Bonsai Supplies

Do you love plants but you do not like to do some gardening outdoors? Do you prefer to have plants in pots or trays to be displayed inside the comfort of your homes? How about opting to put your green thumb at work by taking care of bonsai trees?

Bonsai trees are small or miniature trees that are placed in pots or trays. According to the World Book, the bonsai word means tray planted. It originated among the Japanese and Chinese aristocrats a long time ago and is currently a popular hobby among plant enthusiasts worldwide. You can find several kinds of bonsai trees like the typical ones which are the formal upright trees or those that are bended and curved artistically for aesthetic purposes. Not all trees are suited to be grown into bonsai trees. The popular ones include evergreens, pines, fruit trees like cherry and plum just to name a few.

Caring and growing bonsai trees are difficult and it often takes years of practice for some to master the art of growing them. The trees have to be properly pruned to keep it small and healthy. It entails a lot of patience, time and skills for that matter. Before deciding on a particular bonsai tree, plan on where you want to put it. Some types can be grown outdoors and some indoors. If you prefer to have it indoors, choose those kinds that are well suited for the indoors.

Bonsai trees require special attention and care for it to thrive. Bear in mind that we have constrained the trees growth into a pot or tray. Since bonsai trees are planted in an area with a limited amount of soil, you need to check the frequency with which it needs to be watered. We have to keep the soil moist and damp to ensure that it has enough supply of water to nourish it. You can check the dampness of the soil by placing your finger about several centimeters deep into the soil to feel if it is dry or you could use a water meter if you have one. If it is necessary to water it, give it enough water and ensure that it drains through the bottom of the holes in the pot or tray.

For its daily dose of sunlight, place your bonsai tree outdoors especially if it requires some direct sunlight. To ensure soil nutrients regularly schedule fertilization for your bonsai plants.

These are just some of the basic things you need to do to properly take care of your bonsai plants. Before buying any bonsai always ask and research for more information to ensure that your bonsai will live for more years to come.

Not everyone is born with a green thumb. If you want to nurture yours, a good house plant to start with is the hearty Jade. These south African succulents love living indoors and can take some abuse. It’s also an attractive plant that comes in varieties with different colored flowers.

Jade plants are succulents, which means they have thick fleshy leaves and trunk-like stems. They resemble little trees and many people are attracted their bonsai-like shape. A mature, healthy Jade will flower in the winter.

So what does a Jade plant like and what will keep it healthy? A green-thumb will think first about sunlight. Jade plants love the sun. Put your Jade somewhere that gets plenty of light: four hours or more of direct sunshine. If you don’t have a spot with that much sun, don’t worry. These hearty plants can also grow where there’s lots of indirect light.

Next let’s think about watering. You might look at your succulent Jade and wonder if it needs much water. After all, cacti are also succulents. Well the Jade is not a cactus; it appreciates water. It’s important that your plant’s pot can drain properly so water doesn’t pool and rot your roots. A good tip for watering plants is to feel the soil. Dry soil means the roots are thirsty. Damp soil is good, and of course sopping wet soil is going to drown your plant! Pour enough water until it starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Water at the base of your Jade, not on the leaves. Try watering once a week and test the soil to see how quickly your Jade dries out. If you forget to water your Jade for a week, don’t fret. It’s a tough plant and will take a little abuse. Just don’t let that become habit! In the winter you can let your Jade dry out between waterings; this will encourage it to flower.

You might fertilize your Jade once or twice a year with liquid fertilizer. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. If you can manage those tips, your Jade will love you and flourish. Mastering those basics – light, water and fertilizer – are the secrets of a green thumb. Practice on your Jade plant and your reward will be a healthy, beautiful plant that brightens your home and refreshes your air. A green thumb is easy with the patient and hearty Jade.