Bonsai
CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF ONEIDA COUNTY
121 Second Street Oriskany, NY 13424-9799 (315) 736-3394 or (315) 337-2531 FAX: (315) 736-2580 Bonsai Culture
Many Americans are becoming interested in bonsai, the Japanese art of growing dwarf plants in containers. Contrary to popular belief, bonsai is not a tree nor is it the product of special seeds. A presentable bonsai specimen can be grown from a fairly large number of woody landscape plants as well as some houseplants. Through proper pruning of roots and branches, shaping and shallow potting, the illusion of a miniature plant can be created in a few seasons. Selecting your plant When choosing the type of plant to work with, consider the following characteristics: Small leaves or needles Short spaces between leaves Attractive bark and branching pattern The easiest method for beginners is to purchase a plant that already shows bonsai potential. Look for plants with good root and branch systems because they will have to withstand severe initial pruning. Do not buy a plant that can’t be transplanted easily. Once you have selected the proper plant, proceed with training it. Decide which overall form and style best fits your plant—slanted, upright, cascade, etc.
Western Hemlock Bonsai Tree
Creating your bonsai Excess foliage that detracts from the plant’s overall appearance should be removed. After the top is pruned, trim the roots. By thinning the roots gradually over a few years, the plant will be more adaptable to growth in a small container. Leave surface roots intact as they will add to the “age” and appearance of your bonsai. Wiring This is the technique that will shape your plant. It is done after pruning. Flexible rubber coated copper wire is used, with sizes 10, 12, 14 and 16 being the most common. Wire as light as No. 16 is for very thin branches. Wiring is always done from the trunk upwards and never too tightly. Remove the wire before it constricts the bark. Choosing a container Bonsai containers are available at most large nurseries or specialty shops. At the end of one year of training, move the plant to its final container, trimming whatever roots are necessary. The container you choose should enhance the overall appearance of your plant.
Helping You Put Knowledge to Work Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. NYS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, NYS College of Human Ecology, and NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, Cooperative Extension associations, county governing bodies, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating.
Bonsai Culture—Page 2 Seasonal care Bonsai created from outdoor plants must be kept outdoors most of the year. Summer Give your bonsai about 3-5 hours a day of direct sun outdoors. Screening protects it from drying winds and excess sun. Usually daily watering is necessary—sometimes twice a day. Fall Prepare your plant for the oncoming cold weather; water less, reduce fertilization and don’t prune after mid-July. Winter Bonsai cannot tolerate below freezing temperatures so a greenhouse, cold frame or cool indoor location must be utilized to house your Bonsai. Water if needed. Spring Resume normal fertilization and watering practices. A good time to begin a new Bonsai and for training last season’s plants. Before purchasing or starting Bonsai, become familiar with some of the references listed or become affiliated with a Bonsai society. References 1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1953. “Bonsai: The Dwarfed Potted Trees of Japan.” Handbook No. 13, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11225 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 166. “Bonsai: Special Techniques.” Handbook No. 51. 3. H. M. Cathey, 1973. “Growing Bonsai,” U. S. Dept. of Agriculture and Home and Garden Bulletin 206, for sale by Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. 4. G. G. Hull, 1964. “Bonsai for Americans,” Doubleday & Co. Inc., 501 Franklin Avenue, Garden City NY 11530.
This publication may contain pesticide recommendations. Changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly, some materials mentioned may no longer be available, and some uses may no longer be legal. All pesticides distributed, sold, and/or applied in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Questions concerning the legality and/ or registration status for pesticide use in New York State should be directed to the appropriate Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist or your regional DEC office. READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE. DISCLAIMER: Please note that neither Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County nor any representative thereof makes any representation of any warranty, express or implied, of any particular result or application of the information provided by us or regarding any product. If a product is involved, it is the sole responsibility of the User to read and follow all product labeling instructions and to check with the manufacturer or supplier for the most recent information. Nothing contained in this information should be interpreted as an express or implied endorsement of any particular product or criticism of unnamed products. With respect to any information on pest management, the User is responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date pest management information. The information we provide is no substitute for pesticide labeling. The User is solely responsible for reading and following the manufacturer’s labeling and instructions. (October 2009) Updated 2011 Source: http://www.ccenassau.org/hort/fact_sheets/a118_bonasi_culture_jan03.pdf
121 Second Street Oriskany, NY 13424-9799 (315) 736-3394 or (315) 337-2531 FAX: (315) 736-2580 Bonsai Culture
Many Americans are becoming interested in bonsai, the Japanese art of growing dwarf plants in containers. Contrary to popular belief, bonsai is not a tree nor is it the product of special seeds. A presentable bonsai specimen can be grown from a fairly large number of woody landscape plants as well as some houseplants. Through proper pruning of roots and branches, shaping and shallow potting, the illusion of a miniature plant can be created in a few seasons. Selecting your plant When choosing the type of plant to work with, consider the following characteristics: Small leaves or needles Short spaces between leaves Attractive bark and branching pattern The easiest method for beginners is to purchase a plant that already shows bonsai potential. Look for plants with good root and branch systems because they will have to withstand severe initial pruning. Do not buy a plant that can’t be transplanted easily. Once you have selected the proper plant, proceed with training it. Decide which overall form and style best fits your plant—slanted, upright, cascade, etc.
Western Hemlock Bonsai Tree
Creating your bonsai Excess foliage that detracts from the plant’s overall appearance should be removed. After the top is pruned, trim the roots. By thinning the roots gradually over a few years, the plant will be more adaptable to growth in a small container. Leave surface roots intact as they will add to the “age” and appearance of your bonsai. Wiring This is the technique that will shape your plant. It is done after pruning. Flexible rubber coated copper wire is used, with sizes 10, 12, 14 and 16 being the most common. Wire as light as No. 16 is for very thin branches. Wiring is always done from the trunk upwards and never too tightly. Remove the wire before it constricts the bark. Choosing a container Bonsai containers are available at most large nurseries or specialty shops. At the end of one year of training, move the plant to its final container, trimming whatever roots are necessary. The container you choose should enhance the overall appearance of your plant.
Helping You Put Knowledge to Work Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. NYS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, NYS College of Human Ecology, and NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, Cooperative Extension associations, county governing bodies, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating.
Bonsai Culture—Page 2 Seasonal care Bonsai created from outdoor plants must be kept outdoors most of the year. Summer Give your bonsai about 3-5 hours a day of direct sun outdoors. Screening protects it from drying winds and excess sun. Usually daily watering is necessary—sometimes twice a day. Fall Prepare your plant for the oncoming cold weather; water less, reduce fertilization and don’t prune after mid-July. Winter Bonsai cannot tolerate below freezing temperatures so a greenhouse, cold frame or cool indoor location must be utilized to house your Bonsai. Water if needed. Spring Resume normal fertilization and watering practices. A good time to begin a new Bonsai and for training last season’s plants. Before purchasing or starting Bonsai, become familiar with some of the references listed or become affiliated with a Bonsai society. References 1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1953. “Bonsai: The Dwarfed Potted Trees of Japan.” Handbook No. 13, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11225 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 166. “Bonsai: Special Techniques.” Handbook No. 51. 3. H. M. Cathey, 1973. “Growing Bonsai,” U. S. Dept. of Agriculture and Home and Garden Bulletin 206, for sale by Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. 4. G. G. Hull, 1964. “Bonsai for Americans,” Doubleday & Co. Inc., 501 Franklin Avenue, Garden City NY 11530.
This publication may contain pesticide recommendations. Changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly, some materials mentioned may no longer be available, and some uses may no longer be legal. All pesticides distributed, sold, and/or applied in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Questions concerning the legality and/ or registration status for pesticide use in New York State should be directed to the appropriate Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialist or your regional DEC office. READ THE LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY PESTICIDE. DISCLAIMER: Please note that neither Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County nor any representative thereof makes any representation of any warranty, express or implied, of any particular result or application of the information provided by us or regarding any product. If a product is involved, it is the sole responsibility of the User to read and follow all product labeling instructions and to check with the manufacturer or supplier for the most recent information. Nothing contained in this information should be interpreted as an express or implied endorsement of any particular product or criticism of unnamed products. With respect to any information on pest management, the User is responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date pest management information. The information we provide is no substitute for pesticide labeling. The User is solely responsible for reading and following the manufacturer’s labeling and instructions. (October 2009) Updated 2011 Source: http://www.ccenassau.org/hort/fact_sheets/a118_bonasi_culture_jan03.pdf
