to provide replacement parts, and other companies would also provide aftermarket versions ot the parts.

Even if a car company was to go bankrupt, that bankruptcy would be a reorganization, not a liquidation. They would still be in business.

Dealers are independent business. If the company were to close (not likely) the dealer could still exist as a private shop. Other shop can also work on your vehicle, so you have nothing to fear there.

Do not let fear of the future of the auto industry keep you from buying the car that suits your needs.

Sandra asks…

How come Ford does not require an immediate bailout in contrast to the other Big 2?

I understand that Ford will obviously be affected if the other two go under but is Ford more diversified than then the other two that it has other sources of income?
Perhaps they are better organized financially?

Bonsai Dreams answers:

Honestly Ford may have been the only one to see the market and bank crash coming. Either that or it was a huge lucky break. Either way they benefit (or likely suffer less) while everybody including foreign companies suffer.

A few years ago they mortgaged everything they own to get some extra cash just in case.

Chrysler was still owned by Daimler who had no interest in creating a profitable company so even if they saw it coming they did nothing. They just used Chrysler profits from the 90′s to rebuild Mercedes.

Honda, Toyota, VW, and Hyundai are all in the process of building new plants in the US yet stuck idling the plants they have because of low demand. They obviously didn’t see it coming either.