How To Displaying Mini Bonsai - Decorate Home
Once you’ve created your super-mini bonsai, be sure to display it as you would a piece of stylish decor. Simply placing a little bonsai in a space lends it a sense of calm warmth. Try it when you invite friends to visit. Fundamentals for Display Super-mini bonsai are not only about “making” and “growing”—much of their appeal comes from displaying and enjoying them.
Try putting them on show at the front entrance, on a window sill, on a book shelf or anywhere you like. Don’t be bound by convention—let your imagination run free When showing traditional bonsai, there are conventions such as using a flat display stand or, if displaying bonsai on a shelf, doing so in odd numbers such as three, five or seven bonsai .
However,
when displaying super-mini bonsai,
there is no need follow such rules. Consider them part of your interior decorations and display them however you like. If you’re not sure how to display them, try matching them with other small objects. For instance, simply placing a super-mini bonsai on a small plate or coaster works to significantly enhance it. Standing them next to postcards, miniature dolls and other favorite knick knacks works well too. Just as you do when choosing an outfit to wear, think of the form of the tree and the pot when pairing the super-mini bonsai with other objects. Why not also try putting super-mini bonsai on your work desk beside your computer, in the kitchen, in a washroom or other living spaces that are not often decorated?
The simple addition of super-mini bonsai will transform the spot into a heartwarming space. Take note! Bonsai are not for permanent display! Displaying them brings great pleasure, but in order to enjoy mini bonsai for the long term, it’s important to keep in mind that they are not items to leave on permanent display. Fundamentally, super-mini bonsai should normally be kept in a sunny spot outside and watered appropriately.
The soil in small pots dries out easily, and if watering is neglected the plants soon grow weak. When displaying inside, limit the time frame to one-two days. The same applies to traditional larger bonsai. Bonsai are plants to be raised lovingly and displayed for enjoyment when the time comes Fundamentally, super-mini bonsai should be grown outdoors. If super-mini bonsai appear to be drying out while on display, soak them in a container of water for about 10 seconds to replenish moisture. Making Good Use of Small Objects There are small items on the market that are made specifically for bonsai display, but depending on how you use them, everyday objects can be used to create great displays too.
Try using cups, mats, small plates, coasters and so on in your displays. A glass tumbler is transformed into a little showcase in this display. Super-mini bonsai are small and easily fall over so a glass can double as protection. Red leaves are enhanced by placing this super-mini bonsai on a green cloth. The worn-in character of the fabric was chosen to bring out a natural atmosphere.
Create a Super-mini Bonsai “Stage” Displaying super-mini bonsai
is a gala occasion to showcase their development and form! So turn the space into a “stage” for them. To set the bonsai off to their best advantage, selecting a plain, simple platform is key. Creating differences in height is effective for attractively displaying several bonsai at once. Positioning them on a well-lit window ledge shows off their form. A charming stool is the best seat in the house for these super-mini bonsai.
How to Re potting Mini Bonsai Step By step
Just as branches are neatened through pruning, roots should be tidied up too. Repotting is necessary for keeping the tree healthy over a long period.
Refresh soil to stimulate root growth As bonsai develop, their roots grow to fill the whole pot. If left like this, a lack of oxygen will prevent roots growing any further, so it’s necessary to remove the entire plant from the pot, treat the roots and change the soil.
When repotting,
when you’ve removed tree to trim overgrown and extraneous roots, also replace the old soil. This is necessary because as time passes, individual grains of soil break down and clump together, making it difficult for water and air to pass through. Further, elements in the soil such as nitrogen, phosphate and potassium are essential for a tree’s development, but these become depleted over time. It’s necessary to refresh the soil in order to replace these elements.
March—before plants’ active growth
period—is the best time for repotting
The best time for repotting varies depending on the type of plant, but in general March is suitable as it is before the active growth period in spring, when plants put out new shoots. Rather than during the extreme temperatures of mid-summer or mid-winter, repotting is best carried out during the more moderate weather in spring and fall. If repotted in spring, the roots of plants such as roses and quinces will be damaged, so they must be repotted in fall. Re-potting and tidying up the roots will reduce the number of delicate roots that transport water up the plant and consequently lessen the plant’s ability to absorb water. Make sure to give the plant plenty of water well before it dries out.
other plants need repotting too Just as you would repot plants which have been made into super-mini bonsai, it is necessary to repot other pot-bound plants once a year. The method is the same as for super-mini bonsai—tidy up the roots and refresh the soil.
1.Water not soaking into the pot properly is a sign that the roots have become too dense and re potting is required.
2. Remove the entire plant and soil to repot. HOW TO REPOT
1 Remove super-mini bonsai, soil, moss and sphagnum moss from pot.
2 Use tweezers to gently brush off soil around the roots. When re potting super-mini bonsai, remove all old soil and replace it with new soil.
3 Use scissors to trim off roots all around. Take off about 1/3 of what was originally there.
4 Follow the same steps involved in the basics of making super-mini bonsai (pages 26–29) to fill the pot with new soil,
plant in the bonsai and cover the soil with sphagnum moss and moss. proper regular maintenance lets you enjoy bonsai for a long time Although they are small, with daily watering and regular fertilizing and pest prevention, super-mini bonsai will grow healthily, and with re potting, can live for years in a little pot. Putting some effort into them will allow you to enjoy their calming presence for a long time. Pruning maintains the shape and size of the rmini bonsai, but even if their size doesn’t alter much, the plant changes with the passing of time. Leaves change color, flowers blossom, fruit forms—and apart from these seasonal changes, the tree’s trunk strengthens, its form becomes more defined and its character emerges. Super-mini bonsai allow you to view nature’s image inside a little pot. Try working a little bit of nature into your lifestyle
One-year-old pine super-mini bonsai
Two-year-old pine super-mini bonsai
How to Maintenance Branches Mini Bonsai
to develop properly and keep their shape, it’s necessary to trim off sections from overgrown branches. This is known as pruning.
Keep the desired shape in mind as you neaten branches
One of the purposes of pruning is to keep the tree growing healthily. Trimming off extraneous branches or branches that have got too big and placing the plant in a spot that gets plenty of sun and fresh air makes it easy for the tree to develop and prevents infestations and damage by pest insects. Another reason to prune is to maintain the overall form and size of the tree. Keep in mind the shape to be maintained and neaten the form by removing protruding branches. Pruning also encourages blossoming and fruiting, so it is an important task. The best time to prune depends on the type of tree, but in general, just before spring when new buds are forming is a good time to prune small trees, while pinales should be pruned in the period from late fall to early spring and flowering trees should be pruned after blossoming. Further, pruning should be guided by the growth of the tree, so trim branches off if they are getting too long. Branches that need to be removed because they are negatively affecting the aesthetics of the tree are called imi-eda, or faulty/dreadful branches. Imi-eda include: Backwards branches Trim off these branches Branches that are growing the opposite way from the rest of the tree. Tangled branches Branches that are getting tangled up in other branches. Spindly branches Branches that are protruding from the overall form and are growing more vigorously than other branches. Parallel branches Multiple branches that are growing in the same direction. Radiating branches Several branches radiating out from the same spot.
1. With the image of the future form in mind, check for overgrown or extraneous branches.
2. Leaving individual branches that you wish to grow, use pruning scissors to trim off other branches at their bases.
3. A super-mini bonsai neatened after pruning, and the trimmed branches. It’s a good idea to grow these as they can be used as cuttings
Daily maintenance keeps a tree robust for formation of lower buds In order to achieve blossoms, it’s necessary to understand how each tree forms flower buds
to allow for flower differentiation, the process by which flowers are formed. For flower differentiation to occur, the tree must have sufficient stores of strength from plenty of sunlight and fertilizer, so first of all, ensure regular maintenance. Many trees form flower buds in summer, so make sure not to cut branches after early summer. Any branches that grow after early summer will not form flower buds.
Further, trees draw nutrients from their leaves in order to form flower buds, so make sure they are free of insect damage. To ensure flowering the following year also, remove the flower husks before fruit has formed. Blossoming uses up a lot of the tree’s strength, so make sure to fertilize and water thoroughly after the tree has finished flowering.
1. A flowering crab apple in bloom. Flowering (ornamental) cherries, plums and weeping forsythia also make good flowering trees.
Keep water off lowers to achieve fruit In order for a tree to achieve fruit it must first bud and flower. As per achieving blossoms, it is important first of all to ensure the tree’s overall health through regular care and maintenance. To achieve fruit, water the tree at the roots, since watering the flowers can hinder pollination. How fruit develops depends on the type of tree. Some trees have flowers with stamens and pistils inside the same flower which pollinate after blossoming and then form fruit (such as crab apples), while on other trees such as the Japanese spindle tree, flowers with stamens and flowers with pistils blossom on separate trees so both trees are needed for pollination to occur. Once a tree has fruited and you have admired it for a while, remove the fruit as soon as possible to lessen the burden on the tree.
2. A flowering crab apple bearing fruit. Other recommended fruiting trees include crab apples and fire thorns.
How to Remove Disease and insects
As super-mini bonsai are so small, if they are infested by insects the damage done is much greater than to that of a regular bonsai. Take firm steps to prevent this happening A sunny, airy spot makes for healthy plants The best way to protect plants from insects damage is to keep them robust. Place them in a spot that is suitable for their development, with plenty of sunshine and fresh air, and make sure they get enough water and fertilizer for healthy growth. When re potting, check the backs of leaves for harmful insects. In addition, make sure to disinfect the plants and apply pesticide. Disinfection and pesticide application should be carried out about once a month as a preventative measure against harmful pests that attack the plant during its grown period
1. Japanese brands of spreading agent (used to mix with pesticide and fungicide to ensure even application to the plant) pesticide (to kill harmful insects); fungicide (to kill microbes). When buying these products, choose the safest, most natural and bonsai friendly brands you can find.
2. Mix the three agents in a spray bottle to apply over plants.
PEST SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
Powdery mildew
The backs of the leaves are covered in white mold, appearing as if they have been smeared with flour.
Prevent the condition by placing plant in a sunny spot with good air flow. If it occurs, apply a solution of anti-mildew agent.
Sooty mold Branches,
leaves and the surface of the trunk appear to be covered with soot. This is caused by mold which lives on the excrement of aphids and other pest insects.
Applying an agent to kill pest insects will prevent this condition. Leaf spot disease Small brown spots appear on the leaves, causing them to change color. This is commonly caused by mold.
If spots appear, remove the affected leaves and apply a solution to treat the condition.
Aphids
Starting with new buds on small trees, these insects infest the entire plant, consuming the sap and impeding the development of the tree. If an infestation occurs, use a brush to lightly knock off insects and apply an appropriate solution.
Mites
Mites break out on the backs of leaves and consume the sap.
White spots
appear on the fronts of leaves and the leaves lose their color.
Mites thrive in high temperatures and dry conditions, so wet the backs of the leaves. If an outbreak occurs, apply an appropriate solution.
Scale insect
These insects appear on bark and stalks, sucking the tree’s sap. Use a brush to lightly knock off insects and apply an appropriate solution.
How To fertilizing Mini Bonsai In a pot
the room for the nutrients a plant requires is limited, so it is necessary to fertilize. As a guide, liquid fertilizer should be given twice a month and solid fertilizer twice a year. Different uses for liquid and solid fertilizers There are liquid and solid fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are compound fertilizers that are diluted in water, so are effective immediately. They last only a short time, so make sure to apply a light dilution often. When the plant is in its growth period, fertilize twice a month. Conversely, solid fertilizer is made from ingredients including oil meal and ground bone, and is continually effective over a long period. Apply it twice a year, in spring (around May) and fall (around September). When there are no longer any nutrients in the soil, the color of a plant’s leaves becomes lighter and shoots don’t grow properly. Check the conditions of your bonsai regularly to make sure you don’t miss any changes in their appearance.
1. Dilute liquid fertilizer to the volume prescribed on the label.
2. Use an oil can to apply as close to the base of the tree as possible.
3 . Fine-grained fertilizers that are used for vegetables, wild grasses and so on are suitable for super-mini bonsai.
4 . Make a hole in the sphagnum moss with the tweezers and press fertilizer in. Do this in about two places per pot
How to watering Mini Bonsai Step By Step
How to watering Mini Bonsai
As super-mini bonsai are planted in such a small amount of soil, water retention is poor and soil dries out rapidly. Therefore, watering is the most important aspect of maintenance.
Water thoroughly
It’s not good to have either too little or too much moisture in the soil in the pot. If there is too little, the bonsai will not be able to develop properly, while too much moisture means the roots are constantly soaking in water, leading to root decay. The frequency with which you water must be altered according to the season. A rough guideline is to water twice a day in summer; once a day in spring and fall and once every three days in winter. Use a watering can if you’re growing bonsai outside, or soak them water if your space makes using a can awkward. Either way, the key is to water thoroughly—to the extent that water is dripping from the base of the pot. It’s important to get water flowing through the pot. Rather than giving a lot of water at once, water regularly to maintain appropriate moisture levels. Moss acts as a barometer for watering There is an obvious aesthetic reason for planting moss with bonsai, but moss also acts as a barometer for managing watering as it changes color and withers if it receives too little or too much water. Conversely, if it receives the right amount of water, sunlight and fresh air, it will be a healthy, luxuriant green. Moss growing well is a sign that you are watering properly
1. Moss not only improves the appearance of bonsai, but also acts as a watering barometer.
2. If growing bonsai outdoors, use a watering can to distribute moisture evenly. Rather than giving plants a lot of water all at once, water thoroughly by showering them a little at a time. When they have been watered once, wait a little while and water again, then wait and repeat once more to ensure they have received plenty of water.
3. On balconies and in cramped places where it’s hard to use a watering can, fill a container with water and soak plants instead. Gently submerge the entire pot until bubbles start appearing. Leave the pot in the water until the bubbles stop forming
How to Create a “Seed-showing” Mini Bonsai
Creating a “Seed-showing” Super-mini Bonsai I’ve called these examples “seed-showing” super-mini bonsai as they are grown from seeds and acorns which lie above the soil and form part of the composition. These uniquely-shaped plants showcase the possibilities of super-mini bonsai
You will need
• A seedling with the seed still attached (see page 24)
• Pot
• Soil
• Sphagnum moss
• Moss
Tools
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Wire (aluminum wire 1.0 mm thick)
• Wire cutting pliers
• Small spoon (to fill pot with soil)
• Bucket (large enough to hold plenty of water)
exposed root bonsai—a hit in the bonsai world The super-mini bonsai being made in this example shows the seed from which it grew and is also a ne-agari or exposed root bonsai, meaning that the tree’s roots are exposed above the ground. Ne-agari bonsai resemble trees that grow in coastal areas or the sides of cliffs and have been tossed about by wind and rain. Exposing the twisted roots above the level of the soil to look like the trunk allows the tree’s various transformations to be enjoyed. e
1. Look carefully at the seedling to decide where to make the starting point for the exposed root (the point between the above-ground and below-ground section of the root).
2. Wrap wire around the starting point.
3. Wrap wire around the root.
4. Wrap wire around root, twisting the wire and root as you go to create shape.
5. As for the root, wind wire around the section of trunk above the seed.
6. Finish winding a little below the leaf.
7. Secure wire to finish winding and trim off excess wire with pliers.
8. The root and trunk wrapped in wire
9. Bend the wire-bound root and trunk to create shape.
10. The shaped seedling. Plant into the pot, starting by inserting the piece of wire left over from the start of the wrapping
11. Pass wire through the hole in the base of the pot.
12. After passing wire through the hole, position plant to check whether it balances well with the pot.
13. Wind wire protruding from the base around the pot.
14. Secure the shaped seedling into the pot so it can’t move around.
15. Trim off excess wire with pliers and bend the end over the rim of the pot
16. Add soil and press in with tweezers until the soil is packed in to just below the rim of the pot.
17. Shred a small amount of sphagnum moss and soak it in water before laying it on top of the soil.
18. Use tweezers to plant moss in three places in the sphagnum moss.
19. Water. Then, in order for the plant to take to the soil and stabilize, place in a semi-shaded spot for about a week to 10 days after planting, monitoring the condition
20. As the root is originally
meant to be in the ground, it dries out more easily than the trunk and care must be taken with watering. At times when it is prone to drying out, it’s a good idea to enclose it in a plastic bag. Don’t allow the root to dry out Water the super-mini bonsai and seal it in a plastic bag placed in a cool spot. Open the bag after 2–3 days and leave for a while to release humidity.
