{"id":229559,"date":"2019-09-03T13:25:04","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T20:25:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=229559"},"modified":"2021-10-13T18:21:52","modified_gmt":"2021-10-14T01:21:52","slug":"bonsai-tree-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/bonsai-tree-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Bonsai Trees are the Surprising Plant Trend You Never Saw Coming! Here’s Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"woman
Image via @thealohababe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ask any plant lady<\/a> (or wannabe plant<\/a> lady), and they\u2019ll tell you that being surrounded by greenery<\/a> is calming. If you\u2019re looking for something to add some spice to your succulent collection, consider a miniature tree, or bonsai. ‘Bonsai trees’ have been, er, growing in popularity since the beginning of the summer and well, it might just be time for you to try the trend.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unique shape of these plants is not accidental. Bonsai takes care and dedication, but it\u2019s surprisingly less complicated than you think. <\/span>We chatted with <\/span>Eric Schrader<\/span><\/a>, a bonsai artist, grower, and <\/span>teacher<\/span><\/a> to provide some tips on what you need to know about bonsai–and how to get started with a tree of your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"bonsai
Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. What is bonsai?<\/h2>\n

First of all, bonsai is not actually a tree or plant (!). Bonsai is a term used to describe a set of techniques used to control the growth of a woody plant. So it\u2019s basically the technique of trimming and shaping a tree. There is no one specific type of bonsai tree, but you can bonsai many types of trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are <\/span>five basic styles<\/span><\/a>: formal upright, informal upright, slant, semi-cascade, and full-cascade. The styles describe the shape of the tree and angle of the trunk, and there are many variations within each style. Anyone can do bonsai, but it can take years (and patience) to master the technique.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a beginner using good materials, Shrader says it could only take a couple of hours to create a pleasing form. \u201cThe key is to reduce the plant to be in proportion with the trunk while arranging the branching.\u201d The rule of thumb for serious bonsai beginners and enthusiasts is that it takes about 10 years (depending on climate) for very good results.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. What are the easiest bonsai styles for beginners?<\/h2>\n

Beginners, you\u2019re in luck. Schrader says that beginner bonsai essentially have no style and that \u201cthey are just bushes that are roughly trimmed to shape like a topiary [a defined shape].\u201d Even though the windswept style is cool, he cautions that is the most misunderstood form because many people attempt to do it without understanding how a tree actually responds to windy conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because there are so many different variations, Schrader says that serious bonsai enthusiasts often study styles to understand patterns and form. The most difficult styles are ones that are unique but still conform to bonsai proportions and the species\u2019 natural form.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"woman
Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Can you use any tree for bonsai?<\/h2>\n

According to Schrader, the answer is yes, you can use any species of tree, but that doesn\u2019t mean you should run out and buy the first green thing you see. Some species are more challenging to use for bonsai because they have things like large compound leaves. He says, \u201cthe suitability for bonsai depends on whether they will tolerate having roots trimmed and being confined to a container.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For beginners, Schrader says the Juniperus Procumbens Nana, which is a dwarf, is a common species. The tree is about six inches tall and grows best outdoors in most climates. Other junipers and tropicals such as Ficus, Fukien Tea, and Serissa are also popular because they are inexpensive to buy.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more serious enthusiasts, Schrader recommends species like Trident Maple, Japanese Maple, Chinese Juniper, Japanese Black Pine, and species native to the local environment. For bonsai indoor species, look to a Ficus, Brazilian Rain Tree, or Texas Ebony. In addition, the techniques used for a young tree are different from those used when a tree is older and more established as a bonsai. Shrader adds that all bonsai need protection from temperatures below 28 degrees Farenheit during winter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"bonsai
Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. What are the differences in caring for an indoor vs. an outdoor bonsai?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re an apartment dweller<\/a> with no real yard to speak of, don\u2019t worry: You can still bonsai inside. Indoor challenges for bonsai are similar to those for keeping most houseplants alive. You need sufficient light, air movement, and temperature. Plus you have to make sure you use species that can thrive in indoor conditions that have low humidity and constant temperature. Tropical<\/a> species tend to do well indoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outdoor challenges include extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that could damage the tree, wind, animals<\/a>, or lack of sunlight if not positioned correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"top
Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. What are the essentials you need for bonsai?<\/h2>\n

Obviously, light and water are essential. And like Goldilocks, bonsai need conditions that are just right\u2014warm but not hot. Schrader says higher humidity is easier than low humidity. Make sure you find the right species based on where it will be kept and grown, whether that\u2019s indoors or outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For outdoors, Schrader says to look at the trees around you. If there are native trees around, try to find those species or something similar so they have a greater likelihood of thriving in the environment<\/a>. If there are no trees around, you may be better off picking an indoor species. You\u2019ll also need tools, soil for repotting, enough space outdoors for the plants to grow, and importantly, patience, because trees and plants don\u2019t grow overnight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"bonsai
Image via Kari Shea\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. What\u2019s the most important thing to consider if I want to try bonsai?<\/h2>\n

Shrader advises to learn good habits to create good bonsai \u2014\u00a0pay attention to the details, problem solve as you go, and water the tree daily if you live in certain climates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And most importantly, have fun! Bonsai should be enjoyable, not stressful. Schrader advises, \u201cdon\u2019t take it too seriously, and if the tree dies, don\u2019t feel guilty \u2014 get another one\u2026or 10.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you tried bonsai? Show us your tiny trees and plants on Instagram @Lulus<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ask any plant lady (or wannabe plant lady), and they\u2019ll tell you that being surrounded by greenery is calming. If you\u2019re looking for something to add some spice to your succulent collection, consider a miniature tree, or bonsai. ‘Bonsai trees’ have been, er, growing in popularity since the beginning of the summer and well, it… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":138,"featured_media":229578,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42077],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-229559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBonsai Trees: Everything You Need to KnowLulus.com Fashion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Bonsai trees have been growing in popularity, and the trend is surprisingly easy! 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