Category: bonsai

Golden shower tree for gardens pot planting and bonsai


Golden shower tree that you can grow easily for gardens, pot planting and bonsai. Cassia fistula, known in many other names, is a native of south East Asian countries.
Truly the plant grows well in Kerala and other tropical places. Golden shower is the state flower of Kerala, preferably like jack fruit, which is the state fruit.

Golden shower tree in full bloom

Golden shower tree-a short description

Really cassia fistula is a flowering tree, that grows up to a maximum height of about 15 metres.
This drought resistant plant can thrive in dry climates with full sun, but is frost intolerant.
Owing to the low growth rate, it takes about ten years for the plant to produce flowers. However blooming starts within five or six years under favourable conditions.
Bright yellow flowers seen as drooping bunches is really awesome. During the months of April and May, the tree blooms to the fullest, mostly without any leaves.
Long cylindrical pods develop from flowers that gradually turns black on ripening.

Golden shower tree for gardens

A bunch of beautiful cassia fistula flowers

Generally we can find golden shower trees in parks or other such public places. Definitely as an ornamental tree, along with other flowering trees like gulmohar, pride of India, asoka etc.
Spacious gardens are really ideal for such large trees, so that we can enjoy its beauty to a maximum. However, we can grow them in home gardens as dwarf, through proper pruning.
In a like manner, golden shower tree is ideal for pot planting as well as for making bonsai.

Favourable factors for the plant in Kerala

Loamy or sandy soil, availability of rain etc. are the favourable factors that make the plant to thrive. Surprisingly the western ghats of Kerala, is having all these in abundance.
Likewise we can find the trees in the plains as well as coastal areas.

Ritual importance of golden shower flower

Vishu Kani
Traditional vishu kani

Onam and vishu are the most important festivals of Kerala associated with harvesting. Vishu is celebrated during the first day of the Malayalam month Medam that falls during the mid April.
Also it is the time when the cassia fistula trees are in full bloom.
Preparation of kani is one of the most important parts of vishu celebration. Truly it is the first thing to be seen in the wee hours of the day.
Traditionally people believe that good luck and prosperity for the coming year is based on the vishu kani.
Among other auspicious things, cassia fistula flower is one of the the most important items for the kani. Other things are holy lamp, gold, money, cereals, new clothes, etc.
Surely there are slight variations in this, according to different regions.
Moreover ,there is an interesting story behind the importance of golden shower flower for vishu celebration. Main character in the story is Indian deity lord Krishna, in the form of a kid.

Medicinal properties

Though the pulp taken from the fruits, is used as a laxative, it is not advisable to consume it without proper guidance.

Golden shower tree for gardens-how to grow

Propagation

We can propagate the plant through the germination of seeds, that are collected from mature ripe pods. Normally it takes about 20 to 30 days for the seeds to sprout.
Likewise we can buy seedlings of the plant from nurseries.
Rarely we can find saplings underneath large trees, that are also ideal for replanting. But take care against breaking the roots while collecting the saplings.

Planting golden shower tree directly in soil

First make pits of dimensions about one foot for your golden shower plant. Then fill it with a mixture of compost and garden soil. After that we can plant our sapling in it.
When the plant reaches a height of about five feet, we can start pruning. Certainly a sharp knife or pruning shears is fine for this.
Regular pruning on an yearly basis helps to keep the plant to the required height.

Pot planting golden shower tree

Golden shower tree for gardens
Golden shower tree with flowers in a pot

Similarly we can grow our golden shower tree in pots. Large ceramic or terracotta pots are good for this.
Filling the pot with a medium, preferably a home made potting mixture prepared in the following ratio is fine.
Never forget to water the plant plant moderately on a regular basis after planting. Keep the pot in shade for a few days and gradually move to direct sunlight.
Definitely you can prune your plant as stated above, for retaining its beauty and health.

River sand25%
Garden soil25%
Compost or dried cow dung25%
Neem seed powder and bone meal25%

Golden shower tree bonsai

Golden shower tree bonsai

Surely it is one of the most beautiful flowering tropical bonsai, that we can make easily. Especially like ixora, adenium, tamarind, etc. that are other tropical flowering bonsai trees.
To start training, we can follow the steps as stated above for pot planting. After that we can decide which branches are to be retained for transforming it to a bonsai.
Using a pruning shears we can remove all the extra branches.
Further, we can start wiring our bonsai by bending the branches gently to the required directions. Soft copper or aluminium wires are good for this.
Then repot your golden shower tree bonsai every two or three years. For this, take out the whole plant out of the pot and remove 2/3 of the roots using a pruning shears.
After that, fill the pot with fresh medium and repot your bonsai.
A few years of careful training can change your golden shower sapling to a beautiful bonsai.
Finally, you can transfer your bonsai to an original bonsai pot.

Doubtlessly it can make your garden as well as balcony amazing. Especially along with other bonsai trees like ficus benjamina, ficus microcarpa, fukien tea tree, etc.
Never forget that the health and beauty of your bonsai always depend on the way you care it.

Ornamental plants for compound walls, grow your own

Ornamental plants for compound walls. Grow your own, make home and surroundings really awesome. Of course, you can try it easily with plants that are available in your locality. In tropical places like Kerala, we can use a lot of flowering as well as non-flowering plants for this. Really different types of small trees, bushes, climbing plants etc. are ideal.

Let us see a few examples of ornamental plants for compound walls.

Palms.

There are different varieties of palms, that grow in tropical regions. For propagation, we can collect saplings either from mother plants or buy directly from sellers.

Moreover, these plants are widely used in landscaping.

Red palm

The red palm with bright red trunk, is one of the most attractive plants in the family

Bougainville.

The Bougainville plant in full bloom.

In tropical climates the Bougainville plants bloom for an average period of eight months. Using stem cuttings we can propagate the Bougainville plants easily. Surely, you can grow these plants with attractive flowers in different colours, to decorate your garden walls.

Ficus trees.

Small Ficus benjamina tree.

There are a lot of beautiful trees in the Ficus family, from which we get an endless supply of oxygen. In addition, the low maintenance Ficus plants with beautiful foliage, provide lush greenery all around.

With proper pruning, you can keep the Ficus plants as bush or dwarf that go well with the size and shape of your compound walls. From stem cuttings you can easily propagate the Ficus plants. Different types of Ficus plants are the favorites of bonsai lovers. For example, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus benjamina, Ficus alii etc. are the common plants in the family.

The bamboo plants.

There are more than hundred varieties of bamboo plants in the world. We can grow dwarf or miniature bamboo plants in our garden for fencing, landscaping etc. 

From rooted saplings we can propagate the bamboo plants easily.

Lantana, one of the best ornamental plants for compound walls.

Usually in the wild, the Lantana plants grow as bushes or small trees. But now we can buy different hybrid Lantana plants, that are suitable for gardens. Especially for making hedges, arches etc. in landscaping.

Lantana plant with purple flowers.

We can easily grow a few Lantana plants to beautify our compound walls.
Surprisingly, the Lantana is one of the best plants for attracting lots of butterflies to our gardens.

Climbing plants or creeping vines.

Yellow Trumpet Vine plant.

The curtain vine, trumpet vine, morning glory, sky vine, Jasmine etc. are a few examples of flowering vines. We can propagate most of these plants  through stem cuttings.

Ornamental potted plants

The idea of keeping potted plants on our compound walls, is really good. But always remember that the muddy water that drains out of the pots may leave marks on the walls. Hence it is better to use garden trays as a precaution.

Mentioned above, are a few examples of ornamental plants for the compound walls. You can try this idea with any of these plants to make your garden as well as the walls really amazing.

A Simple guide for bonsai beginners – try your own.

A simple guide for bonsai beginners. You too can try it and become a bonsai master easily.

Really the wonderful art from of bonsai was originated in China about 2000 years ago. Also, there are evidences for the existence of bonsai in Japan during the 12th century. Gradually it began to spread to different parts of the world, including India.

Usually, the plants adapted to a particular climate, are suitable for making bonsai in that place. Likewise, in India also we can use a lot of beautiful plants for this.
If you are passionate about gardening, Bonsai is the right choice for you.

My Bonsai experience.

From my experience, I can say that you will become more attached to a bonsai, than to any other plants in your garden.

Truly, I never saw a live bonsai plant before starting ours, a few years ago. Our first plant was the sapling of a banyan tree, that we collected from the old compound wall of a temple.
The pic below shows how the plant looks like now.

Ficus benghalensis ( the Banyan tree ) bonsai.

As a beginner, always try to select saplings of native plants. Because plants that thrive in a particular place or climate, can do better at different stages of bonsai training. For example, tropical trees like Tamarind, Ficus, Cassia fistula, Jade tree etc. are ideal in places like India.

Contents

Potting medium.

Before starting, let us see how to prepare a potting medium that we can use commonly at different stages.

Surely you can prepare the medium in the following ratio.

Ingredient Percent
River sand 40%
Garden soil 30%
Vermi compost ( or any other organic fertilizer) 20%
Peat moss 10%

If necessary, make slight variations to this combination according to the nature of your plant. For example succulents like the Jade plant, Adenium etc. need a medium which is more sandy, for better drainage.

Propagation

From stem cuttings

Saplings of Jade tree from stem cuttings.

We can use stem cuttings for the propagation of a lot of bonsai trees. For example different species of ficus, the Fukien tea tree, Schefflera, Jade etc.

For this, collect mature stem cuttings of about ten inches, from healthy mother plants. Dip the lower tip of the stem in a rooting hormone. Then carefully plant it about two inches deep in an ordinary terracotta pot filled 3/4 with potting medium.

Keep the pot in shade for a few days and water regularly. Gradually move it to indirect sunlight when new leaves begin to sprout. Let the plant grow as such in the same pot for one or two years.

Also add any organic liquid fertilizer diluted with water, at intervals of one or two months.

Propagation from seeds

Seedlings of Adenium plant

Definitely we can use seeds for propagation of plants like Tamarind tree, Adenium etc. for making bonsai. Never forget to use good quality seeds from mature ripe pods for this.

It is better to soak the seeds overnight to make the coats soft. Then sow the seeds about half inch deep in a pot filled with medium. Keep the pot in shade free from pests or ants, and water regularly.

Usually the seeds germinate within two or three weeks. When the seedlings grow upto a height of about six to ten inches, transfer each one carefully to separate pots. You can use the potting medium in the same ratio as stated above.

Allow the plant to grow in the same pot, till you start training your bonsai.

Propagation through saplings, directly from sellers.

For example, the sapling of the Ficus jinseng bonsai in the pic below, was bought directly from the nursery.

Ficus ginseng bonsai

Always Remember that the growth rates of plants are based on different factors. Especially like the nature of the plant, climate, the way we care it etc.

Pruning – with the simple guide for bonsai beginners you can do pruning.

Pruning is the process through which you can  remove the unnecessary branches. Before you start pruning, make sure that there are enough branches for your plant. Use a sterilized sharp knife or pruning shears for this. Applying some kind of fungicide on the wound, can prevent decaying of the stem.
Now, it is the time to apply your own artistic creativity for developing the plant.  You must have an idea about the final appearance of your bonsai. Hence observe your plant carefully before removing the branches.
Choose the right bonsai style that suits fine for your plant

Wiring

Using soft and flexible aluminium or copper wires, you can twist the branches of your plant to particular directions. For this, wind the wire gently on the branches and slowly bend it.
You should take care against breaking the branches while bending. Also avoid winding the wire too tightly, because it can leave marks on the stem. Keep your plant in this stage carefully, and water regularly. Also feed the plant occasionally with diluted liquid organic fertilizer.
After a few months, your bonsai will become ready to transfer to an original bonsai pot.

Wiring a Ficus benjamina bonsai.

Re potting – with the simple guide for bonsai beginners.

For re potting, first take the plant out of the pot carefully along with the soil. Then remove the soil and prune 2/3 of the roots using a sharp knife or pruning shears.

Root pruning of a Schefflera bonsai.

Meanwhile prepare the bonsai pot for replanting your bonsai.  You can use the same wire to hold the plant tight in the pot.

Original bonsai pot ready to replant.

Final Steps:

  • Transfer the plant to the bonsai pot and tie the trunk tightly with the wire through the holes of the pot.
  • After that, fill 3/4 of the pot with the potting medium.
  • Keep the pot in shade for a few days, and gradually move to partial sunlight.

Your favourite bonsai is ready, and you can keep it anywhere in your garden.

Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners – you too can try.


Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners – you too can try it. In nature, trees that grow in particular regions or climates, have its own special features. For example, in a place where heavy wind blows, the trees grow in a slanting way. Likewise, with proper training we can make bonsai trees in such a way, to give it the natural look. Usually, the different styles are based on the orientation of the trunks. Here I am introducing a few basic bonsai styles, that are simple and easy to follow.

1. Formal Upright Style.

Formal upright style bonsai
Formal upright style bonsai ( Ficus benjamina).

Truly, we can find this style where trees are exposed to direct sunlight. Usually the trunks are straight, thicker at the bottom and tapering gradually towards the tip. Also the branches start growing from 1/4 the length of the trunk from the base. The branches are distributed in such a way that the longer ones at the bottom, and shortens towards the tip. Actually, this symmetry gives a triangular shape to the bonsai. Coniferous trees like Juniper, Pine etc. are the best ones for making the formal upright style bonsai. Also we can try trees like Ficus benjamina, retusa etc. in tropical regions.

2. Informal Upright Style.


Informal upright style bonsai
Informal upright style bonsai ( the Fukien tea tree).

The informal upright style is somewhat similar to the formal upright. The tip of the trees are directly above the base, but the trunks are slightly twisted. Definitely, we can make an informal upright bonsai through proper training and wiring.

3. Slanting Style Bonsai.


Slanting Style Bonsai Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Slanting Style Bonsai ( Ficus benghalensis).

In nature, trees tend to grow sideways in a slanting style due to certain factors like heavy wind, snow fall etc. Surely we can train our bonsai plants to this style. The Jade tree, Bougainville etc are suitable for the slanting style.

4. Cascade Style Bonsai.


Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Cascade Style Bonsai ( Ficus microcarpa).

Trees growing on high rocks or cliffs tend to bend downwards like a cascade. Surely, we can make cascade style bonsai through proper training and wiring. Usually, we use tall pots for growing cascade style bonsai.

5. Semi Cascade Style Bonsai.


Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Semi Cascade Style Bonsai ( Bougainvillea).

This style is more or less like the cascade style. First, the tree grows upright for a short length and bend sideways. But the trunk never goes below the bottom of the pot.

6. Broom Style Bonsai.


Broom Style Bonsai Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Broom Style Bonsai ( Ficus benjamina).

In this style, the trees have an upright trunk with branches spreading around at the tip like an umbrella. Surely, we can train a lot of trees like Ficus longisland etc to the broom style.

7. Forest Style Bonsai.

Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
     Forest Style Bonsai (Tamarind tree)

In this style, we grow and train a group of trees, especially that belong to the same species. Usually the group contains odd numbers of trees with the tallest one in the middle.

In short, the bonsai styles mentioned above, are the commonly found ones. Preferably, the Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners. However, try to grow your own as it is much easier for you to grow and maintain these styles.

There are a lot more bonsai styles, that are really awesome and attractive. Of course, I will try to share about it in my next post.


Ideal tropical bonsai plants – try to grow your own.

Ideal tropical bonsai plants – try to grow your own. Actually, the art of bonsai was originated in China or Japan. But, now it is one of the most popular hobbies of people all around the world. Usually, plants adapted to a particular climate, are suitable for making bonsai in that place. Hence, we can make beautiful bonsai from saplings of trees that grow around us.

However, I will try to introduce a few plants that are ideal for bonsai in tropical regions.

Different varieties of Ficus trees.

Definitely, I can say that different varieties of ficus trees are the best. Surprisingly, there are more than 800 varieties in the Ficus family. Hence, it is easy to collect the plants, even without spending money. Besides, saplings are available from mother plants that grow in our premises.

1.Ficus reigiosa bonsai – ideal tropical bonsai plants.

Ficus religiosa is an ideal tropical bonsai plant.
Ficus religiosa bonsai.

Indeed, Ficus religiosa plants are the most popular ones in the family.The beautiful heart shaped leaves are the main attraction. Also the woody trunk with branches, make it the favorite of bonsai lovers.

2. Ficus rumphii bonsai ( Bodhi tree) – ideal tropical bonsai plants.

Ficus bodhi is an ideal tropical bonsai plant.
Ficus rumphii or bodhi bonsai.

Of course, Ficus rumphii or bodhi trees are identical with religiosa in many aspects. But there is a slight difference in the texture of leaves. The tree has got religious importance in Hinduism and Buddhism. There is the belief, that Buddha got enlightenment while meditating under this sacred tree.

3. Ficus benghalensis bonsai.

Ficus benghalensis bonsai, ideal for tropical regions.
Ficus benghalensis bonsai

We can find these trees widely, in almost all Asian countries. Amazingly, the hanging roots are the main attraction. With proper caring we can train this bonsai to the required styles.

4. Ficus benjamina or weeping fig.

Ficus benjamina bonsai.

No doubt, Ficus benjamina trees are the most suitable ones for bonsai beginners. We can use cuttings from mother plants for propagation. Indeed, training this bonsai is much easier when compared to other bonsai plants. In addition, faster development of aerial roots, is its main attraction.

5. Ficus alii bonsai – ideal tropical bonsai plants.

Ficus alii is a beautiful and ideal tropical bonsai plant.
Ficus alii bonsai.

These beautiful evergreen plants are ideal for making bonsai. The elongated leaves make the plants entirely different from other plants in the ficus family.

Mentioned above, are only a few plants from the ficus family. Definitely, I will share with you later, more details about tropical bonsai plants.

With this in mind, try to grow your own Ficus bonsai plants. Make your garden as well as home more attractive, by adding these wonderful creations.

Most beautiful indoor plants, you can grow easily.

Most beautiful indoor plants, you can grow easily. No doubt, gardening is one of the most interesting hobbies, that attract a lot of people. But many of them turn away from this, due to lack of sufficient space.

Surely, I can say that if there is a will, there is a way. You can grow a lot of plants indoors without any extra effort. Always keep in mind, that no plants can totally survive indoors for a long time. Because each and every plant needs sunlight, either fully or partially. However, you can definitely keep such plants indoors for short periods. Usually non flowering plants are the best ones to grow indoors. Before selecting plants, find ideal places in your house for the plant. Window sides, balcony etc. where you get sunlight for two or three hours is enough. 
Let me introduce a few plants that are really beautiful, and can survive indoors with minimum sunlight.

1. Pothos or Money plants. Most beautiful indoor plants, you can grow easily.

Pothos or Money plants.
Truly money plants, are the first things that come to our minds when we think about indoor plants. The main attraction of this plant is the abundance in varieties. Moreover this plant doesn’t need a soil medium. Because it can thrive well in water. Also there are a lot of benefits for growing this plant. Especially like purification of air, detoxification from poisonous gases etc.

2. Caladium, a beautiful indoor plant.Most beautiful indoor plants, you can grow easily.

Attractive heart shaped leaves with different colors
Caladium plant.
Definitely we can find more than thousand species of plants in the caladium family. The heart shaped colourful leaves make them the favorite of garden lovers. No doubt, a caladium plant in a ceramic or terracotta pot will make your balcony really wonderful.

3. Aglaonema or Chinese evergreen plants.

Most Beautiful Indoor plants
Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen plant.
These are evergreen plants with colourful foliage, and you can find a lot of amazing varieties in this family. We can easily grow it indoors, as the plant needs very low maintenance. Generally the Aglaonema plants are slow growing, and hence you can keep it in small spaces such as window sides, half walls etc.

4.Schefflera or Hawaaian umbrella plant. Most beautiful indoor plants, you can grow easily.

Plants with beautiful leaves.
Schefflera or Hawaiian umbrella plant.
Schefflera or Hawaiian umbrella.The dwarf varieties of Schefflera plants are most suitable for growing indoors as well as for making bonsai. This plant is often considered as a natural air purifier, and hence we can grow it in our work places also.In short, these are only a few examples of plants that we can grow indoors. Surely, I will share with you later, the cultivation methods. Definitely, try to grow your own indoor plants in your leisure time. Also, fill the empty space left in your home with beautiful plants. Preferably according to your imagination. In addition, experience the positive energy, that makes you and your home really awesome.

Grow Bougainville Bonsai Easily – Try your own.

Grow Bougainville Bonsai Easily – Try your own. Bougainville is a thorny plant bearing very attractive flowers. The colourful part is the modification of leaves into a structure called bracts. The white flowers are surrounded by bracts in different colours. The most fascinating thing about the plant is that it is classified as vine, bush or tree.

The Bougainville plant is a native of South America. Though the plant is frost – sensitive, it survives in almost all climatic conditions. Also the plants are favourites of garden designers.

What makes Bougainville plants most suitable for making bonsai.

Due to woody stem and beautiful bright blooms, Bougainville plants are ideal for making bonsai. Moreover, it is very easy to train the plants to styles such as upright, Cascade, semi cascade etc. Indeed, Bougainville glabra, a species with bright blooms is the one commonly used for making bonsai. Always keep in mind that proper caring is the most important part for growing a Bougainville bonsai.Let us see how to grow Bougainville bonsai easily.

1. Propagation:

Stem cuttings are used for propagation

Always use stem cuttings for propagation. For this collect stem cuttings of about four inches length from mature plants. Also you can buy saplings directly from a seller.

2. Potting: Grow Bougainvillea Bonsai Easily.

Make a potting mixture with garden soil, river sand manure and bonemeal in the ratio 3:2:2:1. Use well dried and powdered cow dung or any other organic manure.Then carefully plant the cutting in a training pot filled with this mixture. Keep the pot in shade for a few days and water regularly. Always ensure proper drainage to prevent rotting of the plant. Once the roots are fixed and new leaves begin to appear, move the pot gradually to direct sunlight. An average of 60% sunlight is ideal for Bougainville plants.Water your Bougainville bonsai regularly during summer. Observe the top soil to check moisture, and add water as and when required.

Bougainville bonsai in a training pot

3. Pruning:

Truly, pruning is the most essential part for styling your bonsai. You can do pruning the Bougainville bonsai at any time. Use sharp concave pruning scissors for this. Remove all unnecessary branches. Also apply some fungicides on the wounds to prevent any kind of infection.

4. Wiring.

Indeed wiring is the most important stage that transforms your bonsai into an art form. Use soft and flexible copper or aluminum wires for this. Then gently bend the branches to the required directions, and wind the wire to it. Always remember to do wiring before the stem becomes harder, as it has the tendency to turn brittle.

Bougainville bonsai- sami cascade style.

You can transfer your Bougainville bonsai into an original bonsai pot after one year. Usually the plant begins to bloom within six to eight months if you care it properly.

5.Repotting. Grow Bougainville Bonsai Easily.

Bougainville bonsai in original bonsai pot.

Repot your Bougainville bonsai, once in two years, to keep it healthy and beautiful. First take the plant out of the pot along with soil. Then remove one third of the roots using a sharp scissors. Replace the bonsai in the pot filled with medium of the same combination as stated in step 2.

Care your Bougainville bonsai properly to keep it healthy. Usually this plant is resistant to any kind of infection or attack from pests. Hence you can grow a Bougainville bonsai easily when compared to other flowering bonsai plants.Try to grow your own Bougainville bonsai, make your life more colourful as well as your garden.

Bougainville bonsai – cascade style.

Grow and Care Jade Bonsai – Learn How.

Learn to grow Jade bonsai- it brings luck and prosperity.
Jade Bonsai – Jade by the door poor no more.
Grow and Care Jade Bonsai – Learn How.There is a belief, that keeping a Jade plant in your home brings prosperity. Hence Vastu and Feng shui experts recommend to keep this plant in houses and offices. Likewise the Jade plant is known in different names such as Money tree, Lucky plant etc. Above all remember the old saying, “Jade by the door poor no more”.
It is very easy to grow Jade tree to any styles of bonsai.
Jade Bonsai – slanting style.
Jade, is an evergreen tree with thick branches and fleshy leaves. Truly it is a native of South Africa and grows abundantly in the forests. Also, this succulent is the favourite of elephants. Hence it is popularly known as the elephant bush. Indeed the heart shaped fleshy dark green leaves resemble the precious stone Jade.
The heart shaped Jade leaves resemble precious stone Jade
Heart shaped Jade leaves –    resemble precious stone ‘Jade’.
The beautifu branches and small leaves make the plant ideal for making bonsai. There are different species of the Jade plant. But the most suitable and common one for making a bonsai is Portulacaria afra. Especially the plant thrives well in humid as well as temperate climates.However, you can grow a Jade bonsai, through very simple steps.

Propagation.

Definitely you can use stem cuttings for propagation of the Jade plant.
Always select branches from healthy plants free from any kind of diseases. Also it is possible to grow jade plants from leaves, but it needs more time to develop. Definitely the most important thing is the preparation of medium for growing the plants. Always ensure proper drainage for the potting mixture.
Jade Bonsai is propagated from stem cuttings.
Saplings of Jade tree – from cuttings

Preparation of potting medium for Jade Bonsai.

Make a mixture with 40% river sand, 30% garden soil and 30% fertilizer. Indeed you can use well dried and powdered cow dung or any other organic manure.
First, put a few pieces of broken bricks in the bottom of the pot. Then fill the pot with potting mixture and carefully plant the cutting in it.

Caring for Jade Bonsai.

Keep the pot in diffused sunlight for a few days and water regularly. But do not over water, as it may cause the plant to decay. Within two or three weeks new shoots and roots develop.
Then gradually move the pot to direct sunlight. Always keep in mind that the tree needs bright sunlight. Above all care the plant properly. Water regularly, preferably twice daily. Add some liquid organic fertilizer at intervals of three to four months. Within one year, the trunk develops with a lot of branches.
There are different species of Jade Tree.
Sapling of Jade tree white – a very rare species.

Pruning for Jade Bonsai.

Really from this stage you can try your artistic talent for developing your bonsai. Remove extra branches using a sharp knife or cutting shears. Apply some  fungicide on the wounds, as a precaution against any kind of infection.

Wiring for Jade Bonsai.

Wiring gives the required shape to your bonsai. Surely you can use soft aluminium or copper wires . But extreme care should be taken while wiring the branches. Never wind it too tightly, as it may leave wounds on the fleshy stem. Definitely the beauty of your bonsai depends on the way you care it.

Repotting your Jade Bonsai.

After about two years you can do repotting. Carefully take out the plant from the pot, remove one third of the roots using a sharp knife. Consequently transfer the plant to another original bonsai pot. Repeat the same steps for making potting medium as stated above. Finally your Jade bonsai is ready. Keep it in your house, office or wherever you like.

Diseases.

Generally the Jade plant is resistant to diseases, if you care it properly. Sometimes black spots appear on the leaves and stem due to over watering.
Really Jade plant is the most suitable one for bonsai beginners.
Try to grow a Jade bonsai, enjoy the endless flow of energy, good luck and prosperity in your life.

Bonsai Plants Ideal Gifts – Give and Receive.

Bonsai Plants Ideal Gifts, especially to our loved ones on occasions like birthday, wedding, house warming etc. Surely, most of us face a dilemma while selecting gifts. In such situations, with out any doubt, you can think about giving a beautiful bonsai plant. Moreover the advantages of selecting bonsai plants as gifts are innumerable, a few of which I will share with you.

1.Bonsai Plants Ideal Gifts, Why?

  • It is a beautiful art piece.

The first and most important reason for recommending Bonsai plant as a gift, is its beauty and artistic look. Certainly, like any other art piece, a Bonsai is also created with dedication, caring and patience.

  • It is long lasting.

Also like any other material gifts such as money, gold etc. the Bonsai is long lasting, if you care it properly. Though, not common in India, it is a tradition in countries like Japan and China, giving Bonsai plants as gifts. Usually, people of Japan and China keep Bonsai plants aged hundreds of years, received as gifts from their ancestors.

  • It is easy to keep anywhere.

Usually, we have to keep valuable gifts in safe custody. But we can keep a bonsai plant anywhere in our house. Also, it is quite natural to remember those who gifted it, whenever happen to have a look at it. Both indoor and outdoor bonsai plants are available.

  • Greens give health and happiness.

Moreover it is a reality, that greens always give happiness and peace of mind. Reducing blood pressure, depression, stress etc. are other health related benefits. In addition to that keeping plants indoor, freshens air by producing oxygen and absorbing toxins.

  • It is auspicious to keep a bonsai.

In addition to that, according to vastu, feng shui etc. it is auspicious to keep certain types plants. For example the Jade tree, bamboo etc

2. Bonsai Plants Ideal Gifts – Examples.

  • Ficus bonsai

Bonsai plants ideal gifts for your loved ones.
Ficus retusa bonsai.

You can select any type of bonsai plants adapted to a particular place for gifting. In tropical countries like India, different varieties of Ficus, Tamarind, the Jade tree etc can be selected. Flowering plants like Adenium, Bougainville, Ixora etc are also ideal.

After all, if the person who receives the gift, is a fresher in the field, you can also give a bonsai kit along with the plant.

  • Adenium Bonsai.

Bonsai plants ideal gifts for your loved ones.
Adenium bonsai plant.

  • Bougainvillea Bonsai.

Bonsai plants ideal gifts for your loved ones.
Bougainvillea bonsai plant.

The Bonsai plants shown in the pics, are from the collection of Tamarind Bonsai, Kottayam.

  • Ixora bonsai.

Bonsai plants ideal gifts for your loved ones.
Ixora bonsai plant – pink.

  • The Jade Tree Bonsai.

Bonsai plants ideal gifts for your loved ones.
Jade tree bonsai.

(Remember the old saying: “Jade by the door, poor no more” – as it is also known as Money tree )

3. Bonsai Plants Ideal Gifts – Give and receive with love.

Moreover, the health shape and beauty of your Bonsai depends on the way you care it. Hence, if you plan to gift a bonsai to someone, try to make it sure that if the party is really interested in it. Otherwise the effort you made for that will end in vain. Keeping all these in mind, gift beautiful bonsai plants to your loved ones. Also after learning the benefits of keeping a bonsai, get ready to receive bonsai plants from your loved ones.*******************

Bonsai – An ideal gift

Everyone of us, might have faced a dilemma while selecting gifts for loved ones on occasions like birthdays, house warming, wedding etc. The advantages of selecting Bonsai plants as gifts are innumerable, a few of which I will share with you.

1. The first and most important reason for recommending Bonsai plant as a gift, is its beauty and artistic look. Like any other art piece, a Bonsai is also created with dedication and caring the plant with patience.

2. Like any other material gifts such as money, gold etc.the Bonsai is also long lasting if you care it properly. Though, not common in countries like India, it is a tradition in countries like Japan and China, giving Bonsai plants as gifts. It is really amazing, that people of Japan and China keep Bonsai plants aged hundreds of years, received as gifts from their ancestors.

3. All other valuable gifts you receive, are to be kept in safe custody, whereas a Bonsai gift can be placed anywhere in your house, inside or out side, thereby remembering your loved ones whenever you happen to have a look at it.

4. It is a reality, that greens always give happiness, peace of mind and provide many health related benefits such as reducing blood pressure, depression etc.

Best Bonsai plants for gifting

Ficus bonsai

Ficus retusa bonsai

Any type of Bonsai plants, adapted to a particular place, can be selected for gifting. In tropical countries like India, different varieties of Ficus, the Jade tree, Tamarind, flowering plants like Adenium, Bougainville, Ixora etc are ideal.

If the person who receives the gift, is a fresher in the field, you can also give a bonsai kit along with the plant.

Adenium bonsai

Bougainvillea bonsai

The Bonsai plants shown in the pics, are from the collection of  Tamarind Bonsai, Kottayam.

Ixora ( Pink ) bonsai

The Jade tree bonsai. (Remember the old saying: “Jade by the door, poor no more” – as it is also known as Money tree )

The health, shape and beauty of your Bonsai depends on the way you care for it. The most important thing to be remembered while giving or receiving a Bonsai is that, both the parties should have an interest in it, otherwise all the efforts made for that will end in vain.

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