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Bonsai Tools
By Mark Wallerich Bonsai tools are designed for styling and maintaining bonsai, though not all tools need to be specialized. The best tools come from select manufactures in Japan with several good manufacturers also based in USA, Europe, and China. With proper maintenance and care, your bonsai tools can last several years. Depending upon the
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Cleaning Bonsai Pots
By Mark Wallerich Cleaning bonsai pots after use is essential, not only to prevent disease transfer, but also to get rid of the calcium and magnesium deposits that normally build up due to mainly hard water or other reasons. These deposits – also known as limescale, scale, or mineral deposits – are mostly neutral to
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Indoor Bonsai 101
By Jim Ireland When selecting a bonsai for indoor-only growth, it is essential to choose tropical or subtropical species. Unlike temperate trees (like Junipers or Maples) which require a cold dormancy period outdoors to survive, tropical plants can thrive in the consistent warmth of a home. Top Indoor Bonsai Species For beginners, the Ficus and
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All About Bonsai Soil
By Jim Ireland The Basics of Bonsai Soil For many bonsai enthusiasts, their first tree came from a big box store, mall, or roadside stand. Typically, these trees come planted in garden or potting soil, which is not a suitable substrate for vigorous bonsai growth. Let’s explore why bonsai trees need special soil considerations, and
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Ficus Trees as Bonsai
By Jim Ireland Ficus bonsai can be cultivated indoors or outside in warm climates where temperatures remain above freezing. The Ficus genus belongs to the family of mulberry plants or Moraceae, and it’s the most popular indoor tree species for Bonsai beginners. They can be found on every continent in the tropic regions and are
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Tropical Plants as Bonsai
By Jim Ireland Tropical plants make excellent bonsai specimens due to their resilience, year-round growth, and ability to thrive indoors. Unlike traditional temperate bonsai that require dormancy, tropical bonsai can be cultivated indoors or outside in warm climates where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C). A few popular Tropical Bonsai Species in our area 1. Ficus
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Spring Maintenance (repotting and fertilizing)
By Jim Ireland Here are some tips on bonsai soil for repotting: Using the right soil mixture for your bonsai trees is crucial. Soil is important to supply your trees with nutrients, but it also needs to drain properly, provide enough aeration, and retain water. A particle-based, well-structured, inorganic soil allows water to drain quickly
